Novotel Dammam Business Park

This is a review of the hotel and their staff. Hotel: Did not allow me to avail a room despite having paid for it and a confirmed booking and reservation. They simply overbooked my reservation because another client supposedly booked all rooms due to Covid. In 2023, Covid. Blatant lies. Staff: The gentleman at the counter was extremely arrogant and kept me waiting for a full 10 minutes whilst he was on mobile phone chatting away on a call. After which he arrogantly tells me the hotel is full and we cannot do anything for you. Please leave and talk to your agent. Thanks Novotel for completely ruining my experience in Saudi Arabia. I’m never recommending anyone in my social circle to continue with this hotel.

It was a very pleasant stay. Non-stop WiFi services. Meals served are excellent. A wide variety of salads and main course and desserts to choose from. Helpful staff.

The large, spacious public space in the middle is the jewel in the crown of this hotel. I've been here for a lot of times for the convenience and coziness of their public area. I would have a serving of their delectable black forest cake and freshly brewed Cappucino all while I am enjoying the spaciousness of the hotel. In all fairness, it's a hotel that is impeccably clean and tidy and pleasantly very welcoming and photogenic. One sister company of ours used to rent an office space in this hotel.

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!

Ok standard hotel. Rooms looking tired. I was supposed to have a city view but it was if a multi story carpark! Gym and pool were adequate. No restaurant open until Thursday which was pretty good. Bar food only until then. It's in the middle of nowhere and you need to travel a long way to go and do anything. Staff were friendly and helpful though.