As far-reaching as the vision of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is, the fruit of his efforts is becoming apparent. The kingdom aims to provide tourists and visitors with the royal treatment through a first-of-its-kind seven-star hotel. It’s time for the world to move beyond the dazzling effects of Dubai’s Burj Al Arab hotel, a distinction that operator Jumeirah has never favored, nor has the emirate officially recognized. Who better than Saudi Arabia to master the official “seven-star standards,” especially as the kingdom is inching to become the epitome of luxury tourism?
The venue for this incredible new hotel will be none other than the recently opened Neom project on Sindalah Island. Not one to stand and stare, Neom has already kickstarted the hiring process to establish “seven-star” standards at Sindalah. The hotel will offer exceptional extravagance with no more than fifty rooms and is currently listing four job openings. According to Skift, the job description for the auditor position is as follows: “The seven-Star Auditor is a critical member of Sindalah’s Property Management Team, tasked with ensuring that Sindalah’s ultra-luxury standards are met and exceeded. This role embodies Sindalah’s pursuit of perfection, aligning operations with the broader visions of Neom.”
The other openings relate to hospitality qualifications and experience. Confirming the realization of this seven-star dream, the construction database MeTenders displays a tender for a seven-star hotel on Sindalah.
Are seven-star hotels merely a myth?
Technically, the concept of a seven-star hotel doesn’t exist in any official capacity. Rather, it serves as a mark of exceptional affluence, often employed when a five-star rating falls short of capturing the opulence on offer. Take, for instance, South Korea’s Signiel Seoul, which dazzles guests with helicopter transfers, an expansive selection of fine champagnes, and the country’s priciest hotel room at a staggering $18,000 per night.
Then there’s Dubai’s Burj Al Arab, renowned as the world’s fifth-tallest hotel and famously dubbed the first seven-star luxury hotel. Its allure stems from extraordinary offerings that include breathtaking helicopter tours, a fleet of Rolls-Royce Phantoms at your service, a reception desk on every floor, 24-hour butler services, and the option to rent Ferraris and Lamborghinis.
As we observe Crown Prince MBS, a true connoisseur of the finer things and a visionary of unparalleled ambition, it’s clear that the mastermind behind the $1.5 trillion Neom City will likely unveil yet another jewel that embodies the very essence of extravagance, one that could arguably earn the title of a seven-star hotel. Or perhaps it’s time to explore what an eight-star hotel might truly look like?
