Luxury vs. Budget: How to Find the Right Hotel for Your Umrah Trip

For every pilgrim, finding a suitable hotel is crucial, especially for those who are staying for more than a day. Therefore, the Saudi state has arranged a wide range of accommodations, with a number of around 1825 in both Makkah and Madinah, as per official statistics for 2023. But finding the right hotel is quite a complex task, especially for beginners and first-timers. This is where this luxury vs. budget hotel guide comes in handy, as it offers comprehensive help in finding the right hotel for your Umrah trip. Let’s take a quick look:

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What distinguishes luxury hotels from affordable hotels?

Numerous factors, such as price, menu selections, target market, location, and amenities, distinguish luxury hotels from budget hotels. Here is a quick rundown of these elements:

Price

The main difference between budget and luxury hotels lies in terms of price. Budget hotels will be cheaper, and luxury hotels will be more expensive. Budget accommodations typically cost between £20 and £100 per night, per person. In contrast, a luxury hotel can cost between £150 and £500 per night, per person. Please note that these are just the base prices for a nightly stay at hotels in Makkah and Madinah. These charges may vary based on the following factors:

· Length of stay
· Additional services
· Distance from the Haram
· Personalized services such as butler or catering
· Season or time of booking

Amenities

Amenities are the key differences between budget and luxury hotels. A budget accommodation offers basic amenities, which are detailed below:

· Basic amenities such as air conditioning in the bed, bed, chair, or desk
· Basic toiletries such as soap and shampoo
· Free Wi-Fi
· Free breakfast
· Limited Room Service

Apart from the above, if you opt for shared Umrah packages, you will have to share most of the facilities with your roommates. However, the hotel staff offers the option of additional services at an additional charge for those who seek them. On the contrary, luxury hotels offer additional services apart from the basic ones. You can request any service as per your requirement; the only limit is your needs and budget. However, you should check with your agency or hotel to find out what add-ons they offer.

Location

Most affordable accommodations, such as 3-star hotels, are usually in less desirable areas, away from the Haram. If you can find a hotel that is close to the Grand Mosque, there is little chance of finding a room as they are full and in high demand. On the other hand, there are several luxury hotels in the vicinity of the Haram, which offer quick access to the mosque. The advantage of opting for these options is that they also offer a view of the Kaaba, which enhances the feel of Umrah.

Another thing that you need to consider when choosing between budget and luxury hotels is the accessibility to public transport and wheelchair accessibility. While luxury hotels care about the comfort of the users, you need to look for these things in affordable accommodation. You need to make sure that you can easily reach your place from your room or you will have to bring additional help.

Target Audience

The target market is another area where luxury and economy hotels diverge. Low-cost lodgings are intended for pilgrims who want to perform their Umrah on a shoestring. Similarly, they are also made for people who are traveling alone and are happy in a room with limited amenities. On the other hand, luxury hotels are designed for those pilgrims who want to have a tailor-made experience. They are for those pilgrims who are willing to spend to get top-notch services. Their audience includes high-income earners, business travelers, and families. Moreover, couples also look for these accommodations for special honeymoon packages to have a smooth Umrah experience with their partners.

Dining Options

Budget hotels offer limited dining options. These include a basic meal for three times, including a complimentary breakfast. Room service is also provided although with limited service. Those who go for Umrah in Ramadan can get Sehar and Iftar meals. However, these hotels have limited services for those who have special dietary needs such as lactose intolerant or pilgrims who have diabetes. On the other hand, luxury or 5-star hotels have multiple dining options. In addition to that, they can also cater to your private needs such as customized meals and dietary restrictions. Moreover, they also take care of your special needs such as additional meals during the days of Ramadan.

Best Luxury Hotels for Umrah

The top luxurious hotels in Makkah for Umrah are listed below:

A Fairmont Hotel's Makkah Clock Royal Tower

The Makkah Clock Royal Tower is one of the most recognisable and opulent hotels for pilgrims, and it extends the warmest welcome to visitors. What sets this hotel apart is summarised as follows:

Location: The best thing about this place is that it is just 100 meters from Masjid al Haram. This prime location provides easy access to the holy sites.

Amenities: The interior ranges from 76 floors of opulent rooms and suites, some with views of the Kaaba. High-end amenities ensure a comfortable and memorable stay in each elegantly furnished room. There is a variety of international cuisines available for guests. There is something for every taste, from informal eateries to fine dining establishments. The hotel spa includes a number of treatments and services aimed at helping guests relax and rejuvenate. Saunas, steam rooms, and massage rooms are available.

Special Features: Guests staying in Fairmont Gold rooms and suites receive private lounges, a dedicated concierge, and other amenities including evening canapés and breakfast. Most of these suites are located on the higher floors, with a private lounge and 24-hour butler service. Located in the Abraj Al Bait complex, the hotel features the world's largest clock, which can be seen from miles away.

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Address Jabal Omar Makkah

The Address Hotel Makkah or Address Jabal Omar Makkah is a luxury accommodation for Umrah pilgrims. Below is a list of the hotel's amenities.

