Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( 661 1800;
www.intercontinental.com
; Corniche; r from SR1125; )
The chic InterContinental
boasts three main drawcards: a waterside location with a private beach, good facilities (in-
cluding decent restaurants) and attention to detail - right down to complimentary under-
water cameras and playing cards for the kids. And of course the rooms are suitably luxuri-
ous.
Qasr Al-Sharq$$$
LUXURY HOTEL
( 659 9999;
www.qasralsharqjeddah.com
;
North Corniche; s/d SR1900/2050; )
Decorated by
the same designer who worked on Dubai's famous Burj al-Arab, the self-described seven-
star Al-Sharq prides itself on luxury. The dazzling decor includes no less than 60kg of
gold leaf, silk curtains and a 12m chandelier; rooms all have a 42-inch plasma TV (with
obligatory gold panelling) and 24-hour butler service. Beautiful, but in an insane super-
model sort of a way.
Eating
Look at
www.jeddahfood.com
for up-to-date reviews of Jeddah's restaurant scene.
Al-Mahmal Centre$
FAST FOOD
(King Abdul Aziz St; Sat-Thurs 8am-11.30pm, Fri 1-11.30 pm)
For a table with a view, the 7th floor
of the Al-Mahmal Centre has several small restaurants serving Turkish, Lebanese and
Filipino fast food.
Yildizlar$$
TURKISH, LEBANESE
OFFLINE MAP
( 653 1150;
www.yildizlar.net
; Al-Andalus St; mains SR30-75; 1pm-1am)
Lavish in both decor and
dining, the Yildizar is a local institution serving a splendid mix of Turkish and Lebanese.
Dishes range from boneless pigeon with truffles (SR75) to caviar (SR165 to SR185), fab-
ulous fish dishes (SR65 to SR180) and gorgeous grills (SR30 to SR60). It can get busy
and more than a hint noisy.
Al-Nakheel Restaurant$$
MIDDLE EASTERN
OFFLINE MAP
( 606 6644; Al-Mukhtar St; mains SR30-50; 9am-3am)
Styled like a traditional tent (with open
sides to let in the sea breezes) this is the place to come for a taste of Jeddah. It's wildly
