Platinum First Hotel Medina: Your Royal Escape Awaits!
Platinum First Hotel Medina: My Royal Escape (or, Did I Actually Find Paradise?) – A Messy, Honest Review
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn’t your perfectly-polished, travel-blogger-approved review. This is me – straight from the trenches (well, the plush carpets) of the Platinum First Hotel Medina. “Your Royal Escape Awaits!” they bragged. And honestly? They weren't completely wrong. Let's dive in because, honestly, I'm still trying to untangle my feelings.
First Impressions: Accessibility, and the Initial "Woohoo!" Moment
Right off the bat, let’s talk Accessibility. This is crucial. I didn’t need full wheelchair access, but I appreciate a hotel that thinks about it. And Platinum First? They scored pretty well. Elevators? Check. Wide hallways? Mostly! (There was a slightly tight corner in the lobby that I almost took out a potted plant with – thankfully, averted!). They do have facilities for disabled guests, and that’s a huge win. The check-in/out process was surprisingly breezy (more on that later), and the staff was incredibly helpful, even if my Arabic is… let's call it "nascent." The front desk [24-hour], bless their hearts, are always there to help. Score one for feeling welcomed!
Internet Woes and Wi-Fi Wonders (and the Coffee That Saved Everything)
Ah, the internet. The modern-day lifeline. "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" they boomed. And… it was… mostly reliable! Internet access [LAN] was also listed, but, honestly, who uses that anymore? Though there I was, frantically trying to find something to plug that into! I will give them kudos, though. They had Internet services for all sorts of things. The Wi-Fi in public areas was stronger than the room Wi-Fi. Don't get me wrong, the Internet in the room was fine but I will say it was a little patchy sometimes. I'm a writer; I need internet. The fact that I could eventually get my work off without too much trouble was a HUGE load off my shoulders. One thing, though, the Coffee/tea in restaurant was a godsend. I, more often than not, found myself there.
Food Glorious Food (and My Near-Miss with a Spicy Situation)
Okay, let's get real about the food. The Restaurants are plentiful. The Asian breakfast – I went for that. Then the Asian cuisine in restaurant… My tastebuds are on fire but It was worth it! They have Breakfast [buffet] which, honestly, after a few days, starts feeling a little… samey. But the sheer volume of options is impressive. The Breakfast service itself was efficient, though the staff seemed to have a slight aversion to eye contact until you'd poured yourself a cup of that sweet, sweet coffee. They have an A la carte in restaurant and you can get desserts in restaurant.
Now, the spicy anecdote: I thought I was ordering a mild soup. Turns out, "mild" apparently translates to "volcano of flavor." I almost needed the Doctor/nurse on call after that one. Good thing I had the Bottle of water nearby!
Other dining experiences? The Poolside bar looked inviting, but I was too busy trying to find a way to cool down from the spicy soup incident. The Snack bar? Perfect for a quick bite, especially if you're avoiding the potential explosive properties of certain dishes.
Relaxation, Glorious Relaxation (Spa Days and Stair-Related Adventures)
This is where Platinum First really shines. The Spa is a sanctuary. The Sauna practically melted my stress away (along with, possibly, a few pounds). They have a Spa/sauna too! The Pool with view is stunning, though I'm not sure if it was the view, or just the exhaustion. The Fitness center is well-equipped, though I'm pretty sure I spent more time admiring it than using it. I did not want to even try the Foot bath. They are good at relaxing.
Now, the messy part: finding the spa. The signs were a little less than clear, and I may or may not have taken the stairs for a few floors thinking I was going in the right direction. Let's just say it was a good workout… and added to the "rustic" feel.
Cleanliness and Safety: The Sanitizer Stampede and the Peace of Mind
In a post-pandemic world, this is vital. Platinum First gets a gold star here. They were seriously on top of it. They advertised Anti-viral cleaning products, and I believe it. They have Daily disinfection in common areas, Professional-grade sanitizing services, and Rooms sanitized between stays. There were Hand sanitizer stations everywhere. The staff trained in safety protocol were visible. I felt genuinely safe. The Safe dining setup further added to feeling safe.
Bonus points: the Individually-wrapped food options. And they had Room sanitization opt-out available for anyone who wanted it. Plus, the First aid kit in the room was a nice touch. The Staff is very professional.
The Room: My Personal Oasis (and the Questionable Choice of Blackout Curtains)
The room itself? Generally, lovely. The Air conditioning worked like a champ, which is a necessity in the Medina heat. The Air conditioning in public area was amazing. The Complimentary tea was a nice touch (instant coffee, though, come on, guys!). The Bathrobes were plush. Bathrooms were clean and the bathroom phone definitely came in handy. The Blackout curtains, however, were a bit too effective. I almost missed breakfast on my first morning! The bed was incredibly comfortable. The Slippers were a nice touch too. The View was good, despite the darkness, and the Window that opens was also an asset.
