Celebrating its recognition among the TOP 100 Hotels & Resorts of the World, InterContinental Riyadh stands as a distinguished symbol of refined hospitality and cultural authenticity. Honored by Luxury Lifestyle Awards, this achievement highlights a standard of excellence brought to life through precision, passion, and leadership. In this World Luxury Chamber of Commerce-led feature, President Alexander Chetchikov leads an engaging conversation with Hotel General Manager Peter Pottinga, exploring vision, luxury philosophy, and the future of global hospitality shaped by InterContinental Riyadh. 

Alexander Chetchikov: InterContinental Riyadh has earned recognition among the world’s finest hospitality destinations. From your perspective, what defines true luxury in today’s travel landscape? 

Peter Pottinga: Luxury today is defined by emotional resonance and the power to create memories that linger long after departure. It is no longer confined to opulence or design alone, but found in how a place makes you feel. For us, true luxury lies in inspiring a sense of wonder at every touchpoint. 

InterContinental has always been synonymous with bold exploration and cultural discovery—opening doors to a world of fascination and meaningful connections. We continue to pioneer new possibilities in hospitality, setting the tone for what the future of luxury truly represents. 

In practice, this means transforming every stay into a new era of the InterContinental life. Thoughtful surprises, intuitive service, and an unwavering attention to detail come together to ensure each guest feels genuinely valued, deeply inspired, and truly exceptional. 

AC: Luxury at your hotel seems deeply rooted in experience rather than extravagance. How do you ensure guests feel a genuine sense of connection, comfort, and individuality during their stay? 

PP: From the very first moment a guest arrives, our focus is on genuine connection and effortless comfort. Every stay is thoughtfully personalized—our teams take the time to understand names, preferences, and individual expectations, transforming service into something deeply human. 

Beyond the walls of the hotel, we act as cultural ambassadors for Riyadh. Through insider knowledge and authentic local insight, we guide our guests to experience the city in a way that is both meaningful and memorable. True to our brand’s promise of distinctive Insider Experiences, our concierge curates bespoke itineraries and thoughtful surprises that often become the most cherished moments of a journey. 

At the heart of everything we do is profound respect for culture. Even as we introduce innovative, contemporary experiences, they are carefully designed to feel seamless, authentic, and deeply rooted in Saudi heritage. As a result, every guest departs feeling genuinely known, truly valued, and warmly at home. 

AC: Many travelers today seek more than accommodation; they seek meaning. How does your hotel create moments that feel memorable, purposeful, and emotionally engaging? 

PP: We believe our greatest role is to be the host of life’s most meaningful moments. At its heart, luxury hospitality is about fostering emotional connection and creating memories that endure long after the stay has ended. For us, every visit represents an opportunity to celebrate something special. 

Our teams are instinctively attentive to the moments that matter most—whether it is a milestone birthday, an anniversary, or a once-in-a-lifetime journey. Thoughtful, unexpected gestures—a handcrafted cake, a private sunset dinner, or a personalized celebration—transform occasions into deeply personal experiences. 

Every detail is intentionally designed so guests feel the moment is uniquely theirs. This is the essence of what we do: creating experiences that resonate on an emotional level and become part of a guest’s life story. As a result, celebrations hosted at our hotel do not simply mark an occasion—they become indelible memories, cherished for years to come. 

AC: Accessibility and inclusivity are essential hallmarks of modern luxury. How do your facilities, services, and guest experience reflect a commitment to welcoming every type of traveler with dignity and ease? 

PP: Inclusivity, in our view, is not an initiative—it is a fundamental expression of true luxury. At InterContinental Riyadh, we are committed to ensuring that every guest can experience our hotel with ease, comfort, and dignity. From wheelchair-accessible entrances and pathways to thoughtfully designed rooms equipped with ramps and lifts, accessibility is seamlessly integrated into the guest journey.  

Equally important is the human element. Our colleagues are trained to support guests of all abilities with sensitivity, respect, and a focus on independence. This reflects our wider commitment to fostering an inclusive culture—one where diversity is celebrated and everyone feels they truly belong. 

In practice, this means anticipating a wide range of needs: offering menus that cater to all dietary preferences, providing prayer and quiet spaces, and creating an environment where every guest feels respected, understood, and genuinely welcome. For us, inclusivity is not an add-on—it is intrinsic to the experience we offer and central to the way we define modern luxury hospitality.

AC: Beyond luxury, your property serves diverse travelers, from leisure guests to business executives. How do you balance elegance with functionality to meet evolving guest expectations in the industry? 

