Al Aseel Hawazen Hotel

The hotel sits on the main road, with parks and two mosques within walking distance. Taxis are easy to hire right out front, with no waiting. Inside, the rooms, lifts, and main entrance were all in good condition. There's a TV with lots of channels, plus hot plates for making a small amount of food or tea, and a kettle and flask. The one issue was that the receptionist didn't know English.

I really liked the service and all the branded items they put in the room, like the toothbrush, spoon, cup, comforter, and salah carpet. I didn't give it 5/5 because the room was so small with three beds squeezed into it.

I found the hotel cheap and cheerful, and the room had Wi-Fi, a TV, and a clock. It also came with an electric hob, fridge, kettle, sink, kitchen cupboards, dishes, and a cooking pot. A few hotels I've used before only had Wi-Fi in reception, so having it in the room was handy. Right next door there's a laundrette, a local shop (baqala), and a raajihi cash machine. There are a few barbers nearby, though they ask 20 SAR, or 15 after haggling. A taxi to the haram costs 5-10 SAR. Coming back can be 10-30 SAR depending on how busy it is. If you're patient, even in traffic, you may find someone for around 20 SAR. I didn't use the bus, but the receptionist said it takes two buses. There aren't many famous restaurants within walking distance. You can get to them by taxi for 5-10 SAR. Ask for al baik in aziziyah, where there are all kinds of restaurants on that road. For pizza, amigos next to kudu is very nice.

The staff were friendly and ready to help with requests, and the facilities were excellent. The place was calm, with little traffic around it. There are two grocery stores nearby and mosques around the hotel. The bathroom had all the necessary accessories, and the beds were clean with two extra pillows provided. Plates and cutlery were there for guests too. It's easy to find a taxi to masjid Al-Haram, usually for 15-20 SAR. "Shaikh Abdullah Khayyat Road" is a useful landmark. The hotel is in Mecca, 5 km from Al Masjid Al Haram, with free Wi-Fi. Al Aziziya Market is a 10-minute drive away.