Top Fan Accommodation Options by Budget in Saudi Arabia’s 2034 Host Cities
If you’re planning a football trip, accommodation can make—or break—your matchday experience. The good news is that Saudi Arabia’s 2034 World Cup plan is built around five host cities—Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar, Abha, and NEOM—so fans can choose between big-city convenience, coastal vibes, mountain weather, and a futuristic mega-project base.
This guide breaks down the best accommodation types by budget, with neighbourhood suggestions, who each option suits, and booking strategies that help you stay close to stadiums, transit, and fan areas—without overspending.
Note: Saudi Arabia was appointed host of the FIFA World Cup 2034 by FIFA on 11 December 2024, and the current bid materials propose a tournament in these five host cities with 15 proposed stadiums.
1) Know your accommodation types in Saudi Arabia
Before choosing a price tier, it helps to understand the most common “fan-friendly” stay styles:
Hotels (classic match-week choice)
- Best for: short trips, reliable service, easy check-in/out.
- Watch-outs: prices can spike during major events; rooms can be compact if you’re sharing.
Serviced apartments (high value for groups)
Saudi tourism classification describes Serviced Apartments as lodging that primarily supports longer stays, typically apartment-style units with reception and building infrastructure.
- Best for: groups, families, longer stays, cooking/doing laundry.
- Watch-outs: service levels vary; always check housekeeping frequency and parking.
Apartment hotels (a hybrid)
“Apartment hotel” criteria describe an establishment providing lodging plus services (often closer to hotel operations than a simple rental).
- Best for: fans who want apartment space + hotel-like operations.
- Watch-outs: can sell out fast in central districts.
Fan rule of thumb:
If you’re staying 4+ nights or travelling as a group, serviced apartments/apartment hotels often beat standard hotels on value and comfort.
2) Budget tiers that actually work for fans
Instead of fixed prices (which change by season and match weeks), use these tiers:
A) Budget (save money, maximise matchdays)
Best for: solo travellers, students, “I’m barely in the room” fans
Typical options:
- Budget hotels & simple business hotels
- Serviced apartments in non-prime districts
- Shared apartments (where available and permitted)
- “Split-stay”: cheaper base city + 1–2 nights near stadium
B) Mid-range (best balance)
Best for: most fans—comfort + location
Typical options:
- 3–4 star hotels in central zones
- Apartment hotels/serviced apartments near main roads
- Chain hotels near commercial areas
C) Premium (experience + convenience)
Best for: short trips, luxury seekers, corporate travel
Typical options:
- 5-star hotels in prime districts
- Branded residences, resort-style stays (coastal)
- Club floors / lounge access for busy match weeks
3) Host city guide: where to stay by budget
RIYADH (Biggest inventory, biggest demand)
Riyadh is expected to be the tournament’s main hub with multiple proposed stadiums in the bid materials.
Budget: best-value fan bases
Where to look
- Al Malaz (older central district, often good value)
- Eastern / southern business corridors (less “touristy,” often cheaper)
- Areas near major highways (good for ride-hailing and stadium runs)
Best accommodation types
- Budget business hotels (clean, simple)
- Serviced apartments slightly outside prime zones (good for groups)
Pro tips
- If you’re doing multiple matches, pick a spot with quick access to major roads rather than chasing “the closest” hotel.
Mid-range: the sweet spot
Where to look
- Olaya / Al Olaya (central business area; walkable pockets)
- King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) area (modern, metro-friendly)
- Diplomatic Quarter edges (quieter, good standards)
Best accommodation types
- 3–4 star chains with consistent service
- Apartment hotels for space + easy check-in
Pro tips
- Prioritise: breakfast + late check-out + flexible cancellation during match week.
Premium: match-week convenience
Where to look
- Olaya/KAFD high-end clusters
- Landmark hotel zones around business towers & major malls
Best accommodation types
- 5-star city hotels (great transport coordination)
- Branded residences for longer luxury stays
Pro tips
- If you’re paying a premium, choose properties known for fast check-in, multilingual support, and transport partnerships.
JEDDAH (Coastal city, fan-friendly vibe)
Jeddah is one of the five host cities and is expected to feature multiple proposed venues in the bid plan.
Budget: smart coastal savings
Where to look
- Older central neighbourhoods slightly inland from the Corniche
- Areas with strong grocery + food options (easier self-catering)
Best accommodation types
- Budget hotels in central Jeddah
- Serviced apartments (excellent for groups)
Pro tips
- In Jeddah, being “a short ride” from the coast is often cheaper than being “on the Corniche.”
Mid-range: ideal for most fans
Where to look
- Corniche area (excellent atmosphere, walking, sea views—often mid to higher)
- Central districts with easy access to main roads
Best accommodation types
- 3–4 star hotels close to Corniche/central
- Apartment hotels (space + services)
Pro tips
- Jeddah is spread out—pick based on your stadium + fan festival + airport triangle, not just “the nicest area.”
Premium: sea-view + experience stays
Where to look
- Prime Corniche stretches
- Resort-style coastal properties
Best accommodation types
- 5-star Corniche hotels and resorts
- Premium branded residences
Pro tips
- Premium Jeddah stays are perfect if your trip is also a holiday—beach walks, dining, and matchdays.