Services and Conveniences: The Good, the Bad, and the Unexpected
They have a lot of those. The Concierge was genuinely helpful. The Laundry service was prompt (and thankfully got rid of the evidence of my spicy soup adventure). The Daily housekeeping kept things sparkling. They have a Convenience store. The Doorman was always polite. They even have Car park [free of charge]. Cash withdrawal was easily available. There are Elevator to access the rooms.
On the downside, I didn't use the Business facilities (the internet, remember?), but they seemed well-equipped. The Invoice provided was helpful, and the Meeting/banquet facilities looked impressive, though I wasn’t attending any meetings whilst I was there.
For the Kids (and the Inner Child in Me)
I didn't travel with children, but the Family/child friendly label seems accurate. They have Babysitting service, and Kids facilities.
Getting Around: Airport Transfer & Taxi Tales
The Airport transfer was smooth and efficient. Getting around the Medina by Taxi service was easy. The Car park [free of charge] was a bonus for those with a car.
My Verdict: Is Platinum First Really Royal?
Look, no hotel is perfect. There were minor hiccups, and a few things that needed tweaking (the signposting, the coffee quality…), but overall? Platinum First Hotel Medina exceeded my expectations. It's got a lot going for it: It's clean, the staff are great, the spa is amazing, and the location is ideal. They have some good safety/security feature.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely. Especially if you're looking for a relaxing escape and prioritize cleanliness and safety. They have a good check-in/out [private].
My Quirky Observation: The sheer number of fluffy towels in my bathroom felt like a personal spa-day guarantee.
My Emotional Reaction: I left feeling refreshed, slightly sunburnt (thanks to the outdoor pool), and with a renewed appreciation for the simple things – like a good cup of coffee and a towel-wrapped escape.
Platinum First Hotel Medina: Your Royal Escape Awaits! – Book Now! (Here's Why)
Tired of the same old holiday? Craving a break that truly feels like a royal escape? Then listen up!
- Unbeatable Cleanliness: In a world where cleanliness is king, Platinum First is a veritable palace. Rest easy knowing we've got you covered with our rigorous hygiene protocols.
- Spa-tacular Relaxation: Melt away your stress in our luxurious spa, complete with a sauna, steam room, and a pool with a view.
- Foodies Rejoice!: Indulge in a culinary journey, from authentic Asian breakfasts to international cuisine.
- Connected & Comfortable: Stay connected with our fast, free Wi-Fi (mostly!) and enjoy the comfort of our well-appointed rooms.
- Convenient Location: Explore the heart of Medina with ease, with easy access to everything you need.
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're heading to Medina, Saudi Arabia, to the utterly… platinum-plated Platinum First Hotel. This isn't gonna be a dry, robotic itinerary. Oh no. This is gonna be my messy diary of a trip, complete with meltdowns, moments of sheer wonder, and the inevitable sunburn. Let's do this, shall we?
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Sandstorm Mystery (And My Crumbling Sense of Direction)
Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM (ish, because let's be honest, I'm terrible with time zones)
Event: Arrive at Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport (MED). Okay, so the airport itself? Surprisingly slick. Smooth immigration, relatively painless. Praise Allah for that. However, the first thing I do? Get completely and utterly lost. The signage? Beautiful calligraphy, utterly unhelpful to a directionally-challenged Westerner. I circled the baggage claim area three times. Three! Finally, I stumbled upon a helpful airport employee who, bless his heart, pointed me towards my pre-booked car. (Which, thankfully, was not a camel. I still have PTSD from my last camel ride.)
Quirky Observation: The sheer number of people in pristine white robes is overwhelming. It's like a beautifully billowing, pure white sea. I felt like a brightly-colored (and slightly sweaty) fish swimming through it. Also, lots and lots of delicious dates. I ate like, five. Maybe six. Don't judge!
Emotional Reaction: Relief! Pure, unadulterated relief when that car finally pulled up. And then…mild panic as we drove into the desert. I swear, I thought we were being kidnapped.
Transport: Airport transfer to the Platinum First Hotel.
Time: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Event: Check-in at the Platinum First Hotel. Ah, the "platinum" part. It's opulent, alright. Marble everywhere. Gold trim I'm pretty sure I saw a chandelier bigger than my apartment. The air conditioning felt like a polar bear hug. The room? Spacious. The bed? So comfortable, I almost wept from exhaustion.
Messy Detail: The welcome dates and coffee? Absolutely divine. I inhaled them. Then, the hotel wifi. Let's just say it was a struggle. A buffering, password-resetting, "where's the tech support" kind of struggle.
Opinionated Language: OKAY, this hotel is ridiculously fancy. And it's going to take some serious getting used to.
