Andalus Habitat Hotel: Your Arabian Nights Await in Saudi Arabia!
Andalus Habitat Hotel: My Arabian Nights (and a Few Minor Hiccups) Await… or Do They? A RAW Review!
Alright folks, buckle up, because I've just emerged from the swirling sands (and air-conditioned bliss) of the Andalus Habitat Hotel in Saudi Arabia. And lemme tell you, it’s a rollercoaster. Forget your perfectly polished travel blogs – this is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth (probably).
First Impressions: The Glamour, the Glory… and the Slightly Confused Bellboy
So, "Your Arabian Nights Await!" the hotel promises. And… well, they certainly try. The lobby is all shimmering chandeliers, intricately carved wood, and… a slightly bewildered bellboy who seemed to be wrestling with the concept of luggage. Okay, shaky start, but hey, everyone has their off days, right?
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, Frankly.
Okay, important stuff first. Wheelchair accessibility: The website (as is the usual with these hotels) says accessible, but let's be real, "accessible" can mean a whole spectrum of things. The hallways are wide enough, and the elevators are… well, they exist. The elevator is a crucial thing, right? (Thank GOD for elevators, I swear!). However, I didn't see designated accessible rooms. And the ramps to the pool area could be better angled… and I didn´t get any extra help, what I would say it´s a downside. So, while it's technically accessible, it's not exactly pushing the boundaries of inclusivity. Facilities for disabled guests are listed, so let´s say this is in progress.
The Internet (Ah, the Internet): A Saga in Itself!
They boast Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! And… sort of. Let's just say the Wi-Fi was about as reliable as a camel in a sandstorm. Fine for checking emails, abysmal for streaming. There's also Internet access – LAN, but honestly, who has a LAN cable anymore? I mean, seriously. Forget it. However, you do have some Internet services: better than nothing. and Wi-Fi in public areas. The internet is the same everywhere, it´s like a roulette in the casino, you didn´t know what you´re getting.
Cleanliness and Safety: Trying Their Best
Okay, this is where the Andalus Habitat scores some points. Cleanliness is clearly a priority. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Rooms sanitized between stays, and Hand sanitizer everywhere you look. I even saw staff wearing masks and gloves. Now, that's reassuring. Hygiene certification is the icing on the cake. Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, and Staff trained in safety protocol are also important. They´ve got the Doctor/nurse on call and the First aid kit, and you can also opt-out for the Room sanitization, if you prefer! Physical distancing of at least 1 meter is enforced, which is great. They even have the Cashless payment service. The Shared stationery removed, probably a nice touch. They have the Sterilizing equipment, so they really are doing their best.
A Note on Safety: CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property, plus Security [24-hour] and a Front desk [24-hour] - good to know. They have Fire extinguisher, Smoke alarms and also the Smoke detectors, which are also some security measures.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Breakfast Buffet Bliss (Mostly)
The Breakfast [buffet] was the highlight of my culinary experience. Seriously, it was glorious. The Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, the Buffet in restaurant (duh!), the fresh fruit, the pastries… chef's kiss. Okay, I'm getting hungry just thinking about it. Restaurants are available, with Coffee/tea in restaurant and other things like Salad in restaurant and Soup in restaurant. There is a Room service [24-hour], but I didn´t test it. The Bottle of water it´s a nice thing, and it´s free everyday. The Poolside bar is a nice thing too. You can go to the Coffee shop to buy some coffee or tea.
BUT (and there's always a "but," isn't there?): The other meals? Okay. Maybe. The A la carte in restaurant menu was a bit… limited. And the Happy hour at the bar? Seemed to only last for about 30 minutes. The Desserts in restaurant were fine, nothing to write home about. There is an Alternative meal arrangement, just in case. You can find International cuisine in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant and also have the Vegetarian restaurant.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax (and Maybe Get a Little Pampered)
Alright, let's talk about the fun stuff. Swimming pool [outdoor]? Check. Absolutely gorgeous pool with a Pool with view. Perfect for a lazy afternoon of sunbathing (if you can handle the heat!). If you´re into spa: they have Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Massage, Sauna, Spa, and Spa/sauna, wow! For the lazy people like me, you can find the Steamroom. If you´re into sports: they have the Fitness center and the Gym/fitness.
