As the industry gathered to celebrate Saudi Design Week, Hilton spotlighted its exceptionally designed hotels, including the newly opened Waldorf Astoria Dubai International Financial Centre as well as Conrad Makkah which celebrated its third anniversary this year.
The international hotel chain, which boasts luxury brands Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, LXR Hotels & Resorts and Conrad Hotels & Resorts, prides itself on a timeless appeal that links its long and proud heritage with modern functionality. Elegant design is evident at Hilton’s seven luxury properties in the Middle East and will be a major feature of the additional six luxury hotels in the pipeline – including the 350-room Waldorf Astoria The Avenues – Riyadh.
“Design is one of the biggest differentiators when it comes to hotels,” explains Leila Abdulrahim, Director of Design, Middle East & Turkey, Hilton. “Hotel design is extremely important, from the functional – such as well-placed light switches – to the aesthetic.”
At Hilton’s luxury hotels, architectural planning and design create spaces which are experiential, sequential and hierarchical: Design teams think about the flow of a guest journey from arrival to the in-room experience, striving to seamlessly integrate form and function.
Hilton has a deep understanding of guest needs and expectations – and through design, the company aims for guest comfort and frictionless experiences – all complemented by anticipatory, helpful service from Team Members. At Waldorf Astoria properties, this is called True Waldorf Service.
As an example, the company pays close attention to zoning within its properties to offer guests environments of their choosing, depending upon their business or leisure needs, level of desired social interaction and preference for privacy.
In addition to carefully considering the guest experience, design teams consider points such as lighting, layering and detailing. The team also works to create a design narrative that is location-centric – creating properties that are unique yet appeal perfectly to an audience of local and international guests.
Conrad Makkah

Modernity meets traditional Islamic architecture at Conrad Makkah, where architectural and design teams blended contemporary luxury with elements of Islamic-infused interiors and art, culminating in a visual and experiential design masterpiece.
From Mashrabiya, to courtyards, to chandeliers with tree leaf patterns, Conrad Makkah transforms elements of Islamic heritage into an ultra-modern composition.
For example, ‘Falak’ – derived from Surah’s from the Holy Qur’an and meaning ‘Astronomy’ in English – has been used in the paintings and drawings on the walls of Conrad Makkah, with beige and very light blue colour giving a sense of peace and equanimity.
Waldorf Astoria Jeddah – Qasr Al Sharq
Waldorf Astoria Jeddah – Qasr Al Sharq reflects the traditional sense of luxury in the Middle East. The hotel oozes opulence and has a generosity of spaces, such as sprawling guest rooms and lavish bathrooms.

The Jeddah property represents an important milestone for Hilton in a significant market. Opened more than 10 years ago, it was the first Waldorf Astoria property to open outside of the US.

Waldorf Astoria Dubai International Financial Centre
Interiors at the recently opened Waldorf Astoria Dubai International Financial Centre are inspired by the iconic architecture, lifestyle and mid-modern style of 1960s New York – an era of high glamour, urban style and elegant glitz, which reflects the hotel’s location in the prestigious DIFC neighborhood.

Retro-chic, sleek, statement furniture and multifunctional design layered with luxe materials including marble, ebony, brass and bronze, create a cool and contemporary look.

The hotel also features a huge collection of art commissioned by Imad Bechara, a leading artist and innovator famous for creating and curating original artwork for some of Dubai’s finest hotels. Guests are welcomed with an intriguing walkway of 24 pieces entitled ‘Taste the Collection’ that introduces them to the unique style of Waldorf Astoria DIFC.

Conrad Maldives

Outside of the region, Hilton succeeded in creating one of the most unique hotel residences with the opening of THE MURAKA at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island.
Hailed as the completion of a “lifetime’s achievement” by Ahmed Saleem, the lead architect, THE MURAKA is an extraordinary over and underwater residence that provides an unrivalled Maldivian experience for travelers who crave the exceptional.
The award-winning Japanese architect Yuji Yamazaki was commissioned by Hilton to help create THE MURAKA. The result is a true architectural marvel and triumph of modern design and technology. A breathtaking, first-of-its-kind two-storey accommodation connects guests with the natural beauty of the stunning part of the world thanks to its 700 sq.m. of overwater suite, and 100 sq.m. of underwater suite.
Designed by Yamazaki to be a sensational underwater ‘theatre’ the below sea level suite offers phenomenal views of the world below the waves, while refined design elements, such as upholstered dark brown leather on the bedroom walls and silk carpet to help reduce echoes, make THE MURAKA truly a sensation.
With its commitment to meeting a wide range of regional tastes, forward facing aesthetics, dedication to pushing boundaries and pledge to always deliver the exceptional, Hilton has established itself as the hotel chain of choice for guests who demand, and receive, more.

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