Hotels in Mecca

Staying in Mecca

Staying in Makkah is, above all, a matter of organising your accommodation around the Haram. Whether you are travelling for Umrah with your family, with elderly parents or as part of a group, the question that matters most is simple: how far from the Grand Mosque will you be sleeping? Hotels in the immediate surroundings let you walk to prayers and come back to rest in between, which makes all the difference when the heat or fatigue sets in. A little further out, the choice is wider and often quieter, provided you accept shuttle journeys.

Crowds vary enormously with the calendar. Ramadan, especially its last ten nights, and the Hajj season draw huge numbers of pilgrims, and rooms close to the Haram are booked up very far in advance. For the rest of the year the city breathes more easily and it is much simpler to find a well-located family room. Many pilgrims arrive through Jeddah airport and continue to Makkah by bus, taxi or the high-speed train; remember to check whether your hotel offers a transfer from the airport.

Where to stay in Mecca

• Right next to the Haram

  The large hotels and towers that ring the Grand Mosque offer one decisive advantage: you walk to prayers, with no shuttle needed. It is the first choice of families travelling with older relatives, and also the most sought-after area.

• Within walking distance, slightly set back

  Behind the first ring of hotels you will find simpler properties and furnished apartments that are still reachable on foot for those in good shape. Check the slope and condition of the streets: Makkah is a hilly city.

• Aziziyah and the outer districts

  A residential district popular with organised groups and longer stays, with plenty of hotels and apartments. The Haram is reached by shuttle, bus or taxi; ask about timetables before booking.

Good to know before you book

• The phrase 'near the Haram' is sometimes used loosely: check the real distance on the map and ask whether a shuttle is provided, especially if you are travelling with elderly relatives.
• During Ramadan and the Hajj season, book as early as you can and favour a single family room over several separate rooms, which are harder to obtain side by side.
• Ask about breakfast and restaurant hours: at peak times, eating in the hotel spares you long waits outside.

Questions about Mecca

Frequently asked questions