The sacred city of Mecca is Prophet Mohammed’s birthplace and the holiest city in Islam. ‘Makkah,’ as it’s usually spelled, is where Muslims arrive to perform the Hajj pilgrimage. What’s more, it also sees round-the-year pilgrims perform the Umrah pilgrimage. So, for those who live outside Saudi Arabia, Mecca is no less than a lifelong dream. Also, it’s an excellent base for exploring the Red Sea coast. Thus, hotels in Mecca are occupied throughout the year, not only during Hajj. Most lie close to Masjid al-Haram, the city’s holiest monument. At the center of this grand mosque lies the ancient Kaaba, its most sacred structure. Kabba is Islam’s focal point towards which Muslims of the world pray. So, viewing it is an emotional experience indeed. So, it’s no surprise that some of the most coveted hotels in Mecca are those with a view of the Kaaba.
Mecca might be a modern city, but it has the soul of an ancient Arabian desert village. For those who finally do arrive here, it’s a stirring experience. To that end, here are the 11 best hotels in Mecca, some of which boast wonderful Kaaba views.
Where to Stay in Mecca
What was an ancient Bedouin desert establishment is now the modern, vibrant Mecca, one of The 11 Most Religious Cities In The World. Hotels in the city today understand the importance that Umrah and Hajj hold in the pilgrims’ hearts. In addition, travelers to Mecca dream of seeing the Kaaba all day, every day. To that end, most of the best hotels with views of the Kaaba lie in Abraj al-Bait or Clock Tower. The government-owned complex comprises seven of the most luxurious hotels in the city. The next best neighborhood is Jabal Omar, which lies down the road from Clock Tower. Jabal Omar is a hilly neighborhood, so most hotels here have shuttles that ferry travelers down the hill near the entrance to the mosque. Most of Mecca’s best hotels lie in one of these two places.
Conrad Makkah
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The Conrad Makkah offers luxurious hospitality just five minutes from Masjid al-Haram. It’s part of the high-end Jabal Omar cluster and has two towers, both with good views of the mosque.
Since it’s part of the Hilton brand, Conrad scores on design and customer service both. A spacious lobby with a fascinating water feature is a sight for sore eyes after a long day of travel. The hotel boasts a host of state-of-the-art facilities, the best of which is the Conrad Spa. It also has a 24-hour fitness center and restaurants that serve international cuisine. The highlight of the common areas is the spacious Executive Lounge at the Haram level. You’ll love that you can walk up to the Masjid for prayers and come back o the lounge for a coffee break. Moreover, the hotel’s entrance faces that of the mosque. So, it’s very convenient for families with children or older people.
Rooms at the Conrad as low as even the seventh floor have excellent views of Haram. Besides being spacious, they have floor-to-ceiling views with a view of the Kaaba’s roof.
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Makkah Hotel
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For a pilgrim, there’s nothing like sleeping and waking up to the incredible views of Haram and the Kaaba. And, the Makkah Hotel is one of the best hotels in Mecca with splendid views of the holy Kaaba. Moreover, it has two massive prayer halls where you can pray overlooking the holy mosque.
All rooms at the hotel feature views of either Kaaba/Haram, the city, or the Jabal al-Nur mountains. Aside from standard mod-cons, they have living/dining areas and plush marble bathrooms. If you’re looking for attached kitchenettes, go for the adjacent tower rooms.
Even though it is one of the oldest hotels in the area, a facelift did it a lot of good. Three on-site restaurants serve everything from international cuisines to authentic Arabic ones. The Jasmine Cafe is great to relax over Arabian coffee between prayer times. Finally, a foot massage at the Reflexology Health Center will work wonders after a long day.
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Makkah Clock Royal Tower, A Fairmont Hotel
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If you seek views of the holy Kaaba in Mecca, then the Fairmont Makkah Clock Royal Tower Hotel is the place to be. The 76-story hotel lies in the Makkah Clock Tower and is amongst the tallest buildings in the world. It lies right next to Haram and is the hotel that is closest to the Kaaba.
