Dar Tantora The House Hotel

Al Ula, Saudi Arabia

Star rating

The hotel

Looking for a stay that’s seriously different? Tucked away in the ancient mudbrick maze of AlUla Old Town, Dar Tantora The House Hotel is a boutique beauty that ditches the ordinary. We're talking candlelit corridors, heritage-soaked walls, and WiFi that doesn’t ruin the vibe (but yes, it’s there when you need it). This isn’t your average hotel. This is a 12th-century restoration with a luxury twist - think Arabian Nights meets design magazine chic. Every room is lovingly crafted from restored stone and clay, giving off major earth-toned elegance. No neon signs. No bland buffets. Just character, charm, and real-deal culture. Choose from four types of rooms – from the cosy Dar Al Luban to the family-sized Dar Al Oud suite. We’re talking hand-carved wood, thick walls that whisper history, and terraces that are perfect for that golden-hour shot (hello, Instagram). You’ll drift off by lantern-light, not LED - and yes, it’s as dreamy as it sounds. Joontos, the hotel’s restaurant, dishes up bold Saudi flavours with a side of communal sharing – so bring your appetite and your best table banter. Fancy a massage with moringa oil? Or a rooftop yoga session as the sun dips below the mountains? Dalila Spa and the wellness deck have got your back (literally).

Amenities

  • Yoga
  • Restaurant
  • Swimming Pool

Where is it

Located in the heart of AlUla's Old Town.

Hotel information

30 rooms, each restored from original mudbrick homes and blend traditional Bedouin aesthetics with modern comforts. Rooms are illuminated by candlelight and are naturally ventilated. Dar Al Luban (cozy rooms) are 409 sq ft with en-suite bathroom and 1 king bed, sleeping maximum 2 adults.

Dar Al Bukhour rooms are larger with lounge areas, and 1 king bed, sleeping maximum 2 adults.

Dar Al Hareer are deluxe rooms with lounge and terrace areas, plus 1 king bed, sleeping maximum 2 adults.

Dar Al Oud are 2-bedrooms rooms with terrace area.

Joontos Restaurant (main restaurant offering a communal dining experience in an open-air courtyard, serving Saudi and regional dishes), Cigar Oasis (luxury cigars, specialty teas, and local treats).

Infinity pool. Stretch, meditation and yoga area. Pilates. Heritage Trail walk. In-room massages*. Culinary experiences, such as bread-making sessions and Arabic coffee ceremonies. Bespoke experiences: Dinner under the stars* and cooking classes*.

* denotes local charge.

Rating summary

  • Location Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Sleep Quality Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Rooms Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Service Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Value Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Cleanliness Image of the Tripadvisor rating

Traveller rating

  • Excellent (8)
  • Very good (2)
  • Average (0)
  • Poor (1)
  • Terrible (0)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Stunning and unique hotel

Mar 29, 2025 SvetaNYC New York City, New York

What an unbelievable stay! Frankly, I was a bit cautious reserving Dar Tantora. I knew it was a restored part of the old town and designed to resemble the traditional Al Ula mud houses and I was totally fine with lack of electricity. However, due to a huge temperature drop at night, I wasn't sure how it would feel when it is -2C outside. So, far… Read more
What an unbelievable stay! Frankly, I was a bit cautious reserving Dar Tantora. I knew it was a restored part of the old town and designed to resemble the traditional Al Ula mud houses and I was totally fine with lack of electricity. However, due to a huge temperature drop at night, I wasn't sure how it would feel when it is -2C outside. So, far in advance, I emailed to request a portable heater (there was an electrical outlet in the room as well as in the bathroom). The hotel was beautiful, authentic, cozy and even at night (+3C) it wasn't cold inside, but the huge feathered duvet would keep anyone warm. 2 rooms and a huge bathroom were spacious, carefully decorated with local furniture and crafts. It was obvious that there was a lot of thought and love put into this place. Breakfast was delicious and plentiful, pool - the most underused facility (along with the gym, i am afraid) - was heated and I managed to take a few laps and enjoy its breathtaking views. "Mobile butler" was useful too, as well as a flashlight. The location was perfect, just a few steps from old town and all the restaurants, stores and art galleries and a golf cart was always ready to get you there if you couldn't walk. It was very unique and I would absolutely recommend anyone to stay there. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Unique experience

