Jeddah's Paradise Found: Luxury Awaits at Nice Hotel!
Jeddah's Paradise Found (Or At Least, Pretty Darn Close): A Hot Mess Review of Nice Hotel!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I'm about to spill the beans on Nice Hotel in Jeddah. Is it paradise? Well, let’s just say I've seen paradise (once, in a dream involving a talking sloth and unlimited shawarma) and this… this is… 80% of that. And frankly, in Jeddah, that's pretty darn good.
First Impressions & The Accessibility Hustle (and Misses!)
Right off the bat, the website boasted "Luxury Awaits!" and, well, the lobby did have a seriously swanky chandelier. But let's get real: "Luxury" in the Middle East translates to different things than, say, a minimalist boutique hotel in Brooklyn. Still, the lobby was impressive, with enough marble to make a Roman emperor blush.
Accessibility: This is where things got…interesting. The website says "facilities for disabled guests," but navigating the actual reality was a bit of an adventure. The elevator was definitely a plus (THANK GOD!), and the ramps were…adequate. But the signage? Forget about it. I’m not exactly a wheelchair user, but I could see how a few subtle adjustments could make a huge difference. (SEO KEYWORD: Wheelchair accessible, Accessibility, Facilities for disabled guests) They get a B- for effort here.
Internet, Glorious Internet! (Mostly)
Internet Access: (SEO KEYWORDS: Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, Wi-Fi in public areas, Internet access – wireless, Internet access – LAN, Internet, Internet services) Ah, the lifeblood of the modern traveler! Free Wi-Fi was, thankfully, ubiquitous, and even FAST! I'm talking streaming-Netflix-while-binging-on-K-dramas fast. My room had LAN access too, though honestly, who uses that anymore? Public areas had Wi-Fi too, of course, but the signal occasionally felt a little…distant. Like, "almost caught in the Bermuda Triangle of bandwidth" distant. Still, major props for the free Wi-Fi in the rooms! It’s the little things.
Rooms: My Oasis (Mostly)
Rooms: (SEO KEYWORDS: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, 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, 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, additional toilet) My room? Ah, my room! Okay, it wasn't quite the sultan's palace I’d imagined, but it was comfortable. The air conditioning was a godsend (Jeddah is HOT, people!), the blackout curtains saved me from the Saudi Arabian sun's wrath, and the bed? The bed was a cloud. A CLOUD, I tell you! I swear, the memory foam conspired to keep me from leaving. And the complimentary tea? Bless. My. Soul. The extra long bed was perfect for sprawling after a long day of exploring. Plus, having a sofa was a nice touch. A mini bar was also present, but let's be honest, I think it was just for show.
I was especially grateful for the socket near the bed, because hello this is the 21st century! Now, I did get a kick out of the bathroom phone. Who do you call from the bathroom? The tooth fairy? And they need to seriously rethink the placement of the scale. Right by the door? Brutal, Nice Hotel, just brutal.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Culinary Crusade (Mostly Successful)
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: (SEO KEYWORDS: A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant) Okay, the food. This is where Nice Hotel really shines, and also occasionally face-plants. The breakfast buffet? Chef's kiss. Huge, with options galore. International cuisine, Western cuisine, Asian Cuisine, even Vegetarian options, all well-represented. The Asian breakfast was a real highlight, I especially appreciated the variety of fresh fruits. The coffee shop was a lifesaver for that afternoon caffeine kick. The poolside bar? Perfect for a sunset mocktail (Saudi Arabia, remember?).
Room service was a constant temptation, thankfully available 24 hours a day! I may or may not have ordered fries at 3 AM one night. (Judge me, I dare you!) The "bottle of water" they left in the room was a nice touch, but trust me: you'll be buying entire cases of water in this climate. They offered an Alternative meal arrangement, but I can't lie, I stuck to my buffet!
This is where I have to talk about the pool side bar…
It was the perfect afternoon! I wanted a drink, but I wanted to watch the people. (Yes, I am that person.) I’m talking all the beautiful, tanned, and stylish women in their amazing bikinis. The perfect moment occurred when I took a few steps too close to the edge of the pool and nearly fell in! (Embarrassing, but still a great story!)
