SAS Residence & Hotel, Dhahran - Formerly Radisson Blu

I've spent my last 5 or 6 hotel stays with the Radisson group, but this was one of my worst experiences with them. After I arrived past midnight, nobody was at reception. When the receptionist eventually showed up, he put me in a room on the 3rd floor. There were roaches and bugs in the bathroom and in the bedroom near the bed. The room phone didn't work, so I went back to reception and showed him a video of a roach. He said the 3rd floor was known to have an infestation, that many guests had complained, and that nothing had been done, even though guests were still being checked into rooms there. I asked why they kept assigning those rooms. I wanted to leave for a nearby Radisson or another hotel company, but my booking had been made online and by phone, they refused a cancellation refund, and it was hard to find another hotel nearby at that hour. The receptionist apologized, moved me to another room, and said management would handle it in the morning. When I followed up, management wouldn't come speak with me. I was told to check back later, and that the entire 3rd floor had been closed because of the bugs. That afternoon, I tried again, but another receptionist said there was no problem on the 3rd floor and guests were still staying there. I had to remain another night because nothing could be done about my booking, and they wouldn't transfer me to a nearby Radisson branch. The next morning, there was still no word from management, and reception gave me different information again. When I checked out later that day and asked for management once more, I was told they weren't available and there was no issue. I got no follow-up or support from management. There was just a wall outside the window. The furniture was old, some pieces were in poor condition, and the rugs and carpet were stained. Breakfast had limited choices. It was a very bad experience, and I've since stayed with a different hotel chain.

It could have been much better. The hotel was just okay, the rooms need major renovation, and breakfast needs work. Google Maps images show two pools, one indoor and one outdoor, but in reality there was only one outdoor pool, and it was very dirty.

The staff were friendly and really nice, and the rooms were okay. But the breakfast wasn't good: the selection was limited, the same menu came every day, and they changed only one item. I ate breakfast there and wasn't happy with it. I also had trouble with the access card, which didn't work properly, and the door was very hard to open. Everything else was fine.

It’s a peaceful hotel, and the staff are amazingly cooperative. Housekeeping does a great job. The parking, entrance, lobby, and swimming pool are all in good condition. The rooms may once have been state of the art, but they could use a makeover now. The lifts need ventilation, and the room AC needs repair.