All rooms at the Fairmont hotel boast an elegant look with dark wood furnishings and plush rugs. Modern creature comforts make your stay very comfortable. However, the floor-to-ceiling windows in every room are its best feature. While the Fairmont rooms have views of the city, the Deluxe rooms have Haram views. The best of them all is the Signature Rooms, which look onto the mosque’s courtyard and the holy Kaaba.
The fact that you’re staying at a hotel where thousands of Muslims come for prayers is overwhelming indeed. Moreover, the sprawling hotel boasts a laundry list of luxuries and amenities. For one, it has two buffet restaurants, a steakhouse, and many cafes serving a gamut of cuisines. It’s also home to Mecca’s first five-star Saudi restaurant, Al Dira. What’s more, it even has gender-separate health clubs with gyms, saunas, and jacuzzis.
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Raffles Makkah Palace
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If money isn’t an object, then the Raffles Makkah Palace in the Clock Tower is where you should be staying. Boasting divine views of the Kaaba, the Mecca hotel is one of the most luxurious in the city.
Make yourself at home in the hotel’s Mediterranean-themed rooms. They not only boast marbled floors and seating areas but lavish bathrooms too. High-tech mod-cons including LED TVs and iPod docking stations make your life comfortable. The decor is luxurious, with ornate lighting, soft carpets, artwork, and chic upholstery. Moreover, floor-to-ceiling windows with views of Haram and the sacred Kaaba make it worth staying here.
Furthermore, Raffles has tons of amenities to make your stay in Makkah out-of-the-world. To begin with, it boasts a full-service spa. Consider indulging in a massage after a day of offering prayers or exploring the city. In addition, there’s a sauna and health club if you want to get in some workout. Finally, dig into a wide range of cuisines at their restaurants, one of which overlooks the Masjid.
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Jabal Omar Hyatt Regency Makkah
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The Jabal Omar Hyatt Regency is one of the top-ranked hotels in Mecca. Located right across from Haram, the hotel blends traditional and modern luxury. Also, it makes a great base to explore the Top 8 Things To Do In Mecca.
The 19-story hotel impresses you right from the outset. An elegant lobby with accent lighting and Arabic-inspired wall murals is outstanding. A ground-floor shopping gallery is ideal for buying souvenirs during your stay. Gym rats will love the well-equipped fitness center. What’s more, there are also prayer areas for men and women. However, where the hotel particularly excels is food. During Ramadan especially, their food spread is not only extensive but also delicious. If that wasn’t enough, the restaurant offers striking views of Haram.
Rooms at the Hyatt regency make you feel n less than royalty. When you enter, the first thing you’ll notice is the huge mirror. The style of the rooms is minimalistic modern with spacious bathrooms and plenty of storage. A welcome kit with goodies like Bateel dates and sweets is an excellent touch.
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Hilton Suites Makkah
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If you’re looking for a budget hotel close to the Masjid al-Haram, then you’d do well to book the Hilton Suites Makkah. The first hotel in the Jabal Omar development, the hotel is a mere three-minute walk to the mosque. In fact, it is closer to the new King Abdulla section of Haram.
The all-suites hotel boasts a contemporary design. You can choose from a host of rooms and luxury suites, a majority of which face the holy mosque. A unique feature in all rooms is speakers with individual controls for listening to the azaan from Haram. Moreover, they all have small kitchenettes which are great for fixing quick meals. A bevy of mod-cons like flatscreen TVs, spotless bathrooms, and comfy beds make up the rest of the place.
In spite of being a budget hotel, the Hilton Suites doesn’t compromise on amenities. For one, it has many restaurants and cafes that face the mosque. Also, it offers you the comfort of dining in your room. The hotel even has a supermarket to buy the essentials or the food court is only a few escalators away. Lastly, there are separate mosques for men and women gents on the hotel premises too.
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Hilton Makkah Convention Hotel
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Another excellent value property in Mecca is the Hilton Makkah Convention Hotel. While it is a short walk from Haram, the hotel offers free shuttles that drop you near the mosque.
The property is massive in size and offers excellent views of the Haram courtyard. An impressive, low-lit lobby with carved pillars welcome you within. The high point of the hotel’s offering is the Lounge that is available for Executive floor guests. It offers cooked hot meals, unlike other lounges in the city. It’s a welcome respite for weary travelers who come here after offering prayers. Moreover, the Hilton has many food options, right from breakfast to dinner. The icing on the cake is the 24/7 business center and the fitness center.