Relaxation & Rejuvenation: Spa-tastic! (Mostly)
Ways to Relax: (SEO KEYWORDS: Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]) Ah, the Spa. I am a sucker for a spa. Nice Hotel? They delivered! The sauna, the steamroom, the pool with a view… heavenly! The fitness center wasn't bad either, but I'll be honest: I spent more time in the spa than working out. They had a comprehensive list of treatments. The massage? To. Die. For. Seriously, I nearly fell asleep and had to be gently nudged awake. The Body scrub and Body wrap, were equally relaxing, by the end of my stay I felt like a totally new woman. The outdoor pool was perfect for a cool-down!
Cleanliness & Safety: More Than Just Surface Level
Cleanliness and safety: (SEO KEYWORDS: Anti-viral cleaning products, Breakfast in room, Breakfast takeaway service, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment) Safety? They take it seriously. Daily disinfection in common areas, hand sanitizer everywhere, staff who seemed well-versed in safety protocols. They offered contactless check-in/out. Even the breakfast options were designed with safety in mind. I appreciated knowing I was staying somewhere that prioritized hygiene, especially during these times. They appeared to take the precautions very seriously.
Services & Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
Services and conveniences: (SEO KEYWORDS: Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center) The daily housekeeping was impeccable. The concierge was helpful, even with my ridiculous requests (where can I find a camel-shaped teapot?). The currency exchange was convenient. A convenience store downstairs? Genius. The dry cleaning service came in handy after I spilled something on a shirt. They had business facilities but, let's be honest, I was on vacation, not trying to run a corporation. They had a smoking area, though I'm not a smoker. The terrace looked enticing, but I have to say, the air conditioning inside was a much better draw.
For the Kids: (SEO KEYWORDS: Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal) I don't have kids, but I saw families and they seemed to be enjoying it. Nice Hotel seemed to be designed with families in mind
Melbourne Cottage with a Breathtaking View: Tudor Ridge Dream Home
Okay, here we go. Buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your cookie-cutter itinerary. This is my adventure, and trust me, it's going to be a glorious mess. We're talking Paradise Nice Hotel in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. I'm already picturing the lobby, a potential oasis of shimmering gold and… hopefully, functioning air conditioning.
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Saudi Coffee Quest (and the Slightly Terrifying Taxi Ride)
- Morning (and the looming threat of jet lag): Touchdown in Jeddah. The airport? A bustling maze of beige and, I swear, more people than I've ever seen in one place before. My luggage? Well, let's just say there was some… creative packing involved. I managed to wrestle it through customs, and the adrenaline rush alone was enough to almost knock me out.
- The Taxi Terror: Okay, so the taxi ride. I'd heard the stories, and… they weren't exaggerating. We were weaving in and out of traffic like we were in a real-life, high-speed game of Frogger. My knuckles were white, clutching the seatbelt, and I swear, I saw a camel crossing the road. Maybe it was the jet lag, but yeah, pretty sure it was a camel. Eventually, miraculously, we arrived. Alive! And at the Paradise Nice Hotel.
- Afternoon: Hotel Check-in and the Quest Begins: The hotel lobby was… impressive. Think chandeliers, marble floors, and more people than I could count. Check-in itself went surprisingly smoothly. Praise Allah (or the hotel staff), I’m in my room! Now, the important business: coffee. I was determined to find the perfect Saudi coffee. The kind that’s rich, caffeinated, and served with dates. I envisioned myself, a seasoned traveler, sipping the black liquid in a local café, effortlessly conversing with the locals. Yeah, right.
- The Coffee Misadventure: Wandered around the hotel for a good hour, trying to find the local café, but it was a bust. All I managed to find at that time was McDonald's. So, I went in with a heavy heart and got myself a coffee.
