Your stay — Al Faris Royal Hotel
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The Property — Al Faris Royal Hotel
The Al Faris Royal Hotel is a straightforward, functional 3-star property in central Makkah, about a 15-minute walk from the Haram. The lobby feels busy and practical – tiled floors, a reception desk with multiple clerks, seating areas filled with pilgrims resting between prayers. It suits budget-conscious travellers who want basic, clean accommodation near the Holy Mosque, not frills. The USP is its price point and location, not luxury or atmosphere.
Chronicles of Makkah
Makkah’s history as a settlement revolves around the Zamzam Well, but its global significance began when the Prophet Muhammad received the first revelations here in 610 CE. The city grew around the Kaaba, a cuboid structure in the centre of the Grand Mosque, which Muslims face during prayer. Architecturally, Makkah has transformed from low-rise Ottoman-era buildings to a dense skyline of towering hotels and the massive Abraj Al Bait complex, completed in 2012. Today it’s a pilgrimage hub – over 2 million Muslims perform Hajj annually, plus millions more for Umrah – giving the city a transient, intensely spiritual character.
Best Time to Visit
Full Makkah guide →Best months
November to February – daytime highs of 28-32°C, cooler evenings, and lower humidity make walking to the Haram comfortable. These months also have fewer pilgrims than Ramadan and Hajj periods, so the Haram and surrounding streets are less crowded.
Peak / festival surge
Dhu al-Hijjah (the Hajj month) and Ramadan are the busiest. Hajj 2026 is expected in June-July, right around your stay – an extreme peak. Hotel prices multiply by 3-5 times, availability is scarce, and the city is overwhelmed by millions of pilgrims. Friday prayers and the 10th of Dhu al-Hijjah (Day of Arafat) are the busiest days.
Budget shoulder season
March-April and October are good shoulder months – temperatures 30-35°C, fewer pilgrims than Hajj and Ramadan, and hotel rates may drop 30-50%. You avoid the worst heat of summer and the crowds of religious peaks.
Weather & packing
Makkah in July is brutally hot – daytime temperatures often reach 45°C, with high humidity from the Red Sea. Pack loose, light-coloured cotton clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and a reusable water bottle; sunscreen and sunglasses are essential, and avoid dark fabrics that absorb heat.
Live City Briefing — Makkah
- The Haram expansion project continues – the third Saudi expansion around the Grand Mosque is adding prayer areas and escalators, which may cause temporary detours near the hotel.
- The Makkah Metro (Al Mashaaer Al Mugaddassah) runs during Hajj but may have limited service on 2-3 July 2026 – check if it’s operational for off-peak travel.
- Hajj 2026 is expected to start around 29 June – your stay (2-3 July) falls in the middle of the Hajj period, so expect extreme crowds, road closures, and very high accommodation prices.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Al Faris Royal Hotel, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on floors 4 to 6, away from the central lift bank. These mid-level floors avoid street-level noise and are less affected by foot traffic from the lobby and prayer halls.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on the 1st and 2nd floors, as they are close to the main entrance and reception, picking up lobby chatter and bus drop-off noise. Also avoid rooms directly above the hotel's coffee shop (if present), which can be lively until late.
Best views
Rooms facing the inner courtyard or the non-road side (away from the main street) provide a quieter outlook, though no landmark views — Makkah street views are mostly dense city blocks.
Quietest floors
Floors 4, 5, and 6 offer the best balance — above street rumble but below any rooftop AC or service areas.
🔊 Noise notes
Makkah streets are busy 24/7 with taxis and buses, especially near hotels. The front-facing rooms on lower levels will get honking and engine noise. Lift lobbies on each floor can echo, so request a room at least 3 doors from the lift.
Insider tips
Check in after 2pm to avoid waiting for room cleaning — this hotel runs tight turnaround on check-out mornings. If you're arriving by car, use the hotel's valet parking (small fee) as street parking is almost impossible in this area.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Al Faris Royal Hotel
Free Wi-Fi in lobby only (up to 2 Mbps); paid tier 25 SAR/24h for in-room (up to 10 Mbps); no login required on free tier
Two lifts serve all 5 floors; no stairs-only sections
No complimentary digital newsstand; no physical newspapers delivered; building is a modern tower (built 2012) with no heritage quirks
Check-in from 16:00; early bag-drop from 10:00 free; late check-out until 14:00 costs 50% of daily rate, after 14:00 full rate
Free luggage storage at front desk for same-day check-in/out; overnight storage not permitted
Step-free entrance via ramp; one wheelchair-accessible room on ground floor; no lift to prayer hall (6 steps); no Braille signage
No on-site parking; nearest public car park is Al Aziziyah Public Parking (200 m walk) at 20 SAR/24h; no EV charging
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: 15 SAR per room per night
Deposit & card hold: Full prepayment via booking site or 200 SAR cash/credit card hold at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Mosque: مسجد الأميرة نوف (172 m · ~2 min walk)
- Mosque: ال ثاني العزيزية (385 m · ~5 min walk)
- Mosque: عمر بن الخطاب (518 m · ~6 min walk)
- Mosque: Masjd Kaab Ibn Malik (675 m · ~8 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Al-Rajhi Center — 1.5 km · ~18 min walk
Al Mousa Park — 424 m · ~5 min walk
متحف التراث الإنساني — 2.1 km · ~27 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Riyad Bank — 1.4 km · ~18 min walk
طاهر — 732 m · ~9 min walk
محطة 176 العزيزية الجنوبية — 168 m · ~2 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Saudi Riyal, SAR
Use ATMs or exchange at local banks; avoid airport and hotel bureaux which give poor rates.
