Re: Help - New to Riyadh!
 

That is not correct. The motel on seder has been extended. The new extension has a swimming pool, but the old motel is better in that the studio rooms have fully fitted kitchens. They both have full use of the compound facilities.

The bar was closed down some 18 months ago it did get a little out of hand. But the is irrelevant because the bar and restaurant both burnt down last Christmas. New facilities are under construction. In the meantime there are temporary facilities. The compound is very family orientated - there is no "red light" problem.

Re: Help - New to Riyadh!
 

The watering hole was closed down over the xmas / new year 2009 / 2010 because the r.p got in and were served a glass, i know people that were in that nite.
I also know that last xmas time they got in again and the ladies were staying out side the hotel offering there services for the evening.
Maybe that was the excuse they wanted to refurbish the hotel and some of the compound.
I do still a few people living on that compound.

Re: Help - New to Riyadh!
 

I was living in the compound motel when the bar was closed and in the compound until 2 months ago. The motel has never been closed and was never an attraction for ladies of the night. Not to say that there were not some visiting the bar before it was closed. The bar was closed because of a number of reasons not least of which was outsiders being caught by the police drunk driving outside of the compound. The running of the bar had also become a business rather than a social meeting place for residents. The management took the right decision to close it down.

Re: Help - New to Riyadh!
 

PS it was closed some time after xmas 2009/2010 - I was in it in April/May 2010. It was reopened as a coffee bar in summer 2010 and burnt down xmas 2010/2011.

Reference : A "Potted History of the Cactus Bar" by "Been There Done That"