Jeddah's Hidden Gem: Farah Hotel Apartments - Unbelievable Luxury Awaits!
Jeddah's Farah Hotel Apartments: Luxury? More Like a Luxurious Rollercoaster Ride (and I Kinda Loved It)
Okay, deep breath. This isn't just a review; it's a confession. I just got back from Jeddah, and let me tell you, the Farah Hotel Apartments… well, they left a mark. A good one, for the most part. Prepare yourselves, because this is going to be a long one.
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First Impressions & Accessibility – A Mostly Smooth Ride
Right off the bat, the accessibility seemed decent. The elevator was a lifesaver, naturally. I'm not in a wheelchair, but if I were, I think I would have managed. The facilities for disabled guests are there, which is a huge plus. Finding a truly accessible hotel in this part of the world can be a challenge, and Farah seems to be making a genuine effort. The CCTV in common areas gave me a sense of security, which is always appreciated, especially when traveling solo. And the exterior corridor setup was, well, functional. Not the prettiest thing in the world, but hey, you get to your room!
The Rooms: Home Sweet… Almost?
The air conditioning? Glorious. Seriously, Jeddah heat is no joke. The blackout curtains were my best friend, letting me sleep in after a long day of exploring. My room had Wi-Fi [free], thankfully, because I would've lost it. So many features, like the hair dryer, the ironing facilities (I’m a total mess, so needed it), the in-room safe box and the complimentary tea – these were pretty standard, but always welcome.
I had a seating area that was comfy enough to collapse into after hours of walking around the city. The bathtub was HUGE. Like, I could probably swim laps in it (I didn’t, but I considered it). Complimentary bottled water? Yes, please! And the slippers were just a nice touch.
The soundproofing… well, let's just say it's not perfect. I could hear the muffled rumble of the city, and the occasional exuberant child playing in the hallway. But hey, that's life.
Food, Glorious Food (and a Few Hiccups)
Alright, let's talk about the food. The restaurants are a highlight. I am a big fan of Asian cuisine, and the Asian cuisine in the restaurant? Amazing! The desserts in the restaurant were divine. The breakfast [buffet] was pretty standard: eggs, pastries, all the usual suspects. There were vegetarian options available, which I appreciated. The coffee shop was a lifesaver, fueling my caffeine addiction. I'm an absolute sucker for a hotel that offers a good coffee bar.
One minor downer: the room service [24-hour] menu, while extensive, wasn't always the most… timely. I ordered soup a few times, and it arrived, well, lukewarm. But look, even a diva like me can forgive a lukewarm soup in exchange for the sheer convenience of having food available pretty much anytime!
Relax & Rejuvenate: Spa, Sauna (and a Moment of Pure Bliss)
Now, for the good stuff. The Farah Hotel Apartments boast some serious chill-out potential. My stay made me feel like I was on a short vacation from reality.
The pool with a view? Stunning. Truly. Just floating there, looking out over the cityscape, was pure bliss. I spent hours there, seriously. The Sauna was also wonderful. After a long day of sightseeing, it was the perfect way to unwind. It was hot, steamy, and exactly what my weary bones needed. I felt like a cooked noodle but in the best possible way.
And THE SPA! Oh, the spa. I went in for a massage, and walked out a new woman. The therapist was incredibly skilled, and I felt all the tension in my shoulders just melt away. I almost fell asleep on the massage table, which tells you how relaxed I was. It was pure, unadulterated heaven. I considered booking another one right then and there. (I didn’t, but I'm already plotting a return trip.)
Cleanliness & Safety – A Solid Showing
Throughout the hotel, the hand sanitizer was plentiful. The staff trained in safety protocol were also there. I saw daily disinfection in common areas. The staff themselves were very friendly and helpful, always smiling, always ready to help in any way. It felt like a safe environment, which is a huge relief when you’re exploring a new city. (Trust me, that's a big deal in a place where you're still figuring things out.)
That said, a few times I entered a room, and there was a lingering smell of, I don't know, cleaning product that was a bit… overpowering. But, it's a minor quibble. They clearly take cleanliness and safety seriously.
Odds and Ends: Service, Convenience, & the Little Things
The daily housekeeping was efficient and discreet. The concierge was incredibly helpful with directions and recommendations. Currency exchange was convenient, and the laundry service was a lifesaver. One of my favorite things was the coffee/tea maker in the room. It was small, but that little detail warmed my heart.