The Room: My Humble Abode (and Its Quirks)
My room? Pretty good. I could write a whole book about it. The Air conditioning was a lifesaver, thank god. The Air conditioning in public area it´s a good thing, too. Available in all rooms things: Additional toilet, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens. Also, the Soundproof rooms were a blessing. I have also the Non-smoking rooms.
Services and Conveniences: The Good, the Bad, and the "Huh?"
Let's run through these quickly: Air conditioning in public area (needed!), Elevator *(again, a lifesaver), Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out (score!), Convenience store (handy!), Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Safety deposit boxes. They also have Airport transfer, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, and Valet parking. In addition, they have the Smoking area and the Terrace.
Okay, now for the "Huh?" moments. Shrine…? In the middle of the hotel? A little random, but okay. Audio-visual equipment for special events, Indoor venue for special events, Meetings, Meeting stationery, Projector/LED display, Seminars, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center… You can't say they don't try!
Also, they have Family/child friendly and Babysitting service and Kids facilities and Kids meal (for the kids).
The "For the Kids" section also offers the Couple's room, I don´t know why. They also have Proposal spot, if you´re into that. Some Room decorations that seems random, but ok.
The Bottom Line: Should You Book?
Okay, here’s the deal. The Andalus Habitat Hotel isn't perfect. It has its quirks. But, with the price (which was remarkably reasonable for what you get), the stunning, well-maintained swimming pool [outdoor] and the general effort they put into cleanliness and safety
Escape to Paradise: Your Private Pool Villa in Port Dickson Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this Andalus Habitat Hotel itinerary is about to get… real. Let's be honest, I’m not the type to meticulously plan, so expect a few detours, some meltdowns (probably mine), and a whole heap of delicious food. And for the record, I’m already exhausted just thinking about this.
The Andalus Habitat Hotel: A Semi-Organized Chaos (and a Prayer for Wi-Fi)
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Air Conditioning Conspiracy (or, "Where's the Cold?")
- 14:00: Arrive at King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED). Okay, so the flight was… long. And the airport? Giant. Like, seriously, did they build this thing on a whim? Navigating it felt like a pilgrimage. Finally found the car service. The driver gave me the side-eye when I asked if the AC in the car was "Saudi-style" cool, which, based on the flight, seemed like a real possibility.
- 15:30: Check-in at the Andalus Habitat Hotel. The lobby is… impressive. Gleaming marble, fancy chandeliers. My inner cheapskate is already calculating the cost of those chandeliers. Check-in itself was surprisingly smooth. Bless them. But then… the room. It's lovely, truly, but the air conditioning. It felt like it was offering a gentle suggestion of coolness. I swear, I spent the next hour wrestling with the thermostat, muttering obscenities under my breath, and calling reception about three times. "More cold, please! I’M MELTING!" (Okay, maybe I didn't yell, but I wanted to.)
- 17:00: Attempt to unpack. Fail gloriously. My suitcase is a black hole of crumpled clothes. I'm already regretting those shoes I "had" to bring.
- 18:00: Dinner at the hotel restaurant. I'm starving. And then, oh my god, the food. This. This is what I came for. Seriously. The hummus? Silky smooth heaven. The kebabs? Perfectly seasoned, melting in my mouth. I ate so much I felt like I might have to be rolled back to my room. (Pro Tip: Learn some basic Arabic words immediately. My attempts were… entertaining, at best. "Shukran" is your friend.)
- 20:00: Collapse in bed, defeated by the AC (still not cold enough) and the sheer exhaustion of travel. Attempt to connect to Wi-Fi. Fail. Curse the heavens. Stare at the ceiling fan, wondering if it’ll at least stir the warm air.
- 21:00: Give up on the WiFi and decide to give the fan a shot.