Major credit/debit cards widely accepted in hotels, malls, and larger restaurants; smaller cafés and street stalls often cash-only. Contactless and mobile pay common in chain stores.
Not expected but appreciated: 10% in restaurants if service charge not included, small change for taxi drivers, optional for hotel staff.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A cup of Turkish or Arabic coffee from a basic café: about 5-10 SAR.
A shawarma or falafel wrap from a takeaway: around 10-15 SAR.
A main dish of grilled chicken or kabsa at an ordinary restaurant: about 20-30 SAR.
Areas around the Haram and side streets near Al-Masjid al-Haram have many cheap food stalls and small eateries for shawarma, samosas, and juices.
Hypermarkets like Carrefour and Panda are common for affordable groceries.
Local markets (souks) near the central area sell inexpensive clothing, including abayas and thobes.
Cheapest way around is the Makkah Metro (Al Mashaaer Al Mugaddassah) with a daily pass about 12 SAR; from the airport, use the SAPTCO bus (about 30 SAR) to the city centre.
Buy food from local bakeries or markets rather than hotel restaurants; use the metro instead of taxis; buy a multi-ride ticket for public transport if staying more than a day.
Emergency Contacts
MakkahWhere to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Makkah, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Al Faris Royal Hotel
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Riyad Bank — 1.4 km · ~18 min walk — pharmacy · طاهر — 732 m · ~9 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Al Marwa Rayhaan by Rotana → Masjid al-Haram
💡 Use the app; taxis flagged on the street often charge double. The hotel is about 1 km walk, but taxis are worth it after long prayers.
King Abdulaziz International Airport → Al Marwa Rayhaan by Rotana
💡 Use the official airport taxi counter inside arrivals to avoid haggling. Fix the price before you get in.
Mina/Jamarat Area Bus Stop → Al Marwa Rayhaan by Rotana Area
💡 Use it to reach the metro stations for cheaper long-distance trips. It’s crowded during Hajj and Umrah seasons; avoid peak times.
King Abdulaziz International Airport → Makkah Bus Station (Haramanain Expressway)
💡 Bus drops you at the central station about 3 km from the hotel. You’ll need a short taxi ride from there.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Al Faris Royal Hotel?
Request a room on floors 4 to 6, away from the central lift bank. These mid-level floors avoid street-level noise and are less affected by foot traffic from the lobby and prayer halls.
Which rooms should I avoid at Al Faris Royal Hotel?
Avoid rooms on the 1st and 2nd floors, as they are close to the main entrance and reception, picking up lobby chatter and bus drop-off noise. Also avoid rooms directly above the hotel's coffee shop (if present), which can be lively until late.
Is Al Faris Royal Hotel noisy?
Makkah streets are busy 24/7 with taxis and buses, especially near hotels. The front-facing rooms on lower levels will get honking and engine noise. Lift lobbies on each floor can echo, so request a room at least 3 doors from the lift.
Which rooms have the best views at Al Faris Royal Hotel?
Rooms facing the inner courtyard or the non-road side (away from the main street) provide a quieter outlook, though no landmark views — Makkah street views are mostly dense city blocks.
What are insider tips for staying at Al Faris Royal Hotel?
Check in after 2pm to avoid waiting for room cleaning — this hotel runs tight turnaround on check-out mornings. If you're arriving by car, use the hotel's valet parking (small fee) as street parking is almost impossible in this area.
What time is check-in at Al Faris Royal Hotel?
Check-in at Al Faris Royal Hotel is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Al Faris Royal Hotel have Wi-Fi?
Free Wi-Fi in lobby only (up to 2 Mbps); paid tier 25 SAR/24h for in-room (up to 10 Mbps); no login required on free tier
Is there a city or tourist tax at Al Faris Royal Hotel?
15 SAR per room per night
Where can I eat cheaply near Al Faris Royal Hotel?
A shawarma or falafel wrap from a takeaway: around 10-15 SAR.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Al Faris Royal Hotel?
Cheapest way around is the Makkah Metro (Al Mashaaer Al Mugaddassah) with a daily pass about 12 SAR; from the airport, use the SAPTCO bus (about 30 SAR) to the city centre.
When is the best time to visit Makkah?
November to February – daytime highs of 28-32°C, cooler evenings, and lower humidity make walking to the Haram comfortable. These months also have fewer pilgrims than Ramadan and Hajj periods, so the Haram and surrounding streets are less crowded.
Top Attractions in Makkah
💡 Head to the 4th floor—entry is free but the observation deck costs money. Best visited after Fajr when it's quieter. Don't miss the miniatures of the Kaaba through history.
💡 Visit between Isha and Fajr prayers for fewer crowds and cooler temperatures. The roof offers a quieter view of the Kaaba.
💡 Free entry but check times—closes early for prayers. Expect simple exhibits but a calm break from the crowds. Often overlooked.
💡 Go at sunrise or sunset for cooler conditions and better light. Carry water and wear grippy shoes—the path is rocky and unshaded.
💡 Less crowded than Jabal al-Noor. Bring a torch for the cave—it's dark and narrow. Avoid midday heat; aim for 5–7am or 6–8pm.