Mar 17, 2025 RonelShaw23 Port Elizabeth, South Africa

It was a very unique experience. Without airconditioning and only candle light to light up the room, it was a bit hot thus a stay during the cooler months would be more advisable. The special playlist, apparently prepared specially for the hotel, was really great.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Truly magical

Mar 16, 2025 Freddes Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

This hotel made of old renovated houses in the heart of AlUla Old City is a true unique gem. All rooms are different and were built only using traditional methods using mud and are what houses were in AlUla some hundred years ago. They are furnished and decorated using traditional furniture and artefacts. The restaurant is amazing and the… Read more
This hotel made of old renovated houses in the heart of AlUla Old City is a true unique gem. All rooms are different and were built only using traditional methods using mud and are what houses were in AlUla some hundred years ago. They are furnished and decorated using traditional furniture and artefacts. The restaurant is amazing and the service friendly and attentive. The magic fully operates at night when more than 1800 candles are lit at night, including in your room where electric lamps are only used in the bathroom. This is simply stunning and for sure an experience to be remembered. So if you are looking for authenticity with comfort and a twist of luxury, this is definitely your next go to place. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Value for money os a issue

Jan 14, 2025 FRANCISCO7 Belo Horizonte, MG

Let's look at the pros and cons: Pros: Unbeatable location in the old city of Al Ula. You can walk to the city. Continental breakfast This actually means that you can choose one item from each set of options, such as croissants, fresh juices, eggs, etc. These are mostly arabian dishes, gourmet, some are good, others not so much. The dishes are… Read more
Let's look at the pros and cons: Pros: Unbeatable location in the old city of Al Ula. You can walk to the city. Continental breakfast This actually means that you can choose one item from each set of options, such as croissants, fresh juices, eggs, etc. These are mostly arabian dishes, gourmet, some are good, others not so much. The dishes are plentiful and if the guest chooses one of each option, it's already a lot of food Great Wi-Fi Excellent and numerous staff, always available to help guests. They are the best in hotel. The decor and the 1001 nights atmosphere. Cons: The hotel says be eco-friendly There is no electricity in the room, except in the bathroom. As a result, the room is very dark. Even to read, I had to go to the bathroom, where there is electric light. Hotel warns about this situation by email. This doesn't prevent the darkness, which makes everything difficult, even taking medicine or packing or unpacking a suitcase. - The room has 3 rooms: living room, bedroom and bathroom. Between each one, there is a high step, which can be up to 15 cm high and can even be dangerous in the dark, since the room is always dark. Because it uses an old construction technique, it is not hot and there is no need for air conditioning. But in winter it is very cold and it is necessary to be warm at all times. The wooden door is difficult to close and makes it necessary to put the hand inside, which means scraping your skin and hurting yourself. The steps leading to the room are high and guest have to be careful. In addition, the handrail is dirty with sand. I was feeling very sick and asked for directions to a hospital or medical clinic. They recommended a medical clinic 2 km away from the hotel. And they said that if I went in the hotel car it would cost 400 SAR or 110 dollars. Or I could go by transport app. For the price charged to a sick guest, I went by transport app and it cost 4 dollars!!!!. The value for money : It is definitely not worth paying 800 dollars a day. Finally, the soundproofing is not good. Luckily, guests go to bed early, but it is possible to hear the neighbors talking. Summary: Very high price for discomfort. If the guest has limited mobility, it is best to avoid it. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Unique hotel.

Jan 6, 2025 HPDubai Dubai, United Arab Emirates

In total 30 of the mudhouses of the old town have been converted into hotel rooms. There is no heating or cooling in the rooms so timing of the visit is of essence. The rooms are lighted by many (20) candles. We stayed 4 nights and after 1 night our eyes got used to the darkness ad we could find our stuff. Bring some extra flashlights and warm… Read more
In total 30 of the mudhouses of the old town have been converted into hotel rooms. There is no heating or cooling in the rooms so timing of the visit is of essence. The rooms are lighted by many (20) candles. We stayed 4 nights and after 1 night our eyes got used to the darkness ad we could find our stuff. Bring some extra flashlights and warm pullovers in winter. The restaurant is excellent, probably the best in town. Breakfast is great. Staff is very helpful. Location is great, right next to the oasis where can pop over and visit the local farms. Valet parks the car but it is quite far away so allow some time. Read less