Mecca and Medina are two main cities of Saudi Arabia where Umrah pilgrims stay according to their Umrah Packages. These two cities have always been leading to a continuous increase in the rate of income for the entire country. The real reason behind this is the hospitality of the passengers. The number of existing hotels in these cities has surpassed other Arab regions such as Dubai. There is available every type of accommodation like 3*-4*-5* hotels. An Umrah pilgrim just need to book it as his pocket permits.
Umrah is a pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, that is performed by Muslims at any time of the year, as opposed to the Hajj pilgrimage. It depends upon a series of rituals, including circumambulating the Kaaba seven times in a counterclockwise direction, walking back and forth between the hills of Safa and Marwa, and shaving or cutting one’s hair. Umrah is considered a highly virtuous act in Islam, and Muslims believe that it brings them closer to Allah and helps to cleanse their sins. Therefore, choosing the right Mecca hotel during the Umrah trip is valuable for everyone who plans to perform Umrah.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Mecca Hotel for Umrah:
When choosing a hotel for Umrah, there are several factors that you should consider to ensure a comfortable and convenient stay.
Basic key factors to keep in mind:
- Best Location
- Cost of Staying
- Offered Amenities
- Hotel Reviews
- Size of the Room
Best Location:
Finding the best location when performing Umrah means being as close as possible to the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca, as this is the location of the Kaaba and the site where many of the Umrah rituals take place. The closer the hotel is to the Grand Mosque, the easier it will be for you to access the mosque and perform Umrah.
Hotels that are located in the vicinity of the Masjid al-Haram are generally more expensive than those that are farther away, but they offer many conveniences and benefits that make them worth the additional cost. Some of the hotels closest to the Masjid al-Haram are within the complex of the Haram itself, while others are located just outside the complex but still within a very short walking distance.
When choosing a hotel for Umrah, consider the distance from the Masjid al-Haram and other important landmarks, as well as the hotel’s amenities, services, and price. It is also helpful to read reviews from other travellers who have stayed at the hotel to get a sense of their experiences and recommendations.
Cost of Staying:
Umrah is a religious obligation and can be quite costly. You should look for a hotel that is affordable, but still offers the necessary amenities for a comfortable stay. Consider your budget and look for a hotel that fits within it.
The cost of staying while Umrah can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the location, quality, time of year, duration of stay, amenities, and services you require. Hotels located closer to the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca are generally more expensive than those located further away, but they offer the convenience of being within walking distance of the mosque and other important landmarks. Prices can range from a few hundred dollars per night for a basic hotel room to several thousand dollars per night for a luxury suite.
During peak times of the year, such as Ramadan, prices for hotel rooms can be much higher due to increased demand. It’s vital to budget accordingly and plans to secure the best prices and availability.
Offered Amenities:
Hotels that cater to guests performing Umrah typically offer a range of amenities and services to make their stay comfortable and convenient.
Here are some of the amenities you may want to check for when choosing a hotel for your Umrah journey:
Proximity to Masjid al-Haram: The hotel should be located within a short walking distance from the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca, to make it easy for you to perform your Umrah rituals.
Air conditioning: The weather in Mecca can be extremely hot, so it’s important to have air conditioning in your hotel room to keep you cool and comfortable.
Wi-Fi: Access to Wi-Fi is important for staying connected with family and friends back home, as well as for research and planning during your journey.
Dining options: The hotel should offer dining options that cater to Muslim dietary restrictions, such as halal food.
Shuttle service to Haram: Some hotels offer shuttle service to and from Masjid al-Haram, which can be convenient if you prefer not to walk or if you have mobility issues.
Prayer room: Many hotels have a dedicated prayer room for guests to perform their daily prayers.
Laundry services: The hotel should offer laundry services to keep your clothes clean and fresh during your journey.
Room service: Room service can be helpful if you prefer to have meals in the comfort of your room.
Safety and security: The hotel should have safety and security measures in place, such as CCTV cameras, security guards, and fire safety equipment.
Accessibility: If you have any mobility issues, you may want to check if the hotel has wheelchair accessibility or other accommodations for those with disabilities.
These are some of the amenities and services that are typically offered by hotels for Umrah guests. It’s important to check with the hotel directly to confirm which amenities are available and to ensure that they meet your specific needs and preferences. If one is joining the Umrah trip through a travel agency, it provides you with a hotel voucher where all the basic facilities are already mentioned.
Hotel Reviews:
When selecting a hotel for your Umrah trip, it is important to check hotel reviews to ensure that you choose a hotel that meets your needs and expectations.
Here are some tips on how to check hotel reviews before selecting a hotel for your Umrah trip:
- Use hotel booking websites
- Check travel forums
- Check Social Media
- Ask for Recommendations
- Check the hotel’s website
Use hotel booking websites:
Websites such as Booking.com, Agoda, and Expedia allow users to leave reviews and ratings for hotels they have stayed at. You can search for hotels in Mecca or Medina and filter the results by rating to see the highest-rated options. Read through the reviews to get an idea of the pros and cons of each hotel.
Check travel forums:
Websites such as TripAdvisor and Lonely Planet have travel forums where users can ask questions and share information about their experiences. Search for forums related to Umrah and look for threads about hotels in Mecca or Medina. You can ask questions and read through other users’ experiences to get an idea of which hotels are recommended.
Check social media:
Hotels may have social media accounts where they post updates and interact with customers. You can check the hotel’s social media accounts to see if they have any reviews or feedback from previous guests.
Ask for recommendations:
If you know someone who has performed Umrah before, ask for their recommendations for hotels in Mecca or Medina. They may have personal experience staying at a particular hotel and can give you valuable insights.
Check the hotel’s website:
The hotel’s website may have guest reviews or testimonials that can give you an idea of what to expect. However, keep in mind that these reviews may be selectively chosen and may not be representative of all guests’ experiences.
By checking hotel reviews before selecting a hotel for your Umrah trip, you can choose a hotel that meets your needs and expectations, and ensure a comfortable and memorable journey.
Size of the Room:
The size of the room for an Umrah trip can vary depending on the Umrah packages and budget selected by the traveller. There are usually several options available, ranging from basic accommodations such as shared dormitory-style rooms with bunk beds, to more luxurious private rooms with en-suite bathrooms and amenities such as air conditioning, TV, and Wi-Fi.
It is important to research and compare the different packages and accommodations available to ensure that the room size and amenities meet your preferences and needs. Additionally, it is advisable to book well in advance to secure your desired room type and to ensure availability during peak travel times.
Overall, choosing the right hotel for Umrah is an important decision that requires careful consideration of several factors. By taking these factors into account, you can ensure a comfortable and convenient stay during your journey of Umrah.