Review: Mansard Riyadh, A Radisson Collection Hotel

“A walk through Paris in the heart of Riyadh” encapsulates the Mansard Riyadh, A Radisson Collection Hotel, to a tee. Located a stone’s throw from the buzzing King Abdullah Financial District, the hotel is a hot new draw for businesspeople, influencers, and celebrities.

The property, which opened its doors in mid-2022, is akin to an upmarket Parisian neighbourhood with its charming tree-lined pedestrian “boulevard” taking you through an array of restaurants, cafés, shops, business centres, and event venues – not to mention the hotel itself.

All of this is housed in a succession of buildings with evocative French names such as Madeleine, Sorbonne, and Opéra, based on the Haussmann architectural style of mid-18th century Paris, with the hotel’s name originating from the signature steep mansard roofline.

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Geared for longer term as well as short-stay guests, the suites and apartments offer practical features for business visitors and families, such as meeting rooms and helper’s quarters, in addition to their spacious living rooms, whirlpool baths, and sleek modern kitchens.

While a member of the Radisson Collection, the Mansard Riyadh is truly a standalone property. A design collaboration between Riyadh-based Remaizan S. Al Remaizan architectural consultants and HBA/Hirsch Bedner Associates, the hotel has a unique look and feel with artisanal detailing like patterned stone and parquet wooden flooring, tasteful art deco furniture, and an array of original artwork, much of it created by the Saudi abstract painter Mishal Saad Alzaid.

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The amenities are everything you'd expect from a property like this: swimming pool, fitness centre, sauna, and soon a spa to be operated by renowned French skincare and beauty company L’OCCITANE. But what really marks out the Mansard Riyadh is its culinary offerings.

L’Ami Davé is a high-end concept with the look and feel of a Parisian fine dining establishment: attentive tuxedo-clad waiters and pristine white tablecloths. The menu features escargot, pâté foie gras, charcoal-grilled sourced beef, rack of lamb, and an incredibly rich and decadent chocolate mousse topped with whipped cream and dark chocolate shavings – all accompanied by the crooning of French pop stars from the 60s and 70s.

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For more homely fare, Sadelle’s Riyadh is an elegant New York- style diner with a lovely pastel colour scheme and Italian American dishes, including all-day Eggs Benedict, omelettes, and French toast, salads, pizzas, and triple-decker sandwiches. I go for the subtly-herbed chicken Milanese, served with fresh coleslaw and a side of al dente buttered asparagus – all delicious, with lively atmospherics provided by a talented young female cellist.

The Executive Lounge, as the name implies, has a more corporate feel with a breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffet featuring Arabic and international dishes. Plus, it is set to offer the Pucho Cigar Lounge in collaboration with La Casa del Habano – a name familiar to Cuban cigar aficionados.

Finally, the upcoming Carbone, a homage to the great Italian restaurants of mid-20th century NYC, will maintain the Mansard Riyadh’s American/European theme.

Whether you’re in need of a weekend staycation, a place to talk business or are on an extended stay, the luxe Mansard Riyadh has every necessary element: outstanding service, excellent cuisine, and a unique ambience – all with that entertaining Parisian twist.