- 22:00: Realize the room is too warm, change rooms.
Day 2: Exploring Jeddah, Possibly Getting Lost, and Finding My Bliss (with a Side of Confusion)
- 09:00: Breakfast. Another feast! Seriously, the food at this hotel is keeping me alive. The date pastries are a revelation. Pure, sweet, sticky, deliciousness. I'm already plotting my dessert menu for the day.
- 10:30: Attempt to hail a taxi to the city. (Pro tip: Learn the local ride app!) Jeddah traffic is… something else. I'm pretty sure I aged five years during that cab ride. Every honk, every near-miss, added a layer of anxiety.
- 11:30: Arrive at the Al-Balad (the old town). WHOA. Okay, this is incredible. The historic architecture, the coral buildings, the narrow alleyways… it's like stepping back in time. I wandered around for hours, utterly mesmerized. I bought some cheap sunglasses from a street vendor, promptly lost them, and then bought another pair.
- 13:00: Lunch in Al-Balad. Found a tiny, hole-in-the-wall place that served the most incredible seafood. (Seriously, I could eat seafood every day here. It’s fresher, and more flavor than I've had anywhere else.) Tried to order in Arabic (again). Ended up pointing and smiling. It worked.
- 14:30: Get hopelessly, gloriously lost in the maze-like streets of Al-Balad. This is where I found my zen. It was an adventure, even if it was a little scary.
- 16:00: Eventually made my way back to the hotel. My feet hurt, my mind is buzzing, and I've got about a million photos I need to sort through.
- 18:00: Dinner. More food. More happiness. Tried the local coffee with cardamom. It's… intense. Like a hug from a very caffeinated, spicy aunt.
- 20:00: Finally the Wi-fi works. But now I have no energy to communicate.
- 21:00: Attempt a relaxing shower. Discover the water pressure is… variable. (More obscenities, whispered this time.)
Day 3: The Red Sea and a Day of Pure Relaxation with Minor Panic Attacks
- 10:00: Sleep and more sleep.
- 12:00: A taxi to the Corniche.
- 14:00: I go to the beach and realize I didn’t bring any sunscreen. Panic commences! I buy some at the local store.
- 14:30: Find a spot on the beach. The water is turquoise, the sun is warm, and the gentle lapping of the waves is incredibly soothing.
- 15:00: Attempt to swim. The water makes my hair all messed up.
- 17:00: Back to the hotel. Dinner. Rest.
- 18:00: The end. My trip is over.
Final Thoughts:
Okay, so this itinerary wasn't perfect. I got lost. The AC was a battle. I probably ate too much. But somehow, it all worked. Saudi Arabia is a country that is changing before my eyes. Its people are warm and welcoming, the food is divine, and the history is fascinating. I’m leaving with a full belly, a tired body, and a heart full of memories. Would I go back? Absolutely. Just, maybe, with a better plan for the air conditioning. And definitely more sunscreen.
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Andalus Habitat Hotel: Your Arabian Nights Await! (Or Do They?) - An FAQ, Frankly
Alright, let's be honest, you're probably here because you saw some beautiful, airbrushed pictures and now you're wondering, "Is this place actually *worth* it?" I get it. I've been there, squinting at those perfectly symmetrical domes and wondering if reality matches the brochure. Well, buckle up buttercup, because I'm about to spill the (Saudi Arabian) tea. And as someone who spent a week at the Andalus Habitat Hotel, trust me, this FAQ will be... *unique*.
What's the vibe of the Andalus Habitat Hotel? Is it actually like, Arabian Nights magical?
Okay, "Arabian Nights magical"... that's a *strecth*. Let's just say it's *inspired* by the theme. Think less Aladdin and more, well, a really nice hotel that *leans* into the whole desert vibe. There's a lovely courtyard, some archways, the carpets *are* quite plush, and overall, it's undeniably pretty. The problem? The magic sometimes feels a little...manufactured. Like, the staff is *trying* to be warm and hospitable, which they mostly are, but there's this slightly overly-polished air.
