Hotels & Accommodation in Mecca

Mecca Hotels

Situated in the sun scorched Makkah Province of western Saudi Arabia, Mecca is known the world over as the holiest city in Islam. The ancient birthplace of Muhammad and home to many sacred sites, it’s here where millions of Muslims make their pilgrimage each year during the month of Dhu al-Hijjah. Also known as the Hajj, one of the Pillars of Islam requires every able Muslim to make the journey at least once in their lifetime. If you’re not a Muslim however, the city is off-limits.

Things to see

The centrepiece of the city is the grand Masjid al-Haram, the world’s largest and arguably most beautiful mosque. Spanning just over 88 peaceful acres of indoor and outdoor praying spaces, the inner courtyard has room for over 2 million worshippers. At its centre sits the most sacred structure of all, the black cube-shaped Kaaba. Muslims face its direction wherever they are in the world, and it’s what every pilgrim comes to the city for. Adjacent to the mosque and dominating Mecca’s skyline with its clock tower and golden crescent-topped spire, Abraj Al Bait Towers is among the tallest buildings in the world. Alongside private residences and a luxury hotel, the structure houses a shopping mall, an Islamic Museum and an observatory area. Not far from the city, the mountain of Jabal Al Noor is particularly significant among Muslims. A small cave, located 600 steps up, is where it’s believed the prophet Muhammad received his first revelations from God.

Hotels in Mecca

Whether you’re here for business, pleasure or to make your pilgrimage, the hotels in Mecca cater to every budget and type of stay. Many occupy towering high-rise buildings, and boast luxury suites with living areas or simple ensuite rooms. Whether you opt for a decadent 5-star retreat or a familiar chain name hotel, many offer amenities such as restaurants, business centres and gymnasiums, with some of the upmarket digs providing spa facilities too. The cheap hotels in Mecca are in good supply, but generally offer fewer amenities and put you further away from Masjid al-Haram. Nonetheless, they still provide comfortable mod-con equipped stay.

Where to stay

Those on the Hajj will find a hotel in Mecca’s attractive city centre the most convenient place to stay. Centred on the mosque and the towering 4-faced clock of Abraj Al Bait Towers, it’s home to many of the city’s commercial lures, especially shopping. You’ll find everything here from glossy malls packed with big brand stores, to more local shops selling goods that range from perfumes to prayer mats. The food here is equally eclectic. From fine dining to budget-friendly hawkers, the city serves up lots of authentic flavours, as well as tastes from India, Southeast Asia, and fast food favourites from America.

How to get to Mecca

King Abdulaziz International Airport is Mecca’s nearest international gateway, situated 19 kilometres north of Jeddah. It’s an especially well-equipped hub with its own ‘Hajj Terminal’, and is particularly well-connected too. Alongside numerous destinations in the Middle East, the airport serves cities in Asia, Africa and Europe. Once you’ve landed, bus services or private shuttles can drive you the 96 kilometres to Mecca. If you’re already in Saudi Arabia, you can get to the holy city by bus. SAPTCO operates services to Mecca from all over the country, which terminate at the city centre.