Hajj and Umrah rituals and the best hotels near the Two Holy Mosques
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Makkah

Hajj and Umrah rituals and the best hotels near the Two Holy Mosques

Emad
May 20, 2026
7 Min Read

The Sacred House of Allah is calling you, and the Prophet’s Mosque welcomes you with its lights. Are you ready?

In this guide, we will provide a clear roadmap for the rituals of Hajj and Umrah, and take you on a tour of the best hotels near the Holy Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque in Mecca and Madinah.

Set out on your journey, and leave the details to us.

Free Delay.. Your Booking Is Safe Even If Your Flight Is Delayed

We know that an Umrah or Hajj trip cannot tolerate any delay. That is why almatar launched the optional Free Delay service, which provides free rebooking or a refund of 100% of the base fare and taxes in case of a flight delay.

Add this feature when booking and enjoy peace of mind, especially amid disruptions that sometimes affect flight schedules in the region.

What Are the Pillars of Hajj and Umrah in Brief?

Umrah has three pillars: entering Ihram from the Miqat, performing Tawaf seven times around the Kaaba, and performing Sa’i between Safa and Marwah.

As for the pillars of Hajj, they are four: Ihram, standing at Arafat on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah, Tawaf Al-Ifadah, and Sa’i between Safa and Marwah.

The pillars of Hajj and Umrah are the acts that must all be performed. Hajj or Umrah is invalid if either is left out, and nothing else can replace them. These are also among the key Umrah requirements and Hajj requirements every traveler should understand before planning the journey.

Your Essential Hajj and Umrah Items

  • Ihram clothing: a white izar and rida for men, and a loose, modest hijab for women.
  • Comfortable medical shoes.
  • Light slippers.
  • Unscented soap and tissues.
  • Sunscreen.
  • Umbrella.
  • Neck pouch for documents.
  • Portable charger.
  • Personal medication.
  • A small Quran or an app on your phone.

Umrah Visa

The Umrah visa fee is SAR 300, plus the cost of medical insurance. It is issued through the Nusuk platform within 24–72 hours. Package costs rise during Ramadan, and the visa is suspended during the Hajj season, so early booking helps save on high costs.

Best Hotels Near the Two Holy Mosques

Best Hotels in Mecca Near the Kaaba

  1. Swissôtel Makkah

Located inside the Abraj Al Bait complex, just 100 meters from the Holy Mosque, which is equal to 2–5 minutes on foot through an air-conditioned passage. It includes 1,487 rooms and suites with an Alpine-inspired character, renovated to offer pilgrims a luxurious experience. It is a strong choice for travelers looking to Book hotels in Mecca close to the Haram.

  1. Fairmont Makkah Clock Royal Tower

The most famous icon in Mecca, rising above Abraj Al Bait with 76 floors and located about 100–150 meters from the Holy Mosque, about two minutes on foot through an internal passage. Fairmont offers 1,618 rooms and suites decorated in a luxurious Art Deco style, 10 international restaurants, and direct views of the Kaaba for guests who book a Haram-view room.

  1. Swissôtel Al Maqam Makkah

The sister hotel of Swissôtel Makkah is in the same Abraj Al Bait complex, located 100 meters from the Holy Mosque through a private entrance. Kaaba-view rooms are highly requested during Ramadan, while the 24-hour guest ambassador service and its closeness to the Mataf make it an ideal option for families and elderly guests. It is also a practical option when comparing Makkah hotel bookings near the Haram.

  1. Elaf Kinda Hotel

A relatively economical 5-star option, located only around 50–100 meters from King Abdulaziz Gate. It stands out for broadcasting the call to prayer directly in the room and for its immediate proximity to the Holy Mosque, making it a practical choice for those looking for a very close location.

  1. Conrad Makkah Jabal Omar

A luxury hotel within the Jabal Omar project, located 200–500 meters from the Holy Mosque, which is about 3–5 minutes on foot to King Fahd Gate. It includes 438 spacious rooms with 24-hour room service, direct and easy access to the Haram courtyards without the need for buses, and elegant restaurants such as Prime and Al Mearaj.

Best Hotels in Madinah Near the Prophet’s Mosque

  1. Sofitel Shahd Al Madinah

A 5-star hotel with French elegance, located 3 minutes on foot, around 200 meters, from the Prophet’s Mosque, and very close to King Fahd Gate and Uthman ibn Affan Gate. It includes 469 rooms and suites with contemporary elegance, the Arabesque restaurant overlooking the courtyard, and facilities for people with special needs.

  1. Anwar Al Madinah Mövenpick Hotel

The largest hotel in Madinah and one of the closest to the women’s entrance, located around 50 meters from Gate 15. It includes 4 restaurants, direct access to the shopping center, and excellent service year-round. It is one of the key options to consider when planning Madinah hotel bookings near the Prophet’s Mosque.

  1. InterContinental Dar Al Hijra Madinah

Located only 300 meters away, around 3–5 minutes on foot from the Haram, with views of Mount Uhud from some rooms. It includes the famous Al Safa restaurant, known for its Arabic buffets, and offers premium services from the IHG brand.

  1. Madinah Hilton Hotel

Located two minutes on foot from King Saud Gate, directly in the first row facing the Haram courtyards. It includes 357 rooms with panoramic windows overlooking the courtyard, Madinah Restaurant, and excellent service for elderly guests.

  1. Millennium Al Aqeeq Hotel

A 5-star hotel at a reasonable price, located within a short walking distance, around 110–160 meters, from the men’s and women’s entrances. It includes 505 rooms and stands out for its proximity to the women’s section entrance and to Al Majeedi Restaurant, which serves Asian cuisine.

Book Your Trip in Installments with almatar

Your budget stays under control, and your Umrah does not have to wait! Through the installment booking feature, you can split the cost of your tickets and hotel bookings into 4 equal payments with no interest and no credit card.

The first payment is made at the time of booking, and the remaining amount is paid over two consecutive months. The service is available for hotel bookings and domestic and international flights through the almatar app and website.

Conclusion

The journey of a lifetime deserves smart planning: Book hotels in Mecca and book hotels in Madinah at the closest point to the Two Holy Mosques, with a safety net for your trip from almatar. Download the app, activate the Free Delay feature, and leave the rest to us.

FAQs About the Best Hotels Near the Two Holy Mosques

What is the closest hotel to the Haram in Mecca?

The closest ones are Swissôtel Makkah, Fairmont Clock Tower, and Swissôtel Al Maqam, all located within the Abraj Al Bait complex, about 100 meters apart.

How much does the Umrah visa cost in 2026?

The basic government fee for the Umrah visa is SAR 300, and medical insurance fees may be added depending on the booking provider and length of stay.

Can Umrah flights be affected by regional tensions in the Gulf?

Yes, flights may sometimes be affected by regional tensions, airspace closures, or operational disruptions. That is why the Free Delay service from almatar gives you the option of free rebooking or a full refund when the flight is delayed, according to the specified conditions.

Can I book my Umrah in installments through almatar?

Yes, through Tabby in 4 equal interest-free payments, and the service includes hotels as well as domestic and international flights.

What is the best time to perform Umrah in terms of price?

The period between Shawwal and Dhul Qadah, as well as September and October, is when prices usually decrease before the Hajj and Ramadan seasons.

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