فندق زهرة اللافندر

The room was clean, and Talal and Sultan were patient, attentive, and polite with the elderly people’s endless questions 😅, much appreciated. The rate is very good, even with three taxi trips a day. It’s a 20-minute walk to alharam for a young couple, but there’s an uphill stretch, so it’s not ideal for families with kids or older people. In my experience, taxis are available 24/7. It costs 5 riyals to alharam and 10 riyals for the ride back, about five minutes. The drop-off underneath alharam is more convenient than the shuttle bus stop, FYI.

For my first visit, this was a good hotel. It’s just 1 km from Haram, about a 15-20 minute trip. The service was good, and the room was reasonable for the price.

For a three-star place, it was decent. It was clean and there were no pests, though there were some flies at reception since the doors kept opening, and a few tiny ones in the small standing shower. The lift is slow going down, but there’s also a clean staircase. The shower was cold, or lukewarm at best. The rooms, especially the bathrooms, aren’t very nice to look at, but we slept comfortably and had enough space. No cleaning or room service came during our two-night stay. They did bring towels and tissue when we asked, and carried our bags upstairs and downstairs. The staff were polite enough. There’s a TV, and the AC was okay in December, though it wasn’t very strong, so I’m not sure how it is in summer. The electricity and AC switch off when you leave the room, and they issue only one key card per room. My fast phone charger was very slow. I think there aren’t enough power outlets, but we managed. It’s only a 900 m walk to the Haram, and they also have a free shuttle. A taxi may cost 10-20 riyals each way. Right outside there are little shops selling phone cases, bags, abayas, men’s clothes, and souvenirs, plus a supermarket, pharmacy, and small clean restaurant with basic food. There aren’t really any coffee shops, and the hotel restaurant was closed. The room has a kettle, basic tea and coffee, and basic shampoo and soap bars. Delivery apps can bring decent food for most of the day. I’d stay again. It’s clean enough, cost effective, and in a good location. A good option if you’re on a budget.

The rooms were clean, the staff were there to help around the clock, and the hotel is very close to the Haram, just an 8-minute walk. They also provide a free shuttle. It’s a perfect place to stay, though a bit expensive.