In the heart of Riyadh, one of Saudi Arabia’s most historic landmarks is preparing for a new life. The Red Palace, once the home of Crown Prince Saud, later King Saud, will reopen in 2026 as an ultra-luxury hotel under the vision of Boutique Group, the Saudi hospitality collective dedicated to transforming royal residences into extraordinary cultural destinations.
Built in 1943, The Red Palace was once the stage for royal receptions, state banquets, and the quiet diplomacy that defined Saudi Arabia’s modern emergence. Its striking red façade and Art Deco flourishes made it a bold statement of progress at a time when the Kingdom was stepping confidently onto the world stage. Behind its grand symmetry lay a distinct blend of influences: European formality softened by the light and geometry of traditional Saudi architecture.
The restoration by Aedas and interior designer Tristan Auer pays homage to this cosmopolitan legacy while shaping the Palace for a new generation of global travellers. Auer’s vision weaves together the textures of the past with the intimacy of modern design, creating spaces that retain the building’s royal gravitas but invite quiet reflection.
With just seventy rooms and suites, The Red Palace has been conceived as a true boutique property, where privacy and personalisation are central to the experience. Guests will have access to salons, dining rooms, and gardens once reserved for Saudi royalty. Every detail of the transformation has been guided by a sense of reverence for the building’s heritage and a desire to revive the spirit of hospitality that defined King Saud’s era.
The hotel’s spa is designed as an immersive sanctuary, featuring private spa suites with saunas, steam rooms, and treatment areas. Inspired by the customs of royal welcome, the rituals will incorporate Saudi ingredients such as incense, rose, and oud. These sensory elements link the guest experience to the country’s long-standing traditions of generosity and beauty.
Dining at The Red Palace will bridge past and present, with menus that celebrate traditional Saudi cuisine alongside international culinary influences. The intention is to create a destination that feels as resonant for locals as it does for travellers, reflecting the original role of the Palace as a gathering place for dialogue and celebration.
For Boutique Group, which operates under Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, The Red Palace marks another step in its mission to preserve cultural heritage while defining a new standard of luxury. More than a hotel, it represents the convergence of history, architecture, and contemporary design. When it opens in 2026, The Red Palace will once again stand as a meeting point between worlds, a testament to how heritage can evolve without losing its soul.
