Palm Lily Suites: Saudi Arabia's Hidden Oasis Awaits!
Palm Lily Suites: Saudi Arabia's Hidden Oasis Awaits! – Or Does It? A Messy, Opinionated Review
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving deep into the Palm Lily Suites. "Hidden Oasis," they call it. Well, I've been there, seen the oasis (or at least part of it), and I'm here to tell you the truth. This isn't your sanitized, corporate hotel review. This is real. This is me after too much coffee, wrestling with the Wi-Fi, and trying to figure out if that "proposal spot" is actually worth a damn.
First Impressions & Accessibility: Getting There (and In!)
Okay, let's start with the basics. Accessibility: This is KEY for me, and Palm Lily Suites mostly delivered. Elevators are a must, and they've got 'em – thank God, because schlepping luggage up those exterior stairs is a nightmare. Elevator. Check! Then again, trying to find the lobby from the parking lot felt a bit like a treasure hunt. I mean, signage? A little more wouldn’t hurt, guys. For those with mobility concerns: Facilities for disabled guests are listed, but I didn't see anything truly spectacular or super-obvious, which is a bummer. Airport transfer is offered, which is HIGHLY recommended. Trust me, navigating Saudi Arabian traffic on your own is not for the faint of heart. Honestly, I felt like Indiana Jones looking for the Ark! So taxi service and valet parking, definitely a plus, even if I felt like I needed a translator for some of the parking attendants. The car park [free of charge] is good on the wallet BUT there are no car power charging station.
Rooms & Amenities: The Good, The Bad, and The "Oh, Wow, I Need More Coffee!"
Let's get real. The rooms themselves? Pretty solid. Air conditioning that actually works is a miracle in the Saudi heat, and Palm Lily delivers. Blackout curtains are a DREAM for sleep-deprived travelers (me!) Bathrobes and slippers are a nice touch, but honestly, I spent most of my stay in pajamas, so… you know. They have free Wi-Fi (huge selling point!), and thank goodness for Wi-Fi [free] and Internet access – wireless because some of the areas had more of a dial-up feel than high-speed internet. Internet access – LAN, is available, but let's be honest, who even uses a LAN anymore? They also offered Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Free bottled water.
Now, some minor gripes, but there is a Daily housekeeping. The closet, while there, seems a little small for a longer stay. The desk was more of a "laptop workspace." The extra long bed was heavenly, though I think I hogged most of the space. I did like an Alarm clock and alarm.
The "Things to Do" – Spa & Relaxation: Can an Oasis Really Deliver?
Okay, let's talk pampering. Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Massage, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]. Sounds heavenly, right? Well, it mostly was. Loved the pool with view – perfect for Instagram (or, you know, just chilling). The Sauna was hot and steamy as it should be. The massage, hmm, maybe a little too enthusiastic for my liking. I'm not saying the masseuse was bad, more like she thought I was made of concrete. Need to make some adjustments!
Dining, Drinking & Snacking: Food Glorious Food (and That Coffee!)
Restaurants, Coffee shop, and poolside bar YES! Okay, the food! That’s the heart of my review. They offer Asian cuisine in restaurant, Buffet in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant, and Coffee/tea in restaurant.
The big Breakfast [buffet] with A la carte in restaurant, was a solid place to start. They offer Asian breakfast, Western breakfast. Breakfast service was on point and the food tasted fantastic. I am so thankful for Bottle of water in the room. They have Room service [24-hour] which is a big plus!
Cleanliness & Safety: The COVID-19 Factor
Look, in this day and age, cleanliness is paramount. And Palm Lily Suites seems to get it. They have Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, 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, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment.
Services & Conveniences: The Little Extras (or Lack Thereof)
The concierge was helpful, and the dry cleaning was a lifesaver. The luggage storage and safety deposit boxes were appreciated. Did I mention the Daily housekeeping? They do not have Babysitting service, Pets allowed. I like the convenience store for snacks! They had Laundry service which was great!
For the Kids: Or Not?
They have Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal. but I did not find any kids for the Babysitting service,. It lacked something fun!
My Opinion:
Palm Lily Suites is a decent hotel, but not perfect. It offers enough of the basic requirements for a good experience. At the end of the day, yes, I'd stay there again. It wasn't the earth-shattering, life-altering "oasis" experience, but hey, it’s a solid choice.