And their staff was friendly and helpful. It’s a big plus for me to see a team that seems to genuinely want to help customers.
One weirdly wonderful thing: they offered an air conditioning in public area. I know, duh, hotels have aircon. But they did, and thank heavens.
The Verdict: A Rollercoaster Worth Riding
Look, the Farah Hotel Apartments aren't perfect. There were a couple of hiccups – the lukewarm soup, a little noise from the hallway – but honestly, they were easily overshadowed by the positives. The wonderful spa, the amazing Asian cuisine, the stunning pool, the comfy rooms… it all added up to a truly memorable stay.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely. It's not just a hotel; it's an experience. A luxurious, slightly imperfect, and utterly enjoyable experience. It’s a place where you can relax, rejuvenate, and maybe even contemplate booking a return trip while you’re there. And who knows, maybe I will!
Dubai's Most Coveted Luxury Studio: Pool, Balcony & Unforgettable Views!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your perfectly-pressed, corporate travel itinerary. This is my Jeddah adventure, messy, glorious, and probably involving more coffee than a human should consume. We're at Farah Hotel Apartments, and let's get this show on the road (or at least, the slightly-rickety-but-charming-hotel-lobby-to-the-car-we-can-barely-afford-to-rent).
Jeddah Jaunt: A Mostly-Coherent Itinerary (Read: A Disaster Waiting to Happen - But a FUN Disaster!)
Day 1: Arrival & Sandcastle Dreams (and Possibly Mild Panic)
- 7:00 AM (Jeddah Time - AKA "Whenever Someone Actually Wakes Up After That Red-Eye"): Arrive King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED). Okay, first impressions? Hot. Like, "I-think-my-eyebrows-are-sweating-now" hot. Immigration was smoother than expected! Kudos to the efficiency.
- 7:45 AM: Baggage claim. The eternal baggage claim struggle. My suitcase, naturally, decided to take a scenic detour to… well, who knows. Praying it appears.
- 8:30 AM: Taxi to Farah Hotel Apartments. Haggle, haggle, haggle. Think I paid too much, but whatever, I needed air conditioning, and it's a win.
- 9:00 AM: Check-in, praying my booking hasn't vanished into the ether. Praise the travel gods! My apartment is mine. It's… spacious. A tad dated, but hey, it's got a kitchen, and that's all that matters.
- 9:30 AM: Unpack a little, re-pack because "oh crap, did I remember deodorant?" and the usual neurotic pre-travel checklist. Drink ALL the coffee from the complimentary instant coffee stash.
- 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Poolside. Yes! First impressions of the pool: It's a glorious oasis, though the tiles are a bit chipped. But wait, are those kids building a sandcastle in the corner of the pool? Is this a thing? I love it!
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch. Found a hole-in-the-wall place nearby, ordered something vaguely resembling shawarma. Jury's out on the name, the meat was delicious, but the bread was a bit stale. Still, a win against the hunger monster.
- 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Attempt a nap. The heat, the jet lag, the general chaos… It was a valiant effort, foiled by the incessant honking from the street.
- 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Okay, time to actually see something. A walk through the local market. Oh my god. The colors! The smells! The mountains of dates! I'm overwhelmed in the best way possible and immediately buy way too many dates, and will probably need another suitcase just for the food, or maybe a date-filled backpack. Bargaining with the vendors is both exhilarating and slightly terrifying. I think I got ripped off. I don't even care. I have dates!
- 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Back to the hotel, a mandatory air-conditioned break, and a swift re-hydration with ALL THE WATER.
- 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Sunset from the balcony. Breathtaking. Seriously, the view is worth the slightly-questionable paint job on the building across the street.
- 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Dinner at a local restaurant – maybe I'm a glutton for punishment, but another shawarma place it is. This time it's better! The bread is perfection. I can barely understand menus, but I get by.
- 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Wandering around, soaking up the atmosphere. The night feels different, electric. The streets pulse with energy.
- 9:00 PM - Bedtime: A late-night coffee and a session of trying-and-failing to comprehend the Arabic news channels. Sleep. God, I need it.
Day 2: Historical Hiccups and Beach Bliss (and Possibly a Meltdown)
- 8:00 AM: Wake up feeling refreshed-ish. Coffee, of course. This is the fuel.
