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The Importance Of Ihram And How To Wear It Properly
19 November 2024
For every pilgrim, finding a suitable hotel is quite crucial, especially for those who are staying for more than one day. Therefore, the Saudi state has arranged a wide range of lodgings, with numbers being around 1825 in both Makkah and Madinah, as per official stats of 2023. But, finding the right hotel is quite a complex task, especially for beginners and first-time goers. This is where this luxury vs budget hotel guide comes in handy, offering full help in finding the right hotel for your Umrah trip. Let’s quickly have a look:
The difference between budget and luxury hotels includes factors such as price, amenities, location, target audience, and dining options. Here is a quick split of these elements:
The major difference between budget and luxury hotels lies in terms of price. Budget hotels will be cheaper and luxury ones will be expensive. The affordable lodgings often cost around £20 - £100 per night per person. In contrast, a luxury hotel can price around £150 - £500 per night per person. Mind that these are just base prices for per night stay in hotels in Makkah and Madinah. These charges can vary depending on the following factors:
Amenities are key differences between budget and luxury hotels. An affordable lodging offers basic services, given below:
Apart from the above, if you go with the shared Umrah packages, you have to share most of the facilities with your roomies. However, hotel staff offer the option of extra amenities for added charges to those who are looking. In contrast, luxury hotels come with added amenities on top of the basic ones. You can request for any service as per your needs - the only limit is your needs and budget. However, you need to consult with your agency or hotel to know what add-ons they provide.
Most affordable lodgings such as 3 star hotels are often in less desirable areas, away from Haram. If you can find a hotel that is near to the Grand Mosque, there are rare chances of finding a room as they are full and are in high demand. On the other hand, there are various luxury hotels in the proximity of the Haram, offering quick access to the mosque. The perk of going with these options is that they also offer a Kaaba view, enhancing your Umrah feel.
Another thing that you need to look at while choosing between budget-friendly and luxury hotels is the transit access and wheel-chair access. Although luxury hotels care for the ease of the users, you need to look for these things in affordable lodging. You need to be sure of whether you can easily get to your spot from your room or you have to take added support.
Another area where budget and luxury hotels differ is their target audience. Cheap lodgings are designed to target the pilgrims who are interested in offering their Umrah on a budget. Similarly, they are also made for people who are solo travellers and are happy in a room with limited services. On the other hand, luxury hotels are designed for those pilgrims who want to have a bespoke experience. They are for those pilgrims who are willing to spend to get top-notch services. Their audience includes high-income persons, business travellers, and families. Further, couples also seek these lodgings for special honeymoon packages to have a peaceful Umrah experience with their partners.
Budget hotels offer limited dining options. These include a basic meal for three times, including a free breakfast. Room service is also available but with limited service. Those who are going to Umrah in Ramadan may get both 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. On top of that, they can also cater to your private needs, such as tailored meals as well as dietary restrictions. Further, they also handle your special needs such as extra meals during Ramadan days.
The following are the best luxury hotels for Umrah in Makkah:
As one of the most iconic and luxurious hotels for pilgrims, the Makkah Clock Royal Tower greets its guests with the grandest welcome. Here's an overview of what makes this hotel stand out:
Location: The best thing about this place is that it is barely 100 metres away from Masjid al Haram. This prime location provides easy access to the holy sites.
Amenities: The interior ranges from 76 stories of opulent rooms and suites, some with Kaaba views. High-end amenities ensure a comfortable and memorable stay in each elegantly furnished room. There is a variety of international cuisines available to the guests. From gourmet restaurants to casual cafes they have something for every palate. The hotel’s spa includes a number of treatments and services aimed at helping guests unwind and rejuvenate. There are massage rooms, saunas, and steam rooms.
Special features: Guests who stay in Fairmont Gold rooms and suites receive private lounges, a dedicated concierge and other amenities including evening canapes and breakfast. Most of these suites are located on the highest floors, with a private lounge and 24-hour butler service. Located in the Abraj Al Bait complex, the hotel features the world's biggest clock, able to be seen from miles away.
The Address Hotel Makkah or Address Jabal Omar Makkah, is a luxury accommodation for Umrah pilgrims. Here's an overview of what makes this hotel stand out:
Location: Masjid al-Haram is only a short 5-minute walk from this property. The location of this hotel allows you to have easy access to the holy sites, making it the perfect choice for pilgrims.
