The Jeddah Historic District started restoring and redeveloping three historic buildings in Al Balad into high-end hotels. Al Balad is a UNESCO-protected area on the West Coast of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia that has a lot of historical and cultural importance. The buildings are part of the Jeddah Historic District program, which has helped get the old town of Al Balad back on its feet. Each hotel, with names like House of Jokhdar, Kedwan, and Al Rayess, has been carefully remodelled with the help of historians’ and locals’ knowledge. Local artists, builders, architects, and goods have been used, as well. The three homes carefully keep their original plan and style while adding a touch of luxury and easy style to the modern world.
House of Jokhdar
This one-of-a-kind hotel has nine light and airy rooms and suites. They were all carefully planned to provide a peaceful haven in the middle of Al Balad’s busy streets. The high-end hotel has a beautiful roof patio that only guests can use. It has amazing views of the historic centre.
Beit Al Rayess
With six bedrooms and rooms, Beit Al Rayess is very grand, and the ceilings are very high. Like the area it’s in, the small hotel tries to bring together old and new, traditional and high-end. The services and facilities make guests feel at home during their stay by combining old-fashioned touches with more modern ones.
Beit Kedwan
With two bedrooms and the option to rent the whole house, Beit Kedwan is a mix of old and new. It has several living areas that combine traditional Arabian style with modern comfort. Beit Kedwan also has a rooftop patio that is only for guests. It is a private area with views of the Arabian city where people can eat their meals.
Each property has a set menu for lunch and breakfast at a central diner that serves all three properties. Locals and tourists can enjoy the wonderful local flavours.
All guests will be immersed in the area’s history and heritage. When they arrive, they will be met with coffee and rose-infused tea, and they will be able to plan their visit in a way that suits them best. Each guest feels like they are at home, from the treats they get on their way to the airport to the smell of incense in their room. All guests can also take advantage of free transfers to and from the airport.
They are part of a larger project to restore a group of heritage properties. These 17 properties are the first to open their doors to 165 more keys that will belong to 34 heritage properties that will open by 2027.
All rooms start at 2,200 SAR (about £463), but that doesn’t include food.