The rooms at the hotel are excellent too. Apart from standard mod-cons, they feature lots of space and offer luxuries like slippers and bathrobes.
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Hotel Shaza Makkah
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If you want an all-halal hotel in Makkah, then the Hotel Shaza Makkah is your best bet. The newly-opened hotel is an excellent option to stay and lies on a hill opposite Haram. That said, it provides a shuttle bus service to the mosque, so families with children or elderly people needn’t worry.
The hotel goes all out when it comes to accommodation. You can choose from a host of lovely rooms and suites, all of which are modern to boot. If you’re looking to splurge, we’d recommend the signature rooms on Shaza Silk floors. What’s more, the Silk floor is the first non-smoking floor in the city. 24-hour room service, coffee/tea-making facilities, and plush bathrooms make staying here as comfortable as it gets.
When it comes to amenities, this hotel might just surprise you. It has a Kids Club, which is a boon for families with young children. A 24-hour business center is great if you want to keep up with important work. An array of restaurants offer a treat when it comes to Middle Eastern cuisine. To top it, Shaza has a chic lounge that not only serves mocktails but even has one-of-a-kind tea ceremonies.
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Hotel Swissôtel Makkah
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When it comes to views in Mecca, nothing beats Hotel Swissôtel Makkah. It’s part of the city’s prestigious Clock Tower complex and close to the Masjid. Thus, the hotel boasts views that not only overlook the entire Mecca mosque, but also the sacred Kaaba. Also, the hotel is the only one in the Clock Tower complex with a direct, private entrance to the Masjid.
The hotel’s rooms are beautiful with a touch of luxury. Smooth wood furnishings complement the printed carpeted floors. Apart from minibars and spacious seating areas, rooms also have lavish marble bathrooms. Ultimately, it’s the floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the mosque and the holy Kaaba that steal the show.
The crown jewel in Swissôtel’s offerings is its food. Apart from in-room service, two on-site restaurants serve mouth-watering local and international specialties. Completing the list of amenities is the well-equipped business center.
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DoubleTree by Hilton
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There’s a reason that there are three Hilton hotels on this list – and that’s hospitality. Completing the trio is the DoubleTree by Hilton Makkah, an outstanding addition to Mecca’s skyline. Although it is a 10-minute walk from Haram, regular shuttles ferry guests up and down the hilly street.
A modern white lobby sets the ball rolling for the hotel’s contemporary tone. Interesting light fixtures, gold-tinted designs add to the elegant effect. Among the many facilities here, the bar and restaurant serving local and international cuisine are the best. What’s more, they even acter to room service, so you can be sure to have every late-night craving satisfied. The coffee is exceptionally amazing, according to many guests. A 24-hour front desk and a fitness center complete the DoubleTree offerings.
The great number of room choices at this hotel will impress you. Above all, you will love the floor-to-ceiling windows with excellent views of the mosque and the city.
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Jabal Omar Marriott Makkah
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When it comes to branded hotels, no one does it better than the Jabal Omar Marriott Makkah. The flagbearer of the Marriott brand in Saudi Arabia, the Marriott Makkah ticks all boxes- service, hospitality, and luxury.
Since it’s part of the Jabal Omar development, the hotel lies a short walk from Haram. But, you needn’t worry as the hotel has shuttles ferrying passengers down the hill near the mosque. The best part of the hotel is its lounge, which has exquisite views of Haram. In true Marriott fashion, it also has a hairdresser’s salon and concierge services. Finally, the hotel even offers airport shuttle services for your convenience.
When it comes to rooms, Marriott impresses you. The soundproof rooms even have cozy sitting areas next to the floor-to-ceiling windows. Extra touches like a range of exclusive toiletries, bathrobes, slippers, and the likes make you feel like royalty.
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Recommended Restaurants / Bars / Food Tours in Mecca:
- The Oasis Restaurant: Located in the heart of Jabal Omar, this restaurant offers local, as well as Western and Oriental fare.
Recommended Activities In Mecca:
- Makkah Holy Places/Ziyarat Half-Day Tour: This three-hour tour covers all the holiest monuments in Mecca.