Anecdote Time: One morning, I was wandering around, bleary-eyed from jet lag, trying to find the coffee. I asked a very charming (and perfectly-coiffed) gentleman at the front desk, "Where's the caffeine?" He responded with a flourish, *in perfect English mind you,* "Ah, my dear guest! The elixir of life awaits! Follow me, and I shall guide you to the sacred grounds of the breakfast hall!" Okay, great, but I just wanted a tiny coffee. It felt a bit performative, you know? Still, the coffee *was* excellent.
The rooms! What are they like? Are they clean? Are they big?
The rooms are, generally speaking, *lovely*. Spacious? Yep. Clean? Mostly, yes. (See, I have to be honest here, right? I found a rogue...let's just say, *dust bunny* under the bed one day. Don't judge me! It happens!) The beds are comfortable, the bathrooms are well-appointed, and the air conditioning *works*, which is a HUGE plus in Saudi Arabia. The décor is that vaguely-Middle-Eastern-but-actually-quite-modern style. Think: Lots of gold accents, intricate patterns, and maybe a little too much beige. But overall, you won't be disappointed by the accommodations. The thing is? The 'Suite' wasn't what I expected, like, I saw an actual 'suite' in my mind.
Anecdote Time: One night, after a long day of exploring, I was absolutely exhausted. The thought of unpacking, then figuring it out, and then sleeping was daunting. I fell into bed, and as soon as I blinked I was knocked out like a rock. I then woke up at 4 a.m. to a banging noise coming from the hallway. I really thought someone was trying to break into my room! The banging came from a group of staff members in the hallway. I didn't say anything about it to the hotel! I wasn't the only one awake! I found out the next morning. Honestly, it was a bit of a downer.
Is the food any good? I'm a fussy eater.
Okay, the food... this is where things get a little dicey for a fussy eater. The breakfast buffet is decent. There's a good selection of pastries, some hot dishes, and the usual European-style fare. The coffee, as I mentioned before, is excellent. However, the in-house restaurant is, while beautiful, a bit... hit or miss.
Quirky Observation: I swear, the presentation of the food is more important than the actual taste! The plates are gorgeous, the food is artfully arranged, but sometimes the flavors are just... bland. The Arabic dishes are generally the best bet, but even those can be inconsistent.
What about the service? Is it good? Do they speak English?
The service is...generally okay. The staff are friendly, and most speak English well enough to get by. They're eager to please, but sometimes things get a bit lost in translation. They are friendly! I will give them that! But sometimes it felt like they were reading from a script.
Messy Structure Time: Look, there was this one really sweet bellhop who always greeted me with a huge smile. One day, I tried to tip him. He said, "No, no! This is your... *gratitude*! We are happy to serve you!" I was so tickled I just started laughing because it felt like he was reciting something. It sounded awkward. It was endearing. Anyway, as I said the English isn't perfect, but they try. It's a mix, really.
Is there a pool? And is it any good?
Yes, there's a pool! It's a decent size, and there's a separate, sadly smaller, pool for kids. Is it *good*? Well... It's a pool. It's clean, the water is refreshing, and it's a welcome escape from the desert heat. But it's not exactly a resort-style paradise. Think more functional than fabulous. Expect people in swimsuits. It's a pool. You know?
Opinionated Rant Coming: I found the pool area gets a bit too crowded during peak times. And honestly, the music they play is dreadful! Like, elevator music with a vaguely Arabic vibe. I'm sure it's meant to be atmospheric, but I just wanted my own music on! Bring headphones!
Is it a good hotel for families?
Overall, I'd say yes, it's a decent option for families. The rooms are spacious enough, there's a kids' pool, and the staff are generally welcoming of children. However, keep in mind that it's not a specifically *child-focused* resort. There aren't any dedicated kids' clubs or elaborate play areas. So, if you're looking for non-stop entertainment for the little ones, you might want to look elsewhere. But for a family who wants a comfortable base to explore the area, it works.
