Where to Stay for Umrah | Best Hotels in Mecca & Medina

As Saudi Arabia opens e-Visas to tourists, Muslims wanting to take their Umrah journey and see more of KSA will want to book accommodations in advance. When deciding where to stay during Umrah, consider these top hotels in Mecca and Medina.

Where to Stay in Mecca

Mecca, also known as Makkah, is a city located in the western region of Saudi Arabia. It holds great significance as the holiest city in Islam, primarily because it is the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad and the site of the Kaaba, the most sacred shrine in Islam. Millions of Muslims from around the world travel to Mecca every year to perform the Hajj pilgrimage, one of the Five Pillars of Islam. If you’re planning a trip for Umrah and want to stay in Mecca, these are some of the top hotels near the Honored Kaaba.

Makkah Clock Royal Tower, A Fairmont Hotel

Located adjacent to the Masjid Al Haram, Makkah Clock Royal Tower, A Fairmont Hotel is one of the closest hotels to the Kaaba and a top place to stay for Umrah and Hajj. The hotel itself occupies one of the world’s tallest buildings with 76 floors. Makkah Clock Royal Tower is the focal point of the Abraj Al Bait Complex, part of the King Abdul Aziz Endowment Project. Facilities include male and female fitness centers and 10 restaurants that feature Ottoman, Indian, and Lebanese cuisines, as well as others.

ZamZam Pullman Makkah Hotel

The first hotel to open in iconic Abraj Al Bait, ZamZam Pullman Makkah Hotel is only moments away from Al Masjid Al Haram and the Honored Kaaba. ZamZam Pullman Makkah Hotel comprises 1,315 spacious rooms and suites that showcase partial views over the inspiring Kaaba, Al Masjid Al Haram, and Jabal Noor (Hira Cave). A special feature about ZamZam Pullman Makkah Hotel is that it is adjoined by a shopping arcade that features a huge variety of international brands. You will be welcomed with a cup of Arabic coffee and fresh dates. ZamZam Pullman Makkah Hotel has three restaurants for guests. You can dine in Al Zahra, Al Yasmine, or the lobby lounge. For many guests, Al Yasmine is a favorite.

Raffles Makkah Palace

Raffles Makkah Palace is an exclusive all-suite hotel overlooking the Grand Mosque and the Kaaba with an exceptional style inspired by the heritage, culture, and faith of the Middle East. The hotel has an outstanding location directly adjacent to Al Masjid Al Haram. Raffles Makkah Palace offers easy access to King Abdul Aziz Gate, the main entrance to the Grand Mosque, and provides a unique residential experience. The spacious 214 suites overlook the holy site and provide exquisitely comfortable accommodations. For dining, you can choose between three dining experiences: Al Majlis, presenting Levantine specialties from the eastern Mediterranean region; Al Qasr, featuring international cuisine including Arabic, Indian, Moroccan, and Western; or the Creamery, specializing in custom-made ice cream and concoctions. A 24-hour personal butler service also is available.

Dar Al Tawhid Intercontinental Makkah

Located at the heart of Al Masjid Al Haram, Dar Al Tawhid Intercontinental Makkah offers a truly unparalleled and distinct experience. A few steps away from the Holy Kaaba and King Fahad Gate, Dar Al Tawhid Intercontinental Makkah provides easy access to Islamic sites such as Mina, Muzdalifah, Arafat, and Jabal Al Noor. The classic rooms in Dar Al Tawhid Intercontinental Makkah offer sweeping views of the Holy Mosque or Makkah’s city skyline. The rooms are tastefully decorated with elegant, traditional Arabic furnishings that preserve the Eastern ambiance. Additionally, its two restaurants, Al Rihab and Al Tayebat, offer exceptional cuisine complemented by an Islamic atmosphere. Guests particularly praise the pleasant and helpful staff and the early breakfast directly after dawn (Al-Fajr) prayers allowing for spiritual focus.

Hilton Suites Makkah

This hotel lies in central Mecca, just off the Ibrahim Al Khalil Highway, across the street from the King Fahad and King Abdullah Haram gates. Hilton Suites Makkah is connected to shopping and dining at Jabal Omar Mall and features male and female prayer halls with views of the Grand Mosque. Speakers offer a direct line from the mosque, allowing guests to hear the call to prayer from their rooms. Hilton Suites Makkah provides a rich and varied dining experience including three cafes serving light bites, coffee, and other beverages throughout the day, and two restaurants, Alorchid Restaurant, which offers a range of pan-Asian cuisine, and Alqandeel, which has buffet and a la carte options, as well as live cooking stations.

Makkah Towers

Arriving at Makkah Towers is easy with King Abdul Aziz International Airport just one hour (40km) away by car. Makkah Towers offers 1,437 contemporary rooms and suites and a prime location overlooking Holy Haram. Makkah Towers is well known for the most spacious and convenient rooms with spectacular views of the Makkah skyline, the Haram, or the Holy Kaaba. Guests enjoy premium amenities, including varied dining experiences in five restaurants and views from the seven panoramic glass lifts.