Amenities: This hotel features a variety of elegantly furnished rooms and suites and offers a comfortable and enjoyable stay. There is a wide variety of international cuisines and restaurants and cafes on-site, giving you refined dining options, both local and international. Moreover, the world’s highest prayer hall is also located in the hotel, known as Sky Mussallah. Jabal Omar also caters to event spaces. Therefore, you can book it for special occasions and gatherings, such as weddings.

Raffles Makkah Palace

Raffles Makkah Palace is an all-suite hotel and is located within the iconic Abraj Al Bait complex, adjacent to Al Masjid Al Haram and the Kaaba. Therefore, you can access the Grand Mosque within walking distance within a few minutes. The beauty of this hotel is that it offers stunning views of the Kaaba and the Grand Mosque from the rooms. Moreover, there are 214 suites in the hotel with generous residential-style spaces, including a separate living and dining area. This enables you to have the most luxurious Umrah experience possible. These tastefully decorated suites also have marble flooring, oriental rugs, and upscale amenities. Not to mention the personal butler service, which is available around-the-clock to ensure that visitors are comfortable while visiting. Raffles Spa, a therapeutic facility, is also located here. This retreat is designed to help you unwind and escape the fatigue of praying all day.

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Best Affordable Hotels for Umrah

The best affordable hotels for Umrah include the Elaf Bakkah Hotel, Anjum Makkah Hotel, and Forsan Al Aseel Hotel. Here is detailed information about these hotels:

Elaf Bakkah Hotel

One of the less expensive hotels in Makkah for Umrah is the Elaf Bakkah Hotel, which is conveniently located. Its cosiness and tranquilly are the reasons pilgrims pick it. The hotel in Al-Azizyah, Mahbas Al-Jin, located 2.4 km from Masjid al-Haram. With the exception of Ramadan days, the hotel also provides a complimentary shuttle service to transport visitors to Masjid al-Haram. This hotel offers the following amenities:

There are a variety of room options, including double, triple and quadruple rooms. This also makes it easier for group travelers performing Umrah to find accommodation according to their needs.
Despite being a budget hotel, there are multiple dining options. There are also buffet options for international, ethnic and local people, although this service comes at a cost.
Elaf Bakkah Hotel has all the basic amenities, as well as a gym, free private parking, a restaurant and 24-hour room service. Guests can enjoy laundry, dry cleaning, ironing and a business center.
Numerous special benefits and privileges are available to Elaf FIRST members for their specific needs.

Forsan Al Aseel Hotel

Forsan Al Aseel Hotel is a budget hotel in Makkah, close to the holy sites. It is located on Reea Bakhsh, Ajyad Al Masafi St., Makkah, close to Masjid al-Haram. Nearby attractions include the Well of Zamzam, Kaaba and Abraj Al Bait Towers, which are easy for guests to visit. The hotel features 255 air-conditioned rooms, all with a refrigerator, LCD TV and a private bathroom with free toiletries. There is a coffee shop/bistro and a restaurant on site serving local and international cuisine. Guests can enjoy basic services such as a 24-hour front desk, room service, laundry facilities and use of free Wi-Fi. The hotel is a family-friendly environment, making it a good choice for families travelling together.

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Al Shahba Hotel Makkah

If you are looking for a budget accommodation in Makkah, Al Shahba Hotel is an option. The hotel is located on Umm Al Qura Road, Makkah, close to Masjid al-Haram. Nearby top-rated places are Kaaba, Abraj Al Bait Towers, Al Hijaz Mall, etc., which are easy for guests to visit. Despite being a cheap hotel, it has multiple room options including double rooms, triple rooms, family rooms, etc. All rooms feature air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and a refrigerator. On-site dining options include a Mediterranean restaurant and a café/bistro. There is a 24-hour front desk, express check-in and check-out, luggage storage, free Wi-Fi, etc. In addition, rooms have blackout curtains, soundproof rooms, and a minibar. A free shuttle service is provided to Masjid al-Haram and Haramain Railway Station. The hotel is a family-friendly accommodation and is a good place for couples to stay together. It has received many compliments from guests for its affordability and good service.

Additional Considerations

Before choosing a hotel, you should consider the following details:

Are expensive hotels worth it?

Yes, expensive hotels are worth it if you are looking for a tailored experience. They offer luxurious amenities as well as personalized services, tailored to your needs.

How can I find the cheapest hotels for Umrah?

You can find the cheapest hotels for Umrah by searching online and comparing rates. Other ways to get cheap rates on hotels for Umrah is to book in advance and get deals like group packages for Umrah.

The quick summary is that finding the right hotel is crucial for a smooth trip for Umrah. In Makkah, there are both luxury and budget hotels, where the former offer cheap rates while the latter have better amenities. Contact Yugo Umrah to find a suitable option based on your needs and budget.

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Luxury vs. Budget: How to Find the Right Hotel for Your Umrah Trip