Transport: None.
Time: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Event: Free Time
Messy Detail: I decided to lie on the bed after a long journey on the plane.
Emotional Reaction: So exhausted, I almost wept from exhaustion.
Transport: None.
Time: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Event: Explore the hotel. I decide to wander around. It's a maze, honestly. Found the gym (too intimidated to go in, felt like I needed a membership in the bodybuilder's club). The spa, not as intimidating, but a little too fancy for a walk-in.
Quirky Observation: The lobby had more people wearing traditional clothes than I'd ever seen in my life and I found myself smiling, even if I didn't know what everyone was doing.
Emotional Reaction: A little overwhelmed, and slightly jet lagged. Trying to remember the hotel's wifi password.
Transport: Hotel
Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Event: Dinner at the hotel's restaurant. Let's just say the food was an experience. I ordered something I thought was safe (a chicken dish, I usually eat that). It was plated with exquisite care. Everything was so fragrant, and the saffron rice was… wow, I've never tasted anything like it. Amazing.
Rambles/Imperfections: I had to ask for another napkin. I am a terrible mess. I also got a bit of food on my robes.
Emotional Reaction: Completely and utterly overwhelmed by the sensory experience. I just wanted to close my eyes and eat.
Transport: Hotel food.
Time: 8:00 PM onwards
Event: Attempt to sleep. (Good luck to me).
Emotional Reaction: Still buzzing from dinner. Also, the jet lag is kicking in with a vengeance. I can hear my tummy grumbling.
Transport: The bed
Day 2: The Prophet's Mosque & A Spiritual Awakening (Maybe?)
Time: 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Event: Breakfast at the hotel. More dates! More delicious coffee. This is going to become a problem.
Opinionated Language: This breakfast buffet is insane. Like, mind-bogglingly good.
Transport: Hotel to hotel.
Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Event: Visiting Al-Masjid an-Nabawi (The Prophet's Mosque). This is the main event. The reason I'm here. The sheer scale of it… breathtaking doesn't even begin to cover it. The minarets pierce the sky. The vast courtyard, filled with people from all over the world, praying, reflecting, connecting. The energy…it's palpable. I spent a long time just…standing.
Doubling Down on the Experience: Okay, here's where I confess. I'm not overly religious. But standing there, amongst the hundreds of people, I was overcome. I felt a sense of peace I haven't felt in years. I just watched people praying. I watched the light. I watched the birds. I felt a connection. This entire experience shook me down to my core.
Messy Detail: I nearly cried like five times. Mostly from the sheer beauty, and the thought of how far I had to walk back to the hotel.
Transport: Walking in the holy ground.
Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Event: The worst thing happened. Not the worst thing, but the thing that makes me laugh. I got lost again. Inside the mosque complex. It took a solid 20 minutes of slightly panicked wandering (and several attempts to ask for directions in very bad Arabic) before I found my way out.
Transport: The holy ground.
Time: 1:00 PM- 2:00 PM
Event: Lunch at a local restaurant. (Okay, so I also found a street food vendor. Who can resist? The food was divine).
Quirky Observation: There were so many amazing smells and sounds of things I did not know, but I was completely fine with.
Emotional Reaction: Full, happy, a bit exhausted.
Transport: Taxi.
Time: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Event: Trying to relax. I am so tired.
Messy Detail: I accidentally fell asleep with my shoes still on.
Emotional Reaction: Feeling great.
Transport: None
Time: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Event: Shopping, for gifts. Souvenirs. I wandered the local markets, bought some beautiful prayer beads (even though I'm not particularly religious, they're just pretty), and got totally ripped off on a rug. I am a terrible negotiator.
Opinionated Language: The souks are a sensory overload. In a good way. But be prepared to haggle, or you'll end up paying tourist prices.
Transport: Taxi.
Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Event: Dinner and just feeling blessed.
Messy Detail: The food was great. Ate a lot.
Emotional Reaction: Content.
Transport: Taxi.
Time: 8:00 PM onwards
Event: Pack, research things, prepare for the journey home.
Emotional Reaction: Sad to leave. Excited to go back home.
Transport: Bed, and dreams.
Day 3: Departure & Contemplating Dates (And My Sanity)
Time: 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Event: Breakfast, final hotel check out. I overstayed a bit as I had to go back and get something I left in the room.
Opinionated Language: One last buffet feast. Good.
Transport: None
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Event: Final Souvenir hunt. More dates, seriously. I have
Platinum First Hotel Medina: Your Royal Escape Awaits...ish? FAQ - The Unfiltered Truth
Okay, spill the tea! Is Platinum First *actually* as fancy as the photos make it look?