Al Safwah Royale Orchid Hotel

This hotel was selected from the list of top-reviewed hotels by Agoda guests. Al Safwah Royale Orchid Hotel is just an hour’s drive, or 40 km, from Jeddah’s international seaport and airport. The hotel is located within the forecourt of the Holy Haram and is considered the nearest hotel of the Holy Kaaba just in front of King Abdul Aziz Gate. The hotel also is near the Makkah Museum of Antiques and Heritage located at the former palace of King Abdul Aziz. In Al Safwah Royale Orchid Hotel, there are 471 rooms comprising four types of rooms – deluxe Kaaba view, side Haram View, studio Haram view, and internal view. You can choose from two restaurants, the Alsafwah Royale Orchid, Marwa and Al Murjan Restaurant. These two restaurants provide a choice of either fine international cuisine or oriental cuisine.

Where to Stay in Al Medina

Al Medina is a city of paramount religious significance to Muslims. It houses a number of the holiest symbols to Muslims including the Prophet Mohammad’s tomb under the Green Dome, the oldest mosque in the world, Quba Mosque, and the Prophet’s Mosque, which was built by the prophet Muhammad himself. These holy landmarks constitute the center of Al Medina, with the best hotels scattered around them allowing visitors of the city to immerse in an unsurpassed spiritual experience.

Dar Al Hijra InterContinental

Dar Al Hijra InterContinental is located a few steps from the courtyard of the Prophet’s Mosque, Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, and is a 20-minute drive from Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz International Airport. This hotel has a view of Mount Uhud, where Prophet Muhammad and his companions fought one of their famous battles. The hotel offers 24-hour room service, a cafe, car parking, and a remarkable dining experience at the main restaurant, Al Safa.

Pullman Zamzam Madina

Pullman Zamzam Madina is a new 5-star hotel that lies within a few minutes of the Prophets’ Mosque, or Al-Masjid an-Nabawi. The hotel has more than 800 rooms and suites, most of which are adorned with Islamic art and showcase giant arched windows allowing for natural lighting and a bright ambiance. Pullman Zamzam Madina also is just steps away from Bab Al Salam (Gate of Peace), one of the major entrances to the Prophet’s Mosque where visitors can pray in the Holy Rawdah, a central, green-carpeted area, known as one of the gardens of Paradise between the Minbar of Prophet Muhammad and his house. The hotel is also complemented by five unique restaurants.

Madinah Hilton

Footsteps from Gate 25 for women, Madinah Hilton also is a two-minute walk from the Prophet’s Mosque, Al-Masjid an-Nabawi. Prince Mohammed bin Abdul Aziz International Airport is 19 kilometers away. Rooms feature mosaic-tiled, geometrically patterned windows overlooking the city and the Haram with rose-marble bathrooms and ornate hanging lamps. Guests can enjoy the sophisticated food and sample international flavors at Najd Cafe and two additional restaurants, Madinah Restaurant, which serves traditional and international cuisine, and Marmara Restaurant, which opens during lunch and dinner for locally-inspired dishes.

Shahd Al Madinah Hotel

Shahd Al Madinah Hotel is a luxury 5-star hotel at the doorstep of Al-Masjid an-Nabawi in Al Madina. It is located right next to the ladies’ gate of the Prophet’s Mosque. Guests can choose from a variety of spacious luxury rooms and suites tailor-made for couples and families. Shahd Al Madinah Hotel also offers an all-day restaurant, Arabesque, which serves a scrumptious buffet with cuisine from around the world.

Anwar Al Madina Mövenpick Hotel

Anwar Al Madinah Mövenpick Hotel is Madinah’s largest hotel with 1,291 rooms. It offers extensive facilities for families, individual travelers, and leisure groups. Besides being one of the nearest hotels to the Prophet’s Mosque, it lies within proximity to the main attractions in Madinah. Anwar Al Madinah Mövenpick Hotel is directly linked to a shopping mall and supermarket and provides underground parking. It is the nearest hotel to the Ladies’ Prayer Entrance. Its proximity (20 km) to the airport makes it very convenient for travelers who don’t wish to take a long drive after an exhausting flight and a great choice for business travelers.

Dar Al Iman InterContinental

Dar Al Iman InterContinental is considered one of the best hotels in the area with an ideal location in the courtyard of the Prophet’s Mosque Plaza. The hotel is just 15 minutes away from the Madinah international airport and is within proximity of shopping areas and the commercial center. The Rotana restaurant serves a variety of Arabian and international cuisine.

Saja Al Madinah

Saja Al Madinah is strategically situated in Al Madina’s central area, allowing its guests access and proximity to local attractions and sights. The furnishings and spaciousness of this hotel are remarkable. Certain rooms feature a seating area to relax in after a busy day, while some units include mountain or city views. If you’re coming with family or a big group, Saja Al Madinah has family rooms with five beds, and each bed has a private safe. Old Bazaar is 400 meters from Saja Al Madinah, while Al Baqi Cemetery, the oldest and first Islamic cemetery in Al Madina, is around 1 kilometer away from the property. This 4-star hotel features a special restaurant that’ll make your stay more indulgent and memorable.