- 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Old Town (Al-Balad). This is the main thing I wanted to see! This is also where things get… interesting. The architecture is incredible, like taking a step back in time, and I get a slightly lost, claustrophobic feeling. The heat is a killer. The narrow streets, the peeling paint, the intricately carved wooden doors… it's all incredibly beautiful.
- 10:00 AM: I get horribly and irrevocably lost. I ask a local directions. He speaks no English, I know no Arabic, and we conduct a mime performance. He points vaguely in the direction of… a wall. I resign myself to the adventure. I think I have a heatstroke.
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch at a traditional Saudi restaurant. The food is incredible. The whole time, I'm aware I'm doing something culturally awkward. I manage to spill some hummus. Praying nobody noticed.
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Back to the hotel. Air conditioning, rehydration, and a vow to never leave the blessed AC again.
- 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Beach Time! (At last!). After all the hot city-hopping, a trip to the beach is a must. I've found a private beach club nearby, and for the first time that day, I see true happiness. The water's warm, the sand's soft, the sun is setting the sky ablaze. I can finally breathe.
- 6:00 PM - Dinner: Dinner at a restaurant I discovered near the beach. Seafood is the name of the game. Overeating is not an option, but it's a certainty.
- 8:00 PM: Back to the hotel, maybe a little more sane?
- 9:00 PM: Attempt to plan tomorrow. Most likely fail, but I'll try.
Day 3: Shopping Sagas & Souk Surprises (and Possibly a Breakdown)
- 9:00 AM: Wake up. Coffee. Survival mode.
- 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Shopping Mecca! I'm determined to embrace the local culture, and, as such, I need to go shopping at the local mall. I am overwhelmed by the choices. There's a whole world of clothing I've never seen before. My wallet is not happy. My credit card is screaming.
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch at the mall. Fast food, as I am both broke and starving.
- 2:00 - 4:00 PM: Back to the Souk! (Yes, again!). I am after some souvenirs to bring back home. The bargaining is a sport, and I am a novice. I overpay for a rug. I don't care.
- 4:00 - 6:00 PM: Relaxing by the pool, again.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner in the hotel. I order room service. I can barely understand the menu. The waiter speaks some English. I order a vaguely-described dish. It's delicious!
- 7:00 - 9:00 PM: Going to the hotel gym, only to find it's closed for maintenance. Swear, then get a new coffee
- 9:00 PM: Sleep.
Day 4: Departure (Hopefully with All My Limbs & Possessions)
- 7:00 AM: Wake up. Pack. Stare longingly at the empty date boxes.
- 8:00 AM: Check out. Say a slightly tearful farewell to my little apartment.
- 8:30 AM: Taxi to the airport. Hope I can find it, and get there in time.
- 9:00 AM-12:00 AM: Airport stuff. Security. Pray the suitcase arrives with me this time.
- 12:00 AM: Boarding. Reflect on the wonders (and the chaos) of Jeddah.
- 12:30 AM: Takeoff.
Important Notes (And Disclaimers):
- Pace Yourself: This is my itinerary. You might want to, you know, breathe between activities.
- Embrace the Unexpected: Things will go wrong. Embrace it! It's part of the fun (or at least, the story).
- Water is Your Friend: Drink it. Constantly.
- **Learn a Few Basic
Jeddah's Hidden Gem: Farah Hotel Apartments - You NEED to Hear This! (Seriously)
Okay, spill it! What's the *real* deal with Farah Hotel Apartments? Is it actually luxurious like the ads say? I'm skeptical...
Alright, look, I'll be blunt. Yes. YES! It's luxurious. But, and this is a big but (as in, *huge* apartment-sized but), it’s luxurious in a, shall we say, *Jeddah* kind of way. Think opulent, but with a healthy dose of "we're not quite Dubai, yet." Haha! Seriously though, I arrived utterly exhausted from the airport and BAM! The lobby. Marble, chandeliers, and guys in perfectly pressed *thobes*. My jaw actually dropped. For like five minutes, I thought I was in the wrong place. My friend, who'd booked it, was grinning like a Cheshire cat. He KNEW.
What about the apartments themselves? Are they actually spacious? I'm imagining cramped hotel rooms and the usual misery.