PP: We have thoughtfully brought together classic elegance and intelligent design. Our guest rooms, for example, reflect a timeless and authentic sense of grandeur—defined by marble accents, refined furnishings, and beautifully appointed bedding that invite both comfort and calm. 

At the same time, every space is intuitively designed for contemporary living. From abundant power outlets and USB ports to ergonomic work surfaces and high-speed connectivity, each detail anticipates the needs of today’s traveler without compromising aesthetic harmony. 

Throughout our public spaces, including the lobby and lounges, sumptuous décor is complemented by flexible seating, discreet charging points, and thoughtfully zoned areas. This ensures that business leaders, families, and leisure travelers alike feel equally at ease. 

Ultimately, our philosophy is simple: to unite beauty with functionality. By pairing refined design with purposeful amenities, we create environments where every guest—from global executives to local families—experiences effortless comfort, elegance, and convenience. 

AC: InterContinental Riyadh features extensive leisure and lifestyle offerings, from world-class recreation to fine dining. How do these amenities enhance the hotel’s industry positioning and long-term relevance? 

PP: Our extensive amenities and dining experiences are central to what truly sets InterContinental Riyadh apart. Set across 100 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, the hotel offers a rare resort-style environment in the heart of the city. Guests enjoy one of Riyadh’s largest swimming pools, a nine-hole golf course, tennis and squash courts, a bowling alley, a tranquil spa, and a fully equipped fitness center—creating a destination that seamlessly blends leisure, wellness, and sophistication. 

Our culinary offering is equally compelling. Across four distinctive restaurants, guests are invited on a global gastronomic journey—from refined Saudi and Moroccan classics to Italian, Asian, and international flavors. Carefully curated themed dining experiences, such as seafood evenings by the pool or immersive Moroccan nights, add an element of surprise and delight, turning every meal into an occasion. 

We are also proud to be a preferred destination for landmark events. With 13 versatile meeting and celebration spaces, complemented by signature catering concepts, the hotel is trusted to host prestigious conferences, weddings, and social gatherings of the highest caliber. 

Together, these world-class amenities and dining experiences position InterContinental Riyadh firmly at the forefront of the luxury hospitality landscape—appealing to discerning travelers and distinguished events alike. 

AC: Sustainability, responsibility, and cultural respect are increasingly important within hospitality. How do these values influence decision-making and operational direction at your hotel? 

PP: Sustainability and cultural respect are integral to the way we operate and to how we define responsible luxury. Guided by IHG’s Journey to Tomorrow, we have embedded environmentally conscious practices across the hotel—from energy-efficient lighting and intelligent climate controls to comprehensive recycling and water-conservation initiatives. These measures allow us to reduce our environmental footprint while safeguarding the natural beauty of our surroundings for future generations. 

Equally important is our deep respect for Saudi heritage and culture. From the moment guests arrive and are welcomed with traditional Saudi coffee and dates, they are immersed in an experience that is both authentic and meaningful. Thoughtfully designed prayer spaces, locally inspired art, and culturally rooted programming reflect our commitment to honoring the traditions and values of the Kingdom. 

By sourcing local materials, hosting regional art and music experiences, and training our teams in cultural etiquette, we seamlessly weave Saudi identity into every aspect of the guest journey. In doing so, we create a form of luxury that is not only refined and contemporary, but also respectful, sustainable, and deeply connected to the community we serve. 

AC: With your experience as General Manager, what do you see as the future direction of global hospitality, and where do you believe InterContinental Riyadh stands in shaping that journey? 

PP: The future of hospitality will be defined by the seamless fusion of innovation and authenticity. Technology will continue to enhance the guest journey—making experiences smoother, more intuitive, and increasingly personalized through tools such as mobile check-in and intelligent, data-led services. Yet, even as innovation accelerates, the desire for genuine human connection and meaningful cultural immersion will remain at the heart of luxury travel. 

Our responsibility, therefore, is to evolve without losing our soul. This means continuously refreshing our offerings—whether through elevated wellness experiences, thoughtfully integrated technology, or new service concepts—while remaining deeply anchored in the heritage and values that define us. 

At InterContinental Riyadh, we are uniquely positioned to lead Saudi Arabia’s tourism transformation. Aligned with Vision 2030, we see ourselves as a catalyst for a new era of hospitality—one that harmoniously blends global luxury standards with a strong sense of place and cultural authenticity. 

By remaining forward-thinking yet firmly rooted in Saudi culture, we will continue to set the benchmark for modern luxury travel, ensuring our hotel remains not only relevant, but influential at the forefront of the industry. 

Thank you to Peter for sharing insightful reflections on excellence, leadership, and the evolving meaning of luxury hospitality.