Alright, buckle up buttercup, because the truth is a bit… layered. The photos? Yeah, they've got that airbrushed, glossy sheen going on. Think of it like Instagram versus your actual life. The lobby definitely has the wow factor – those chandeliers, the plush seating… I swear, I nearly tripped over a rogue suitcase just gawking. But then you get to your room… and that's where reality starts to nudge in. My first room? Let’s just say the carpeting had seen better days. Like, *way* better. Felt like I was walking on a herd of slightly flattened ants. Swapped rooms, thankfully. Second time was the charm, mostly!
What about the food? Is the Platinum First buffet a culinary masterpiece?
The buffet… oh, the buffet. Okay, so here’s the deal. It *is* extensive. Like, seriously, you could spend a week just trying to sample everything. They have *everything*. From your typical breakfast staples (eggs, the usual suspects) to local dishes that sometimes blew my mind (in a good way, mostly!). There's a fresh juice section, which is a lifesaver in the heat. Pro tip: get there early. The vultures… I mean, the other guests… descend like a swarm. I'm not a huge buffet person anyway... I prefer a bit more finesse. The desserts were probably the highlight, though. My weakness. I may have... overindulged. Several times. No regrets. Maybe a slight sugar coma.
How's the service? Are the staff helpful and friendly?
Okay, service. This is where things get… interesting. Most of the staff? Absolutely lovely. Super helpful, always smiling, eager to please. I had one incident (I’m not going into detail, because it's a bit of a saga and involved rogue air conditioning and a language barrier) but even *then* at the end someone, probably the manager, basically fell all over themselves to apologize, offer free fruit, and generally make up for it. The housekeeping staff was amazing. They left little treats and made my bed look like it had been professionally styled by a team of expert home decorators. But, there were definitely times when things felt a little… slow. Like, I waited for a pot of tea for about 25 minutes. It's like they were sourcing the leaves directly from a remote mountaintop in Tibet or something. Patience is a virtue, people. Bring some.
Is it easy to get to the Prophet's Mosque from the hotel? That's kind of the main point, isn't it?
Okay, so, this is a biggie. The *whole point*. Yes, the location is fantastic! This is the major selling point of the hotel. I mean, the whole hotel is based on this. It's *super* close to the Prophet's Mosque. As in, you can practically smell the fragrant incense from your room… sometimes. The walk is easy, even in the heat (and trust me, the heat is real). No endless taxi rides, no struggling with crowds, just a quick, easy stroll. I walked there for every prayer and that was a godsend. Really changed the experience. Just be prepared for the throngs of people – think of it as a free fitness class, dodging pilgrims!
What's the best time to visit Platinum First? When are the crowds the worst?
Good question! The holy months and Ramadan are going to be bonkers. Expect to elbow your way through crowds. If you can go during the off-season, it’s going to be way less stressful. I went once during a time when the dates were off-peak for a big pilgrimage, and I felt like I had the whole place to myself (well, almost). The weather also plays a huge role. Summer is brutal; winter is (relatively) mild. I went in the spring and it was pretty perfect. Think about when you're planning to go, and expect the crowds. And pack accordingly!
Are the rooms noisy? I need my beauty sleep.
This is vital. I *need* my beauty sleep too, darling! It depends a lot on the location of your room. If you get a room facing the street, be prepared for noise. It's a busy city! Even with soundproof windows, there’s still that distant hum of life. Ask for a room on a higher floor, away from the street. I was lucky (or maybe I complained enough?) and eventually got a room at the back of the hotel, which was… blissful. Absolute silence. Best sleep of my life. Although, sometimes, you *do* hear the call to prayer. Which, actually, is quite beautiful and a reminder of where you are. And if you’re a particularly light sleeper, earplugs are your friend.
What facilities does the hotel offer? (Pool, Gym, etc.)
They have a gym. I *think*. I saw a sign for one. I’m not a gym person, so I didn't actually go in to confirm, but it seemed to exist. I *did* see a business center – which probably has high-speed internet and is essential if you have work to do or need to connect with the outside world. They had shops, which can be helpful if you’ve forgotten something important - from toiletries to snacks. I didn't see a pool, which was a shame, honestly. A pool would be a godsend after a long day of praying and exploring. But, hey, you can't have everything.
Tell me more about the lifts/elevators! Are they a nightmare?
Lifts. Oh, the lifts. This is a crucial detail, and I'm warning you. This is where I had the *biggest* issue. They're slow. Like, painfully slow. And during peak times? Forget about it! You'll be waiting for an eternity. And then, when the lift finally *does* arrive, it’ll be full, crammed with chattering pilgrims, overloaded with luggage, people staring expectantly at you, waiting to get in. I actually started taking the stairs more often. Except, the stairwells were a maze. And often quite dim. One time, I got completely lost and ended up wandering around on a different floor. I eventually found my way back, but it was an adventure. Bottom line: factor in extra time for navigating the lifts. And beHotel Hop Now