Palm Lily Suites: Saudi Arabia's Hidden Oasis Awaits! – Book NOW (But Maybe Not Too Soon!)
Don't miss out on this luxury adventure! Book your stay at Palm Lily Suites now and take advantage of our Summer Special! Enjoy complimentary breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and exclusive access to our spa facilities. Plus, mention this review and get a complimentary bottle of wine upon arrival! Visit our website or call us today to secure your reservation and experience the ultimate escape!
Uncover Thailand's Hidden Gem: The Eyrie Awaits!
Alright, alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's perfectly-formatted travel itinerary. We're off to the Palms Lily Hotel Suites in, cough cough, Saudi Arabia. Let's be honest, I'm mostly excited about the potential for some serious luxury and the very limited-time opportunity to see a part of the world that I've only ever glimpsed through glowing screens. Here's the plan (ha! as if!), but prepare for it to go spectacularly off the rails.
Day 1: Jeddah – Arrival, Jet Lag, and Judgement
- Morning (or what passes for morning when you're crossing time zones): Land in Jeddah. Oh sweet mercy, the heat! Stepping off the plane felt like walking into a blast furnace. My carefully curated travel outfit (linen, obviously, because I'm a travel blogger at heart) instantly became clinging, sticky torture. Passport control was…efficient. And by efficient, I mean I stood in line for what felt like an eternity, eyeing a bored-looking customs agent who, frankly, made me second-guess my entire life’s wardrobe choices.
- Transportation: Private Transfer to Palms Lily Hotel Suites. Thank the gods, air conditioning. The driver, a stoic man named Omar, navigated the chaotic Jeddah traffic with the zen-like calm of a seasoned monk. I, on the other hand, was gripping the seat like I was clinging to the edge of a cliff, convinced we were about to become a statistic.
- Afternoon: Check-in at the hotel. Okay, NOW we're talking. The Palms Lily? Magnificent. Everything pristine, glistening, marble-y…I felt instantly underdressed. The suite? Over the top. Two bedrooms, a full kitchen (because I’m totally going to cook!), and a view that made my jaw drop. Honestly, if I didn't have any other concerns in my life it would go by nicely.
- Imperfection: Instantly succumbed to jet lag. Collapsed on the ridiculously luxurious king-sized bed, fully intending to just…rest my eyes for a minute. Woke up three hours later, drooling slightly, with a vague sense of existential dread.
- Evening: Attempted to venture out for dinner. Big mistake. The heat was still brutal, my sense of direction was non-existent, and I ended up wandering aimlessly, feeling like a particularly bewildered tourist, and feeling sorry for my self. Gave up and ordered room service. The chicken was delicious, though. Victory!
- Quirky Observation: Did you know there’s a specific type of “hotel slippers” that, once you try them, you can never go back to those regular, boring ones? I might spend all my time here in slippers.
Day 2: Exploring Jeddah…and My Own Inner Critic
- Morning: Started the day with a glorious breakfast in the hotel's restaurant. Seriously, the spreads! Dates, pastries, fresh fruit…I nearly wept with happiness. My resolve to "eat healthy" lasted approximately 30 seconds.
- Activity: Exploring Jeddah's historic Al-Balad district. This is where things got very interesting. The narrow alleyways, the coral-stone buildings, the vibrant souks – a feast for the senses. I got lost, naturally. I’m pretty sure I almost got run over by a donkey cart. I haggled (badly) over a scarf that I probably didn't need. But the sheer atmosphere, the history…it was overwhelming.
- Real-Life Anecdote: I met a local, a kind older gentleman who saw me looking completely lost and offered to show me around. He spoke perfect English and took me to a hidden courtyard where we drank sweet, delicious tea and talked about…anything. It was a moment of genuine connection, and it completely changed my perspective on the day.
- Emotional Reaction: I experienced a true, raw moment of joy. This trip, initially driven by a desire for a good story, was turning into something more. Suddenly I'm the idiot who wants to stay for longer.
- Afternoon: Lunch at a traditional restaurant – amazing food. And by amazing, I mean I have eaten the biggest sandwich of my life. I can't believe the variety of food.
- Quirky Observation: Do you know the best thing about Saudi Arabia? The amount of dates available. And date ice cream. My god, the date ice cream.
- Evening: Sunset on the Corniche. The views were incredible. The whole city was bathed in golden light. I was feeling…peaceful. (Don't worry, it won't last.)
