Historic House Hotel heads for AlUla

Imagery © RCU.
Saudi Arabia’s Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) has signed an agreement to bring Kerten Hospitality’s The House Hotel brand to AlUla.

Scheduled for Q2 2024, Dar Tantora by The House Hotel will open with 30 guestrooms within historic mud-brick structures and decorated with authentic materials and designs from AlUla’s past.

Historic restoration

RCU is developing the landmark property by restoring several buildings using contemporary engineering methods and time-honoured techniques. The development will showcase the Old Town village as a vibrant cultural hub.

As part of RCU’s Journey Through Time masterplan, the hotel will further expand the accommodation offering in AlUla in alignment with the city’s sustainability charter.

Traditional décor

The rooms will be adorned with traditional décor, furniture and artistic accents, incorporating storytelling elements that capture the area’s heritage. Local artisans received specialised training to participate in the restoration endeavours.

Dar Tantora will also house a pool and spa as well as a restaurant and café.

Legacy and luxury

Marloes Knippenberg, CEO, Kerten Hospitality, said: “We take immense pride in operating Dar Tantora by The House Hotel, a location that seamlessly weaves AlUla Old Town’s cultural legacy with the comfort of modern luxury.

“At Kerten Hospitality, our dedication to delivering exceptional guest experiences resonates with RCU’s objective of creating harmonious communities, and we eagerly look forward to playing a significant role in the region’s development,” 

5,000-key target

John Northen, vice president- head of hotels and resorts, RCU, added: “Dar Tantora by The House Hotel will allow guests to live the rich heritage of the AlUla Old Town historical village.

“Steeped in the past yet embracing progress, this hotel encapsulates RCU’s vision for a diverse range of accommodations as we continue to deliver on our plans for more than 5,000 keys by 2030.”

Contributing to that target will be Sharaan Natural Reserve Resort, a tourism project that will occupy more than 22,000 sq km of land north of Madinah, featuring a 43-key luxurious resort delivering in Q4 this year. Within the overall development will be Aman Hotels International’s Janu AlUla, a 250-room hotel due by the end of Q2 this year.

Vignette Collection signed in Malaysia

IHG announces Mangala Estate Kuantan as the first Vignette Collection property in Malaysia, joining the brand after a 2027 refurbishment...

Project of the Week: Signia Hilton Indianapolis

With partners like AECOM Hunt, Ratio Design, and Kite Realty, Signia by Hilton Indianapolis offers 800 rooms and extensive amenities opening in 2026...

Kempinski introduces Turks and Caicos project

Kempinski Hotels teams up with developer JTRE to create Kempinski Grace Bay, a low-density luxury resort and residences on 11 acres of untouched Grace Bay shoreline...