Novotel Residences Makkah

The shuttle to the Haram was one of the best parts, running every 30 minutes and making prayer trips convenient. Housekeeping kept the room clean and well maintained throughout, and the staff were professional, welcoming, and helpful. The calm, comfortable atmosphere made for a very pleasant stay at Novotel. Everything felt well organized, and I’d happily stay again and recommend it.

The room mix was the biggest problem. I booked three rooms through Agoda, each listed with a king-size bed, and was fine with getting all three that way even though I’d meant to book one accessible room and two regular ones. At check-in, only one had a king bed; the other two had queens. We spent nearly three hours trying to explain the difference, and I even showed a staff member, who still wouldn’t accept it. I have photos if needed. We were traveling with children, but there was no suitable space or arrangement for them despite this being mentioned when we booked. Service was very poor throughout. The manager avoided speaking with us, and the complaints I sent to the Accor email address never got a reply. A complete waste of time and energy. I wouldn’t recommend Novotel Makkah Thaker City or stay there again. I’ve already booked another Novotel in Dubai and now regret it. I hope that stay is different.

Experiences seem to vary a lot from one Novotel to another. Some guests mention problems with maintenance, noisy rooms, plumbing, or air conditioning, and others say reservation or front desk issues weren’t handled well. Food and facilities like spas or saunas also get mixed reactions, with some places seen as limited or just average. On the good side, guests often describe the rooms as clean, comfortable, and modern, especially in recently renovated properties. Staff are frequently called courteous and helpful, and the locations are often convenient for city centers, airports, or business areas. Many hotels also have breakfast, fitness centers, pools, and business facilities. Novotel is Accor’s mid-scale brand, with more than 550 properties across over 65 countries, and some travelers feel the price is fair for a four-star hotel.

The room had a faint, odd smell that left me uncomfortable and gave me a headache. I also think the bathroom could use anti-slip mats, especially for older guests, since the floor gets quite slippery and falls are a concern. I hope neither issue has a negative effect on customer service. Still, I had a wonderful stay. The location was prime, the atmosphere elegant, and the shuttle to Al-Haram convenient. The hospitality and experience were excellent, and I’d recommend the hotel for its comfort, service, and location.