Day 3: Diving, Disappointments, and Date Night (for One)
- Morning: Planned to go scuba diving! Excited! Booked a boat, got all my gear, even watched some videos online.
- Imperfection: Got horribly seasick. Spent the entire boat ride green around the gills, clutching a plastic bag, and contemplating the meaning of life. The diving? Non-existent.
- Emotional Reaction: Furious. Dejected. Mostly just wanted the boat to stop moving. This was a huge blow.
- Afternoon: Nursing my marine-induced misery back at the hotel. Staring at the infinity pool, wishing I could actually swim in it without fear.
- Activity: Decided to treat myself to the spa. Because, you know, what else is there to do when you’re on a trip and feeling like a miserable, seasick potato?
- Quirky Observation: The spa massage was so good, I literally drooled on the table. Classy.
- Evening: Date night (with myself). Decided to buy myself flowers and take them back to my room. Ate more dates – a lot more dates.
Day 4: Desert Dreams…and a Deep Dive into My Brain
- Morning: Organized a desert safari. I'm going to ride a camel!
- Transportation: A 4x4 picked me up early. This time the driver was more than friendly. They kept talking and the ride was more fun.
- Activity: The desert was…otherworldly. The vastness, the silence, the undulating dunes…it was breathtaking. Riding a camel, however? Less glamorous than I imagined. Kind of…uncomfortable. But still. Magical.
- Doubling Down: The sunset in the desert was absolutely stunning. But the best thing was seeing the stars, because, being from the city, I don't see much of them at home.
- Real-Life Anecdote: We stopped at a Bedouin camp, drank (more) sweet tea, and listened to traditional music. The whole experience felt surreal, and strangely…soothing.
- Emotional Reaction: I felt a sense of peace I haven't felt in…well, a long time. But I also noticed the anxiety, the feeling of not fitting in, the awkwardness and insecurity. I'm not going to sugarcoat it, I've felt an overwhelming sadness.
- Afternoon: Back at the hotel. I just spent all that energy dealing with myself again.
- Evening: Packing. My flight leaves tomorrow, and a big part of me is secretly relieved. But hey, I need to come back.
Day 5: Departure…and a Few Questions
- Morning: Last breakfast. One last gaze at the marble, the luxury. A moment of appreciation, mixed with a sense of, "Wow, did all of that really happen?"
- Final Thoughts: This trip? It was a rollercoaster. The highs were incredibly high, the lows were…well, let’s just say I wouldn’t want to repeat the seasickness experience. I faced my own insecurities, discovered beautiful places, tasted the sweetest of dates, and learned a lot about myself. My initial expectations were proven wrong.
- Real-Life Imperfection: I almost missed my flight. Rushed to the airport, found my gate and the security that followed.
- Emotional Reaction: Exhausted. But in a good way. Changed. I don't know what I was expecting, but I feel like I've been in another world.
And I'm out! Until next time, Saudi Arabia, you beautiful, challenging, utterly unexpected adventure. And seriously, someone please send me a lifetime supply of date ice cream.
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Palm Lily Suites: Saudi Arabia's Hidden Oasis - Uh... Is It Worth It? Let's Dive In (Messily)
Okay, what in the world *is* Palm Lily Suites? Sounded fancy, but is it just…sand and disappointment?
Alright, listen. Palm Lily Suites, on paper? Sounds like a luxurious escape in Saudi Arabia, yeah? Think poolside cocktails, shimmering Arabian nights, that whole shebang. And… well, *mostly* that’s true. It's a collection of villas and suites tucked away. They've got pools, a decent restaurant, and the staff… bless their hearts, they *try*.
But here's the deal: my first thought? "Wow, this is… remote." You're definitely away from any big cities. Which, depending on your vibe, can be a *blessing* or a curse. Me? I liked the quiet. My friend, Sarah, she was already twitching and reaching for her phone to find the nearest Starbucks. So, consider your personality type before you book. This ain't Vegas, honey. It’s oasis-adjacent.
The photos look amazing! But... are they *too* amazing? Are we talking Photoshop magic or actual reality?
Look, the photos? Gorgeous. Seriously, Instagram-worthy. Did they use a filter or two? Probably. Let’s be real, everyone does. But the *bones* are there. The pools are genuinely lovely. The villas? Pretty spacious.
