Ghazala Beautiful Hotel

We ended up here after our original hotel overbooked, and the staff were especially caring and supportive while moving us in. There are plenty of nearby shops and services within walking distance, including a launderette, grocery store, pharmacy, and restaurants. The hotel is a bit far from Masjid Al Haram, but a bus runs to and from it from across the street. The rooms are spacious and have 5+ beds, though a three-bedroom room can feel a little tight. Bathroom facilities were good. I'd recommend it if you're okay with the distance. During Ramadan and other busy periods the buses can get chaotic; I was told the service is much better outside those times.

The only people who were good and tried to help deal with things were the Saudi guys at reception. Room service was practically nonexistent: over five days, they came only once, and they didn't clean daily or respond when we asked them to. We had to beg for towels and for the towels and bed covers to be changed. The toilets were dirty, and water clogged in the shower area, which staff couldn't fix. The shared washing machine on the 10th floor wasn't good either. It was semi-automatic, with one dryer spinner and another washing spinner not working. They charge a 15% cleaning fee, but it seemed useless. The facilities might suit a bachelor stay, but not a family.

The hotel is about 3 km from the Haram, so walking there isn't practical. Its shuttle was great, though: it picked up in front of the hotel every 10 minutes and took about 15-20 minutes to reach the eastern side of the Haram. From there, the Clock Tower was another 15-20 minutes on foot. There isn't Asian food in the immediate area, so plan meals around that or eat near the Haram. For a budget stay, the place is clean and affordable, and the interior feels surprisingly elegant, with marble floors, traditional coffee in the lobby, and unusual plant displays. It was a welcoming place and a great option if you want frequent, reliable transport.

The budget price comes with a location farther from the Haram, but there's a free shuttle from across the hotel to Al Haram Grand Masjid every 30 minutes. It takes 15 minutes by bus, or 7 minutes by taxi. A taxi to the Grand Masjid Gate costs SAR 10. For performing Umrah on a budget, this is the best hotel to stay in.