A perfect representation of immense Saudi Arabian wealth is its magnificent palaces. A thing of beauty, a parcel of tradition, and a house of heritage, the Red Palace will now be turned into an ultra-luxe hotel to share its grandeur with guests from all corners of the world. Aedas Middle East has reimagined this historical structure into a one-of-a-kind boutique hotel, originally constructed in 1943 by King Abdulaziz for his son, Crown Prince Saud. The Red Palace, located in the historic Al-Futah district in the heart of old Riyadh, will merge the old and new with this development.
The 365,000 square-foot palace, once home to King Saud bin Abdulaziz, the second ruler of modern Saudi Arabia, will open its gates with a revamped role. The palace, which served as the headquarters of the Council of Ministers for over thirty years, will now offer over 70 keys, 8 spa suites, and 5 high-end restaurants and cafes. Ignacio Gomez, global design principal at Aedas, said: “Our design aims not to simply recreate a physical space but rather to evoke a sense of time, specifically the solemnity and grandeur associated with the emotional importance of the Kingdom’s history and its future vision. We want to create an experience that would transport visitors to a different era, immersing them in the rich heritage of the palace while also reflecting its significance in the present and future.”
Aedas will hire Paris-based interior architect Tristan Auer to expand and redesign the property. While revered spaces like the main palace and historic mosque will be preserved and refurbished, the 9-acre art-deco manse will feature new constructions like annexes, a spa and wellness center, an outdoor pool, courtyards, and landscaped gardens.
The Red Palace boutique hotel, which played host to international dignitaries, government officials, and other prominent figures, is expected to open to worldwide visitors by 2025.
With the bar of luxury rising every year and people wanting to experience only top-notch services, the rise of palace hotels is hardly surprising. Last year, Rambagh Palace in Jaipur, India, which was built in 1835, bagged the title of the world’s best hotel. The Red Palace Boutique Hotel will be another feather in the cap of unmatched Saudi hospitality, rivaling its counterparts around the world.
