4/10
I’m not sure how to describe this, but since moving from Medina and Mecca to Jeddah, every interaction I’ve had with employees and staff has felt as if I were intruding on their personal space. They acted like royalty, refusing to offer even the faintest smile. The Donatello Hotel was a prime example. I booked a room for one night due to an early flight the next morning and requested a 3 AM wake-up call (which I never received). After some back-and-forth with the receptionist, my room was finally ready. I searched everywhere for a room service menu or even the reception desk’s phone number, but without success.
When I returned to the reception, I encountered a receptionist with a princess-like attitude. I asked if they offered a room service menu, and she curtly replied, “There’s the restaurant—go there.” It wasn’t worth arguing, so I didn’t press further. To their credit, the restaurant staff were polite and helpful.
After finishing my meal and heading back to my room, I discovered a hidden rule: if you don’t take the “correct” elevator, a staff member will appear out of nowhere. A woman abruptly instructed, “Hey, take the other elevator!” Again, I chose not to engage—I needed sleep.
By then, I’d already decided not to rely on the promised wake-up call, a decision that proved wise. Needless to say, I won’t be returning.
Souhail
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