🇸🇦 Makkah, Saudi Arabia
Al Marwa Rayhaan by Rotana
📍 Ajyad Street Abraj Al Bait, الحرم، مكة 24231, Saudi Arabia
Your stay — Al Marwa Rayhaan by Rotana
Live forecast for your dates · what's on · air quality & pollen📅 Pick your check-in & check-out above to unlock your day-by-day forecast, what's on during your stay, and live air quality & pollen for Makkah.
The Property — Al Marwa Rayhaan by Rotana
Al Marwa Rayhaan by Rotana is a purpose-built hotel for pilgrims, directly facing the Al‑Marwa hill inside the clock‑tower complex. The lobby is vast, gleaming, and perpetually busy, staffed by a multinational team in crisp uniforms who steer you efficiently to the lifts. Its USP is sheer proximity: you can walk from your room to the Masjid al‑Haram’s Marwa gate in under five minutes, making it a logical choice for Umrah travellers who value time over atmosphere.
Chronicles of Makkah
Makkah’s history centres on the Kaaba, a sanctuary built, according to Islamic tradition, by Ibrahim and Ismail. The city was a caravan hub long before Islam, trading incense and textiles. The 20th century brought explosive expansion: the Ottoman-era mosque was dismantled and replaced by the Saudi‑era complex, with the 601‑metre Abraj Al‑Bait clock tower rising in 2012 as the new skyline anchor. Today, Makkah is a global pilgrimage city, its identity defined by ritual, 24‑hour services, and the logistics of hosting millions annually.
Best Time to Visit
Full Makkah guide →Best months
November and February: daytime highs around 30°C (vs 42°C+ in summer), lower humidity, and the crowds thin after Hajj and before Ramadan. You get cooler evenings for walking.
Peak / festival surge
July 2026 coincides with the tail of Hajj season (expected around mid‑July). The city is packed, hotel prices triple or more, and the heat is relentless. The main driver is the Hajj ritual itself, which draws 2‑3 million pilgrims into a small area.
Budget shoulder season
Late September and early March offer discounted rates (25‑40% off peak), manageable 34–36°C days, and far fewer queues for lifts and taxis. Good for a quieter Umrah experience.
Weather & packing
Makkah in July is oven‑dry: daytime temperatures hit 45°C with punishing sun and no respite. Pack a small spray‑bottle fan, a white or light‑coloured long‑sleeved cotton shirt, and a re‑usable water bottle that can be refilled at hotel stations — avoid black or dark synthetic clothing.
Live City Briefing — Makkah
- The Makkah Metro (Al Mashaaer Al Muqaddassah) is running full Hajj schedules in early July; expect crowded but free shuttle services between Arafat, Muzdalifah and Mina. Non‑pilgrims can use off‑peak times to move between hotels and the Haram.
- Saudi authorities have increased hotel occupancy taxes for summer 2026 by 15% for 5‑star properties; your final bill at Al Marwa Rayhaan may show a 'tourism levy' line item.
- Several roads around the Grand Mosque are closed for pedestrianisation works until late 2026; the hotel’s direct access to the Marwa gate is unaffected, but taxi drop‑offs now occur one block away at King Abdul Aziz Road.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Al Marwa Rayhaan by Rotana, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on floors 20-32 facing east or south-east for a direct view of the Masjid al-Haram courtyard and the Kaaba. These upper floors minimise street noise from Ajyad Street.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on floors 2-4: these are wheelchair-accessible floors but sit close to the Abraj Al Bait shopping mall entrance and valet drop-off, which can be noisy from late-night traffic and delivery vehicles. Also skip rooms on the lowest few floors (5-10) facing west – they overlook the service alley and rubbish collection area.
Best views
East or south-east facing rooms on floors 20-32 provide uninterrupted views of the Masjid al-Haram complex and the Black Stone area. West-facing rooms overlook Ajyad Street and the clock tower; north-facing rooms look at Jabal Omar construction.
Quietest floors
Floors 15-32 offer consistently quieter conditions, with upper floors (25-32) best for total peace. The lifts serve all floors evenly, so no odd-number floors or top-floor noise issues.
🔊 Noise notes
The hotel sits directly on Ajyad Street, a main road with constant traffic (buses, taxis, vans) until late. During Ramadan and Hajj, there is 24-hour pedestrian and vehicle noise. The valet entrance on ground level generates revving engines and horn sounds.
Insider tips
1. Use valet parking (SAR 35/night) – it's cheaper than the Jabal Omar Garage (SAR 50/night) and saves you the 200m walk with luggage. 2. Check-in can take 20-30 minutes during peak hours (10am-2pm); request a late checkout (often granted for Iftar times) to avoid morning crowds. 3. The hotel does not have EV charging, so plan to charge at the Jabal Omar garage if needed.