Spacious doesn't even *begin* to cover it. My friend and I had a two-bedroom, and I swear, we could have hosted a small wedding in the living room. Okay, maybe a SMALL one, but still! The space was incredible. Giant windows overlooking… well, Jeddah. Which, let's be honest, is a mixed bag of concrete and potential, but still… pretty views. And the kitchen? Fully equipped. I even attempted, and failed miserably, to cook *something*. Mostly because I couldn't figure out the stove, haha. But hey, the effort was there! We definitely needed to order out, which led to… well, more on that later.
Okay, okay, food. You said something about ordering out? Is there a good restaurant nearby, or am I doomed to room service?
This is where the "Jeddah charm" really kicks in. There is a *ton* of delicious food nearby. Absolutely. But finding it can be a bit of an… adventure. Google Maps will try to lead you astray, trust me. We ended up relying a lot on the delivery apps, which were a godsend. The variety was staggering. From authentic shawarma that almost brought tears to my eyes (seriously, best shawarma I've ever had!), to… let's just say, *interesting* attempts at Western cuisine. The room service, though? A little… pricey. And the menu felt frozen in time. But, hey, you're covered! Just plan your deliveries, and you'll be fine. It adds to the whole experience, actually. Part of the grit, you know?
Is the hotel staff helpful? I had a terrible experience at another hotel where I couldn't get anything done.
Helpful? They are, mostly. The guys at the front desk were excellent, always smiling, always trying to help. Our attempt to order a taxi led to a brief, but charming, moment of pure language barrier hilarity. The housekeeping was impeccable. Seriously, those guys are ninjas. Our apartment always seemed to magically clean itself. The occasional language barrier definitely added to the fun, but the staff's willingness to help? Top notch. We were even given a little welcome fruit basket, which, after a long flight, was pure gold. It’s those little things that make a difference, right?
What's the deal with the pool? Is it any good? Because, you know, Jeddah heat.
The pool… okay, the pool is where things get *interesting*. It's lovely. Really. Crystal-clear water, spacious, and a great escape from the relentless Jeddah sun. BUT! And it's a BIG but... the hours. They're a bit… limited. Which, I'm pretty sure, is a cultural thing. We could only use it for a couple of hours during the day, which, when you're trying to beat the heat, felt like torture. One day, we cheekily tried to sneak in during the "off-hours," and were politely, but firmly, escorted out. No hard feelings, though. It’s part of the experience, like the slightly wonky Wi-Fi (which, by the way, was *terrible* in the beginning. I'm happy to say it's sorted now). So, yes, the pool is good. Be sure to check its hours, or you'll be left sweating and wanting more.
Okay, the internet. You mentioned… issues. Spill the tea! Is it usable, or am I living off my phone data?
Oh, the internet. Let's just say it was *an adventure*. The first day? Forget it. Useless. My friend was practically climbing the walls, trying to upload a video to...well, some social media platform. We were both practically screaming into the void. We complained, of course, politely, and they promised to fix it. And they did! Eventually. Now, it’s actually quite usable. But be prepared for potential hiccups. Again, part of the "Jeddah charm." Bring a book, or download a bunch of movies, just in case. Because… you never know.
Would you go back? Seriously, would you recommend Farah Hotel Apartments?
YES! Absolutely, 100% yes. Despite the wonky Wi-Fi, the slightly restrictive pool hours, and the occasional delivery mishap, I would go back in a heartbeat. Farah Hotel Apartments is a hidden gem. It's luxurious, it's spacious, and it's perfectly imperfect. It's not a sterile, cookie-cutter hotel experience. It's a real taste of Jeddah, with all its quirks and charm. If you're looking for a comfortable, stylish, and memorable stay, look no further. Just...pack your patience, your sense of humor, and maybe a portable Wi-Fi hotspot. You'll be fine. In fact, you'll have a blast. And the shawarma... *chef's kiss*.
Any final tips for someone considering staying there?
Okay, here’s the lowdown:
- Bring a universal adapter (duh).
- Learn a *few* basic Arabic phrases – the staff appreciates it.
- Embrace the chaos. Seriously. It adds to the experience.
- Download the delivery apps *before* you arrive. Trust me.
- Pack your own toiletries if you're picky – the hotel ones are… basic.
- **MOST IMPORTANTLY:** Be prepared to fall in love with Jeddah. It's a city that will surprise you, challenge you, and leave you wanting more. And Farah Hotel Apartments? It's the perfect base for exploring it. Go! Book it! You won’t regret it. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I think I need to order some shawarma. The craving is real.