Day 2: Diving into the Old Town (And My Ongoing Battle with the Heat)
- Morning: Exploring Al-Balad (the Old Town) and the Heat's First Victory: I knew it was going to be hot, but WOW. I spent the entire morning wandering through Al-Balad. The architecture is breathtaking! The wooden balconies, the narrow alleyways, the way the shadows dance… it's like stepping back in time. I took a bunch of photos, of course, but the heat was already starting to get to me. I swear, I could feel my brain slowly melting into a puddle of perspiration.
- Afternoon: Finding a Place for a Rest and then Finding the Heartbreak: I needed to rest. Found a small shop that sold the iced coffee drinks. I really liked it. After that, I went to a place where I rested for a while. However, when I came back, I found that my bag wasn't there anymore. I started crying immediately. All the necessary documents were gone. I went to the tourist police station and told them what happened.
- Evening: A Moment of Reflection (and a Slightly Overpriced Pizza): I was at the hotel at the time. I was just laying on the bed, thinking of what a horrible day it was. For dinner, there was a mini-sized overpriced pizza.
Day 3: Cultural Immersion (and the Sudden Craving for Fries with Ketchup)
- Morning: The Jeddah Corniche: The Corniche is beautiful! The view is amazing. I did some shopping, and spent some time in the cafes. I loved the time spent at the Corniche.
- Afternoon: The Fish Market Saga: This was… an experience. The fish market is a cacophony of noise, smells, and… well, fish. Everywhere. I’m talking tables piled high with glistening, flapping, and generally fish-y fish. I tried to be brave, but I’m pretty sure I spent most of the time trying not to gag. But hey, I did try the grilled fish. Which was, surprisingly, delicious.
- Evening: A Burger Night and the Fries Addiction: To recover from the fish market, I had a burger. It was okay, but most importantly, it came with fries! And the fries came with ketchup. And at that moment, huddled on the couch, munching fries, I was the happiest person in the world.
Day 4: Beach Day (and the Near Disaster with the Sunscreen)
- Morning: I decided to go to the beach. I got my sunscreen ready and went there. Well, I put on my sunscreen, and I didn't check if the lid was properly closed, and then… boom! The sunscreen went everywhere, over my clothes. I was devastated.
- Afternoon: Went to the beach, I managed to enjoy it.
Day 5: Departure and a Deep Sigh of Relief (and the Vow to Learn Arabic)
- Morning:: Checked out of the hotel and took one last look at the giant chandelier in the Paradise Nice Hotel lobby.
- Farewell Jeddah: I arrived at the airport, and thankfully, the flight was smooth. Jeddah, you were a whirlwind! The heat, the culture shock, the amazing food, and the little misadventures made it a memorable trip.
Final Thoughts:
This trip wasn't perfect. There were moments of frustration, moments of confusion, and moments where I just wanted to go home. But there were also moments of pure joy, discovery, and a sense of being truly alive. So, yes, it was a mess. But it was my mess. And I wouldn’t trade it for the world. And maybe… just maybe… next time, I'll actually learn some Arabic. That, or invest in a very good phrasebook. And a hazmat suit for the fish market.
Aditya's Hotel Way Point: Tezpur's BEST Kept Secret (Luxury Awaits!)
Jeddah's "Paradise Found" Hotel: You REALLY Want to Know, Right? (Let's Get Real)
So, is this "Paradise Found" thing REALLY paradise? Or just really expensive air conditioning?
My first impression? Whack. Seriously, walking through the doors after the airport chaos, I actually gasped. Like, a genuine "Whoa." The lobby? Marble. Gleaming. Possibly a little *too* gleam-y, if you ask me. My jaw dropped. The staff were lovely, mind you. Super polite and, importantly, *very* efficient. Checked in within seconds. No waiting around like a sweaty camel. Bonus points for that!
Then, the room. Oh, the room. King-sized bed that you could get lost in. Plush everything. And that view of the Red Sea? Stunning. Absolutely stunning. But… (there's always a "but," isn't there?)… the bathroom… felt like a sterile operating room. Gorgeous, mind you, but a little… cold. I'm a sucker for a warm, inviting bathroom, you know? Call me crazy.
Still, the aircon worked, which is a HUGE win in Jeddah. And hey, paradise *is* subjective, right? Just don't go expecting mermaids and singing dolphins. Though… I *did* see a very well-dressed pigeon on the balcony one morning. Almost paradise?