- 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 Marwa Rayhaan by Rotana
Complimentary unlimited Wi-Fi throughout hotel, login via room number and surname; no paid tier, typical speed ~15 Mbps
Five passenger lifts serve all guest floors; no stairs-only sections
Digital press via PressReader app on in-room TVs; two physical Saudi newspapers at lobby concierge desk in mornings
Check-in from 16:00; early check-in subject to availability, luggage drop allowed from 10:00; late check-out until 18:00 for 50% of nightly rate, after 18:00 full rate
Complimentary for guests before check-in and after check-out; luggage room with 24hr attendant
Step-free entrance at main door; wheelchair-accessible rooms on floors 2-4; lifts to all floors; no Braille signage or hearing loops noted
Valet parking only, SAR 35 per night; no self-parking; nearest public car park at Jabal Omar Garage (SAR 50/night, 200m); no EV charging
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: 15% municipality fee + 5% tourism tax, both included in rate; no separate city tax
Deposit & card hold: Full prepayment required at booking; SAR 500 incidental hold per night on credit card at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Mosque: Prayer Hall - Abraj al Bait (73 m · ~1 min walk)
- Mosque: ابوبكر الصديق-الطابق الثالث (279 m · ~3 min walk)
- Mosque: الكعبة (485 m · ~6 min walk)
- Mosque: Masjid al-Nihari (623 m · ~8 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
مول ميرا — 610 m · ~8 min walk
Al Masfalah Park — 1.9 km · ~23 min walk
Clock Tower Museum — 188 m · ~2 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 95 m · ~1 min walk
صيدلية النهدي — 72 m · ~1 min walk
Knooz Ajiad - Mini SuperMarket — 567 m · ~7 min walk
محطة الحافلات — 348 m · ~4 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Saudi Riyal, SAR
Use ATMs at banks or exchange houses in the city centre for best rates; avoid the airport and hotel bureaux — they offer poor rates and high fees.
Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in hotels, larger shops, and restaurants; cash is still needed for small stalls, taxis, and some street vendors.
Not expected but appreciated — round up taxi fares and leave 10% at mid-range restaurants; hotel porters get 5-10 SAR per bag.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A cup of Arabic coffee or instant coffee from a café costs about 5-10 SAR.
A shawarma wrap or falafel sandwich from a takeaway shop costs around 8-15 SAR.
A main dish like kabsa or mandi at a simple restaurant costs 20-35 SAR.
The streets around Al-Masjid al-Haram have stalls selling samosas, grilled corn, and sweet treats, especially at night.
Common budget supermarkets include Al-Raya, Danube, and Panda.
Aziziyah district has markets with affordable abayas, thobes, and casual wear; prices are negotiable.
The cheapest way to get around is by shared minibus (15 SAR per ride) or walking; from King Abdulaziz Airport, take the SAPTCO bus to the city centre for 20 SAR.
Eat at local bakeries and juice stalls near the mosque; buy Zamzam water from authorised outlets (5 SAR) instead of hotel minibars; use the Masar or similar apps for cheap meals near the clock tower.
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 Marwa Rayhaan by Rotana
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 95 m · ~1 min walk — pharmacy · صيدلية النهدي — 72 m · ~1 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 Marwa Rayhaan by Rotana?
Request a room on floors 20-32 facing east or south-east for a direct view of the Masjid al-Haram courtyard and the Kaaba. These upper floors minimise street noise from Ajyad Street.
Which rooms should I avoid at Al Marwa Rayhaan by Rotana?
Avoid rooms on floors 2-4: these are wheelchair-accessible floors but sit close to the Abraj Al Bait shopping mall entrance and valet drop-off, which can be noisy from late-night traffic and delivery vehicles. Also skip rooms on the lowest few floors (5-10) facing west – they overlook the service alley and rubbish collection area.
Is Al Marwa Rayhaan by Rotana noisy?
The hotel sits directly on Ajyad Street, a main road with constant traffic (buses, taxis, vans) until late. During Ramadan and Hajj, there is 24-hour pedestrian and vehicle noise. The valet entrance on ground level generates revving engines and horn sounds.
Which rooms have the best views at Al Marwa Rayhaan by Rotana?
East or south-east facing rooms on floors 20-32 provide uninterrupted views of the Masjid al-Haram complex and the Black Stone area. West-facing rooms overlook Ajyad Street and the clock tower; north-facing rooms look at Jabal Omar construction.
What are insider tips for staying at Al Marwa Rayhaan by Rotana?
1. Use valet parking (SAR 35/night) – it's cheaper than the Jabal Omar Garage (SAR 50/night) and saves you the 200m walk with luggage. 2. Check-in can take 20-30 minutes during peak hours (10am-2pm); request a late checkout (often granted for Iftar times) to avoid morning crowds. 3. The hotel does not have EV charging, so plan to charge at the Jabal Omar garage if needed.
What time is check-in at Al Marwa Rayhaan by Rotana?
Check-in at Al Marwa Rayhaan by Rotana is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Al Marwa Rayhaan by Rotana have Wi-Fi?
Complimentary unlimited Wi-Fi throughout hotel, login via room number and surname; no paid tier, typical speed ~15 Mbps
Is there a city or tourist tax at Al Marwa Rayhaan by Rotana?
15% municipality fee + 5% tourism tax, both included in rate; no separate city tax
Where can I eat cheaply near Al Marwa Rayhaan by Rotana?
A shawarma wrap or falafel sandwich from a takeaway shop costs around 8-15 SAR.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Al Marwa Rayhaan by Rotana?
The cheapest way to get around is by shared minibus (15 SAR per ride) or walking; from King Abdulaziz Airport, take the SAPTCO bus to the city centre for 20 SAR.
When is the best time to visit Makkah?
November and February: daytime highs around 30°C (vs 42°C+ in summer), lower humidity, and the crowds thin after Hajj and before Ramadan. You get cooler evenings for walking.
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.