My room? *Glorious*. Massive bed. Huge bathroom. Actually, the bathroom was probably bigger than my first apartment in New York. (Remember that, Sarah? The shoebox with the leaky tap?). The villa itself? Beautiful, it was! The design, even. Okay, maybe the lighting wasn't *quite* as dramatic as the pictures suggest, but hey, it's still pretty darn good.
The devil's in the details, though. Like, one of the pool tiles was slightly loose. And the AC in the living room could’ve wrestled a bear (it was *freezing*). But honestly? I wasn’t expecting perfection. I’m not a princess. I just wanted a decent vacation.
Food, glorious food! What's the dining situation like? Are we talking cardboard cuisine, or actual, edible delight?
Alright, let's talk food. The restaurant is *the* place to eat, unless you fancy a UberEats adventure in the middle of nowhere. The menu is… varied. A bit of everything. But with varying degrees of success.
Breakfast? Solid. Standard buffet fare. Lots of lovely pastries, thank goodness. A decent selection of juices. The coffee… well, it wasn’t the best coffee I’ve had (and I'm a coffee snob, I admit it). But it was passable. Functional. Got the job done.
Lunch and dinner? Hit and miss. The grilled fish was *divine*. Seriously, melt-in-your-mouth delicious. The pasta, though? Sadly, I couldn’t finish it. And you could taste it... the saltiness of the sea. It was *that* salty. I felt a little bit bad, but honestly? I left most of it. My bad Sarah ordered a steak, it was... tough. Like, chewing-for-an-hour-and-still-going tough.
So, the food is…a mixed bag. Go for the local specialties. And be prepared to, occasionally, be disappointed. It's the desert. Not a Michelin star restaurant. Lower your gastronomical expectations.
Activities, please! Is it just sunbathing and staring at the sand? I need something to *do*!
Okay, let’s address the elephant in the room: Palm Lily Suites isn’t exactly buzzing with activity. It’s more of a chill-out-by-the-pool-and-read-a-book kind of place. Which, honestly, is exactly what I *needed*. Seriously, my job? Stressful. My cat? Demanding. A quiet pool? Sign me up!
They *do* offer a few things. Horseback riding (I didn’t try it, scared of horses). Desert safaris (sounded cool, but I'm more of a bookworm). Some might enjoy that, more power to ya. The main pool itself? Awesome. Perfect for a swim, maybe not a party. Just pure, unadulterated relaxation.
The best activity? Probably just chilling and talking crap with friends. I spent ages just talking with Sarah or some other random people. I genuinely enjoyed just being still.
Okay, the staff. Are they helpful? Annoying? Invisible? Spill the tea!
The staff? Ah, the staff! They were generally *lovely*. Incredibly polite. Eager to please. But… here’s the thing. Sometimes, the eagerness was a *little* overwhelming. They'd be hovering, constantly asking if everything was okay. Which, after a while, made me feel slightly… monitored?
They were trying their best, but English wasn't always perfect. Which led to some *hilarious* misunderstandings. I ordered a "small water," and ended up with, like, a gallon jug. But, I laughed it off. The guys in the pool area? The BEST. They were always friendly, helpful, really fantastic people, and remembered my drink preferences faster than I did. They made the vacation.
Overall? They were definitely a net positive. Just… maybe a little space, sometimes. I'm a big girl, I can pour my own water.
Is it kid-friendly? Asking for… well, actually, are there a lot of kids?
Kid-friendly… sort of? There were a few families there. The pools are great for kids, and there's plenty of space to run around. But it's not a dedicated "kids' club" type of place. I didn’t see a playground. Think of it like a "kids are welcome but not overstimulated" kind of place.
Personally? I went to escape kids. So I was happy with the limited presence. If you're traveling with kids, it could be fine, depending on your tolerance level. If you’re on a solo trip or just trying to escape your own mini-me? It's a definite win!
Sarah, on the other hand? She was relieved there weren't a ton of screaming children. She’d had enough of her screaming nieces and nephews during the holidays. I guess it depends on where you come from!
What’s the one thing you’d tell someone considering booking Palm Lily Suites? The honest, gut-level truth!
The absolute honest truth? Lower your expectations. Seriously. Go in expecting a lovely spot for some rest and relaxation. Expect a bit of imperfection. Don't go expecting the Ritz, and you *won't* be disappointed.
The real winner for me, though? It was the peace. Absolute bliss. I needed it. And I got it.
Just… bring your own coffee.Around The World Hotels
