The al-Waleed Hotel provided me with just what I needed, as an American producing and filming a short documentary throughout the Middle East. On a somewhat tight budget, I chose the al-Waleed Hotel based on a recommendation from a colleague in the area. It provided me with just what I needed and expected from a three-star hotel in the Middle East. The room was of a nice size, and appeared to be clean. Breakfast was complimentary, and I enjoyed a nice selection. It was located right in the Seventh Circle, providing me quick and easy access to everything I needed. I was also pleasantly surprised to find the Starbucks and GAP store right down the street!
Most of all, the staff was extremely friendly and helpful. My bags were carried to my hotel room, and the cleaning staff was very kind each day. Perhaps most helpful, the front desk was instrumental in getting me out of a bind one day. I wanted to use the conference room to film interviewees. I had not previously cleared it with the hotel, but immediately, the general manager got the phone with the Ministry of Interior Affairs, and was granted permission. Within ten minutes, I was approved and happily filmed in the conference room. The hotel gladly turned down the soft background music so the camera wouldn't pick it up in the background. The al-Waleed Hotel was enormously helpful in facilitating the production of my film.
I do wish, that in future visits I make to the al-Waleed Hotel, that they have faster Internet. It was very, very slow.
Still, I look forward to happy returns to the al-Waleed.