Mark Allaf

Can you provide an overview of Voco Riyadh’s journey since its establishment in Saudi Arabia and its milestones and highlights?

Since its inception in 2019, Voco Riyadh – An IHG Hotel has been on a transformational journey, aiming to redefine hospitality in Saudi Arabia. Introduced as the first Voco hotel in the country, following the global launch of the brand in 2018, our hotel boasts 438 rooms and suites, blending comfort with premium elegance. Our infrastructure, featuring 20 meeting rooms and a grand ballroom, fully equipped with the-state-of-the-art technology and natural daylight, makes us a preferred choice for business travelers, corporate guests, and large-scale events. Our Soul Spa & Health Club has been recognized as one of the best men’s and women’s spas in the Kingdom for three consecutive years, offering over 120 different spa services. Additionally, Voco Riyadh is renowned for its culinary excellence, with five restaurants accommodating up to 350 guests, including our award-winning Indian restaurant Anardana and the popular Lebanese restaurant Naya. Horizon, our all-day dining venue, offers a variety of international cuisines.

The hotel has been awarded the Best Business Hotel in Riyadh by Business Traveler Middle East. How important is this recognition for Voco Riyadh?

Being named the Best Business Hotel for three consecutive years is a significant achievement, underscoring our consistency in service quality and memorable guest experiences. Since my visit to Riyadh in 2011, the number of branded hotels in the city has grown from 13 to 700. In such a competitive market, prioritizing human capital is key. As the second-largest hotel in Riyadh, managing a vast operation at high occupancy is challenging. The Business Traveler award not only helps us reach new guests and businesses but also highlights our commitment to sustainability and responsible hospitality, including our green practices and the introduction of the first electric car charging stations in Saudi Arabia.