Hilton Garden Inn Tabuk

Stayed for a trip to Madain Saleh

Seems to be the best hotel in Tabuk, although the prices matched the lack of competition. Cleanliness was to international hotel standards. Service was good. If I returned to Tabuk I don't think I'd stay anywhere else, due to lack of other good options. We flew into Tabuk on Friday evening, rented an SUV, and left early Saturday morning to drive to Madain Saleh and Al Ula. Drove back Saturday evening and flew out of Tabuk that night; this was a better option for us then overnight in Al Ula where there are no international standard hotels, and I'm glad we did the trip this way despite my various complaints about the hotel.

Paid $160 US for one night which felt overpriced, plus ~$75 US per person for the seafood buffet (which was quite good, but frustratingly the only option in the hotel restaurant). At the buffet they charge separately for fountain beverages (30 SAR each!) so be aware of how much your meal will end up costing. At one point a stray cat ran into the lobby several times before someone dealt with it... this is Saudi so not that surprising. TVs had international news channels on the channel listings but these were not actually in service. My shower pressure was very weak and water would not get hot (on the top floor) but my travel companion's shower was fine. Air conditioner in the room worked but inconsistently; I would set it to 21, it would cool to 21 then back off and the temperature would increase to 23, then I had to shut it off and on for it to cool at full force again.