Scenic Views: Address Jabal Omar is one of the best hotels with Kaaba view. On top of that, it also allows you to soak in the surrounding sacred landscapes.
Amenities: This hotel houses a variety of elegant furnished rooms and suites as well as provides a comfortable and indulgent stay. There are a number of international cuisines and on-site restaurants and cafes, giving you refined dining options, both local and international. Further, the world's highest prayer room is also found in the hotel, known as Sky Mussallah. Jabal Omar also caters to the event spaces. Therefore, you can book it for special occasions and gatherings, such as marriage.
Raffles Makkah Palace is an all-suite hotel and is situated within the iconic Abraj Al Bait complex, adjacent to Al Masjid Al Haram and the Kaaba. Hence, you can access the Grand Mosque within walking distance of a few minutes. The beauty of this hotel is that it offers stunning views of the Kaaba and the Grand Mosque from the rooms.Further, there are 214 suites in the hotel with generous residential style spaces, including a separate living and dining area. This allows you to have a bespoke Umrah experience with ultimate luxury. On top of that, there are high end amenities, marbled floors and oriental carpets are found in these elegantly furnished suites. Not to mention the 24-hour butler service, offered by personal butlers to make guests feel comfortable during their stay. There is also a therapy room here, known as Raffles Spa. This is a retreat to get away from the all-day prayer tiredness and will let you relax.
The top affordable hotels for Umrah include the Elaf Bakkah Hotel, Anjum Makkah Hotel, and Forsan Al Aseel Hotel. A detail about these hotels is given below:
Situated in a convenient location, Elaf Bakkah Hotel is one of the cheap hotels in Makkah for Umrah. Pilgrims choose it for peace of mind and comfort. Masjid al-Haram is 2.4 km from the hotel on Al-Azizyah, Mahbas Al-Jin. The hotel also offers a free shuttle bus service to take guests to Masjid al-Haram, except on Ramadan days. The following are the amenities at this hotel:
Forsan Al Aseel Hotel is a budget hotel in Mecca which is close to the holy sites. It is located on Reea Bakhsh, Ajyad Al Masafi St., Mecca, near Masjid al-Haram. Nearby attractions include the Well of Zamzam, the Kaaba and Abraj Al Bait Towers are easy to visit for guests. The hotel features 255 air-conditioned rooms, all with refrigerators, LCD televisions and private bathrooms with free toiletries. An onsite cafe/bistro and onsite restaurant serving local and global cuisine are available. Guests can enjoy basic services such as 24 hour front desk, room service, laundry and use of free wifi. The hotel is a family friendly environment so is a good choice for families travelling together.
Looking for a budget facility in Mecca, the Al Shahba Hotel is an option. The hotel is located on Umm Al Qura Road, Mecca near Masjid al-Haram. The top-notch nearby places are the Kaaba, Abraj Al Bait Towers, Al Hijaz Mall etc are easy for the guests to visit. Despite being a cheap hotel, it boasts multiple room options, including twin rooms, triple rooms, family rooms, etc. Air conditioning, free Wi-Fi and fridge are provided in each room. There are on site dining options such as a Mediterranean restaurant and a cafe/bistro. There is 24 hour front desk service, express check in, check out, luggage storage, free Wi Fi, etc. Additionally, the rooms have blackout curtains, soundproof rooms and a minibar. A free shuttle is offered to Masjid al-Haram and Haramain Railway Station. The hotel is a family friendly lodging and is a good place for couples to stay together. It has earned lots of praise from guests for its affordability and good service.
Before going with one hotel, you need to consider the following details:
Yes, expensive hotels are worth it if you are looking for a bespoke experience. They offer luxury amenities as well as personalised services, tailored to your needs.
You can find the cheapest Umrah hotels by searching online and comparing the rates. Other ways to get cheap rates on Umrah hotels is to book in advance and get deals such as group Umrah packages.
The quick summary is that finding the right hotel is crucial for a smooth Umrah journey. In Makkah, both luxury and budget hotels exist, where the former offer cheap rates while the latter has better amenities. Contact Muslims Holy Travel to find a suitable option as per your needs as well as budget.
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