AL KHOBAR (Eastern Province: modern, compact, great for groups)
Al Khobar is listed as a host city in the Saudi 2034 materials.
Budget: practical and comfortable
Where to look
- Inland Al Khobar (often cheaper than the waterfront)
- Neighbouring areas that still have quick road access
Best accommodation types
- Serviced apartments (strong value for groups)
- Budget chain hotels (business travel focused)
Pro tips
- Eastern Province is excellent for apartment-style stays—fans splitting costs often get more space here than in Riyadh/Jeddah.
Mid-range: best all-rounder choice
Where to look
- Corniche proximity (not necessarily beachfront, but nearby)
- Al Ulaya / business districts (easy dining + shopping)
Best accommodation types
- Apartment hotels with parking
- 3–4 star hotels (business + leisure mix)
Pro tips
- Look for family rooms and “two-bedroom units”—common in the region and perfect for friend groups.
Premium: waterfront upgrades
Where to look
- Corniche waterfront clusters and high-end commercial nodes
Best accommodation types
- 5-star hotels with lounges
- Branded residences
Pro tips
- Premium here can feel calmer than Riyadh/Jeddah—great for fans who want comfort after matches.
ABHA (Cooler mountain city, smaller inventory)
Abha is on the official host city list for Saudi 2034.
Compared to Riyadh/Jeddah, inventory is typically smaller—so booking strategy matters more.
Budget: lock in early
Where to look
- City centre areas with walkable services
- Main road corridors for easy matchday transport
Best accommodation types
- Budget hotels (limited; book early)
- Basic furnished apartments (check standards carefully)
Pro tips
- Abha demand can surge on weekends and holidays even without football—refundable early booking is your best play.
Mid-range: comfort without overpaying
Where to look
- City centre + main arterial roads
- Areas with easy access to parks and viewpoints (for non-match days)
Best accommodation types
- Mid-range hotels
- Apartment hotels for space + consistent operations
Pro tips
- Nights can feel cooler in the highlands—pack layers and choose accommodation with reliable heating/AC controls.
Premium: scenic stays
Where to look
- Elevated viewpoints / resort-style properties near the mountains
Best accommodation types
- Upscale hotels with views
- Resort-like stays for a “football + nature” trip
Pro tips
- Premium Abha works best if you’re staying longer and want rest days between matches.
NEOM (Host city, but plan for “limited inventory” scenarios)
NEOM is listed as a host city in the Saudi 2034 plan.
Because NEOM is a mega-project in development, the accommodation situation may evolve rapidly between now and 2034. Build flexibility into your plan.
Budget: the realistic approach
Likely strategy
- Stay in nearby regional hubs (e.g., Tabuk region) and travel in for matchdays, depending on transport plans closer to the tournament.
Best accommodation types
- Budget hotels in established cities nearby
- Serviced apartments for groups
Mid-range: dependable bases
Likely strategy
- Mid-range hotels and apartment hotels in established nearby hubs
- Split-stay: match nights closer, rest nights farther
Best accommodation types
- Apartment hotels (space + services)
Premium: “experience” stays
Likely strategy
- Premium resorts and high-end developments tied to the NEOM ecosystem (availability will depend on what opens and when)
Best accommodation types
- High-end resorts / branded residences (where available)
NEOM pro tips
- Book refundable options first.
- Expect transport packages (shuttles, event routes) to become clearer later—don’t overcommit to one location too early.
4) Booking strategy for match weeks
1) Use a “base + spike” plan
- Base city (cheaper, longer stay)
- Spike nights (1–2 nights close to stadium/fan zones for key matches)
This reduces your average nightly cost without sacrificing matchday convenience.
2) Prioritise flexibility
Choose cancellation-friendly rates early, then re-price later when more inventory opens.
3) Travel as a group? Choose apartment-style first
Serviced apartments and apartment hotels are built for sharing costs and staying comfortable.
4) Filter for fan essentials
- Late check-in (matches end late)
- 24/7 reception
- Sound insulation / quiet rooms
- Parking (if you plan to rent a car)
- Laundry (long trips)
5) Quick recommendations by fan type
- Ultra-budget solo fan: Budget hotel + public transport/ride-hailing; use “base + spike” nights.
- Friends group (3–6 people): Serviced apartment/apartment hotel almost always wins on space/value.
- Family: Apartment hotel or mid-range hotel with family rooms; stay near dining and parks.
- Luxury short trip: Premium hotels in Riyadh/Jeddah; add a coastal resort stay in Jeddah as a “recovery day.”
- Multi-city chaser: Book refundable stays early in all cities, then optimise once match schedule and transport plans are released.
FAQ
Which host city is easiest for budget stays?
Typically Riyadh offers the widest variety (big city supply), while Al Khobar often has strong value in apartment-style accommodation. Host city list:
Is it realistic to stay outside a host city and commute?
Yes—especially with a “base + spike” approach. It’s common for major tournaments once prices surge in prime zones.
Are host cities confirmed?
Saudi Arabia’s 2034 materials and multiple references list Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar, Abha, and NEOM as host cities.
