Novotel Dammam Business Park

Staying in Room 307 My company has a branch office in the connected business Tower and hence they booked a room in this Novotel hotel for me so it would be convenient. I was happy that upon arrival I was upgraded to a Superior room and had high expectations, but went downhill from there. When I entered the room I felt immediately that it was spacious but very empty and dark. The 2 seater sofa in my opinion is a very cheap and uncomfortable sofa. What surprised me was there is no light around the bed area except reading lamp. Since it is December and decently cool, I thought of switching off the AC but unfortunately this switch which changes AC to fan or switches it off was broken. All I could do was adjust temperature and fan settings. I noticed that the bathroom had white lights while the room had warm lights. When I entered the washroom, I realised the door gets stuck and you need to push it hard to close it. When exiting the room, when you take out the key card from the electricity slot the lights vanish instantly. Generally in similar grade hotels where I have stayed earlier there is a timer for a minute or 2 before lights turn off, but this is not the case here. The main room door was also very tight to open and close. Since it is a hotel connected to a Business Complex in an Industrial area, it is obvious that visitors are business related. When I checked the closet, there is an allocated space for an iron and ironing board but it was empty. I called housekeeping to arrange it since I had to head out for a meeting. My first call was at 8.30, I waited till 8.45 but didn't get the iron, then called again at 8.45 and specifically said that it's not arrived and I have to leave for a meeting but until 9.15 no iron and board and I left for my meeting 45 mins late with an unironed shirt and trousers. The worst happened while I started my shower, 2 mins and the water stopped, I realised that the hot water supply was cut off and all I got was cold water for the rest of my shower in the month of December. They give only black tea and coffee in the minibar. Not even green tea! The breakfast spread was decent with decent coffee. I couldn't find any room service menu. Overall not a great experience!

This place is a disaster. How is this an Accor property and who in their right mind would believe this is a 4-star hotel? 2-Stars is being generous .. I’ve seen Highway Motels with better furniture and service.

What the hell is wrong with the morning receptionist (young lady)?? Why does she refuse to check me in with my reservation and is pushing me to upgrade for a suite for double the price of my room if I wanted to immediately check in? I refuse to believe that such a huge hotel doesn’t have a single empty room ready and I have a confirmed reservation. I stayed here before and it wasn’t this bad. Now I know I’m NEVER COMING BACK HERE AGAIN. I refused to honor the reservation when she refused to check me in and I cancelled it and went to a different hotel, more luxurious where they offered me a great rate for a suite (cheaper than what I was going to pay for a standard room here) and better location and service. This receptionist’s bad behavior was a blessing in disguise.