What's the deal with the food? Is it worth the price tag? (Because, let's face it, everything in a "luxury" hotel is ridiculously priced.)
Breakfast buffet? Decadent. Seriously. Enough pastries to send me into a sugar coma for a week. Fresh juices overflowing, omelet stations manned by wizards, and enough exotic fruits to make you think you've accidentally stumbled into a rainforest. It was… incredible. And I *loved* it. I started every day with the mango juice and a mountain of pain au chocolat. No regrets.
But then… dinner. That's where things got spendy. I tried the steakhouse one night. The ambiance was impeccable. Dim lighting, hushed voices, and waiters practically floating across the floor. The steak? Perfectly cooked. Melt-in-your-mouth delicious. The price? Equally breathtaking. I'm still wincing when I think about the bill. My bank account is still recovering. Worth it? Maybe. But mostly because I was on a business trip and someone else was paying (bless them!).
The other restaurants were fine, but nothing that blew me away, considering the cost. I ate a lot of falafel from a roadside stand after that. Seriously. Sometimes, the best food is the cheapest food, right? But back to the hotel.... one time the waiter *literally* leaned over and whispered, "Madame, is the lobster *quite* to your liking?" I nearly choked! Who talks like that? It was hilarious.
"Nice Hotel!" You call it. What are the amenities like? Is the pool worth the Instagram hype?
The pool itself? Gorgeous. Seriously. Infinity edge overlooking the Red Sea. Beautifully tiled. Clean. And the sun loungers? Plush and comfy. The water? Perfect temp. I spent a good chunk of my days just floating around, pretending I was living the high life. It was pure bliss. Mostly.
But here's the thing. I'm a nervous swimmer. Like, I panic a little in deep water. (Don't judge!) The pool *looks* deep. And that edge... it looks like you're going to tumble off the side of the world into the Red Sea. So, I mostly stayed in the shallow end. Which was fine, don't get me wrong, but it did limit my Instagram selfie potential. My perfect pool pic? Ruined by my fear of drowning (dramatic, I know).
The spa? I splurged on a massage. It was… okay. Relaxing, sure. But nothing that changed my life. I've had better, I've had worse. The gym? Actually, it was pretty impressive. Top-of-the-line equipment, well-maintained... I even managed to drag myself there a few times. Mostly because I was worried about my sugar coma-induced weight gain.
So, yes, the amenities are *nice*. But they're the standard luxury fare. And remember the perfectly dressed pigeon? He did try to sneak into the pool area one day. Security intervened, obviously. Almost paradise!
What about the service? Any horror stories? Or is it all smiles and perfection?
The staff were overwhelmingly polite. Like, the kind of polite that makes you suspect they've been trained by robots. They anticipated your every need. Opened doors, offered assistance, remembered my name (which is frankly a little scary). They were genuinely lovely people. And efficient. Remember that. Always.
But… (there’s that "but” again!)… One night, I tried to order room service. I was exhausted after a long day, and just wanted a simple club sandwich. The call went through without a hitch. Great, right? Nope. Because an hour and a half later… still no sandwich. I phoned again, and the person who answered sounded genuinely mortified. Apparently, there'd been some sort of "misunderstanding" with the kitchen, resulting in my sandwich's mysterious disappearance into the abyss. So. Very. Annoying. Eventually it showed up. The sandwich was delicious. But the process was… frustrating.
And one time, I accidentally locked myself out of my room. In my bathrobe. Picture that. It was after midnight. I had to wait for someone to come open the door. At least the gentleman who helped me was very polite. He probably thought I was an utter blithering idiot. I probably looked like one. Let's be honest.
So, overall, the service was *very* good. But even in paradise (allegedly), things can go slightly, hilariously wrong. It's just human, I guess. The staff were generally amazing, and the little hiccups are easily forgiven. I mean, hey, sometimes you just want your sandwich and a good night's sleep. That's all.
Is it worth the price? Give me the straight truth! Is it going to bankrupt me?
Honestly? It depends.Mountain Stay
