Although the name "Mecca" may conjure up buildings of an ancient nature, the city actually abounds with modern motels for tourists and pilgrims. Those traveling to Mecca who are not of the Islamic faith should take note that they will not be permitted to view the Kaaba, as only Muslims are permitted to perform the Hajj pilgrimage at this site.
The InterContinental Dar Al Tawhid provides reasonably rated accommodations and features amenities such as a health and fitness center, foreign currency exchange, same-day dry cleaning, courier services, and a business center. Fall rates as of 2010 start at 850 SAR (Saudi riyals), which is about $227 U.S. Mercure Hotel Umm Al Qura is another conveniently located hotel, about half a mile from the Holy Mosque. Amenities include laundry services, a hotel restaurant, room service, free parking, and free Wi-Fi. Rates start at 299 SAR (or about $80 U.S. a night, according to 2010 exchange rates). Another branch of the Mercure Hotel is Manazel Al Ain, with rates starting at 303 SAR (or about $82 U.S. a night according to 2010 exchange rates).
InterContinental Dar Al Tawhid
Ibrahim Al Khalil Rd.
P.O. Box 2728
Mecca, Saudi Arabia
+966 2-5411111
ichotelsgroup.com/intercontinental/en/gb/locations/makkah-daraltawhid
Mercure Hotel Umm Al Qura
Al Masjed Al Haram Road End Hojoun Bridge
P.O. Box 964
21955 Mecca, Saudi Arabia
mercure.com/gb/hotel-5485-mercure-grand-umm-al-qura-makkah/index.shtml
Mercure Hotel Manazel Al Ain
P.O. Box 5454
21955 Mecca, Saudi Arabia
+966 2-5578000
mercure.com/gb/hotel-6203-manazel-al-ain-mercure/index.shtml
A reputable chain in Mecca is the Hilton Makkah, providing accommodations to the traveler that will make him feel at home in a foreign land. With its group dining facilities, business center, bar/pub, hotel lounge, gym, and 24-hour reception desk, the Hilton offers the resources a tourist needs to make the most of a Meccan sojourn. The Ramada Hotel additionally has a chain location in Mecca, called the Ramada Shubaika. Amenities include a conference room, a safety deposit box, an in-room refrigerator, and wake-up calls upon request. The hotel has 142 rooms and is close to the Holy Haram of Makkah.
Makkah Hilton Hotel
P.O. Box 844
21955 Mecca, Saudi Arabia
+966 2-5340000
hilton.com/en_US/hi/hotel/MAKHITW-Makkah-Hilton-Hotel/index.do
Ramada Shubaika
Hart Al Barb Al Shubaika
21955 Mecca, Saudi Arabia
The Al Shohada Hotel has a total of 494 rooms and offers several luxury services, including foot massages for men and use of foot massage equipment for women. Each room comes with an LCD TV, air conditioning, and a marble bathroom. Nightly rates for the Al Shohada start at 499 SAR (about $133 U.S., according to 2010 exchange rates). Le Meridien is distinguished, not just for its five-star rating, but also for its extreme closeness to the King Abdulaziz Gate. The hotel additionally overlooks the Holy Mosque, which is within walking distance. Amenities include a restaurant on the 21st floor, called the Rand Restaurant, which serves both Arabic food and international cuisine, a hair salon, room service, and a currency exchange service. The nightly rates begin at 585 SAR (about $155 U.S., according to 2010 exchange rates).
Al Shohada Hotel
Ajyad St.
Holy City Makkah
21955 Mecca, Saudi Arabia
Le Meridien Makkah
King Abdulaziz Rd.
21955 Mecca, Saudi Arabia
