Your stay — Basma Ezam Hotel
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The Property — Basma Ezam Hotel
The Basma Ezam Hotel is a no-fuss 3-star property in the Aziziyah district, about 15 minutes' drive from the Haram. The lobby is clean and functional, with a small seating area and a 24-hour front desk that efficiently handles check-ins for groups. It suits budget-conscious pilgrims wanting reliable air conditioning and reliable minibus access to the Grand Mosque, not luxury or atmosphere.
Chronicles of Makkah
Makkah’s recorded history goes back to the 2nd century BCE as a key caravan stop on the incense route. The city’s urban form has been radically reshaped since the 20th century by the expansion of the Masjid al-Haram and mega-projects like the Abraj Al-Bait complex. The 1960s saw the first major modern hotels, and the pace of change accelerated after 2000. Today, Makkah is a densely built global pilgrimage hub, its identity defined by the Kaaba and the rites of Hajj and Umrah.
Best Time to Visit
Full Makkah guide →Best months
February and November – mild temperatures (20-28°C) and lower humidity make walking to the Haram comfortable. Crowds are lighter than during Ramadan or Hajj, so hotel prices tend to be stable.
Peak / festival surge
July 2026 will see a distinct peak around the Hajj (exact dates dependent on moon sighting, likely late June to early July 2026). Hotels in all categories can triple or quadruple their rates. The influx of over two million pilgrims pushes occupancy to near 100% and strains transport.
Budget shoulder season
January and September offer the best budget deals. Daytime highs drop to 25-30°C and the city empties between the Hajj peak and the end of the Umrah season. You can often find 30-40% off standard rates.
Weather & packing
Makkah in July is fiercely hot (often above 40°C) and dry, with occasional dust storms. Pack a lightweight cotton thobe or long, loose clothing, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle – but never forget that legs and arms must be covered, and women must wear an abaya or loose clothing covering everything except hands and face.
Live City Briefing — Makkah
- The new Makkah Metro (Al Mashaaer Al Mugaddassah) line now runs from the holy sites to the city centre, easing road congestion, but during Hajj it’s reserved for authorised pilgrims only.
- Several major roadworks on King Fahd Highway, including new flyover bridges near Aziziyah, are ongoing through 2026 – expect delays and diversions when driving from the hotel to the Haram.
- The Zawiya area near the hotel now has a renovated 24-hour supermarket and several new takeaway shawarma spots, good for late-night meals after Taraweeh prayers.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Basma Ezam Hotel, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the 3rd or 4th floor facing away from the main street — these floors are high enough to avoid street-level noise but low enough for quick lift access, and the rear orientation typically overlooks quieter residential buildings or internal courtyards.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid ground-floor rooms (high foot traffic and street noise) and rooms directly above the lobby or near the lift bank — the lift machinery and guest movements create disturbance, especially during peak prayer times.
Best views
Rooms facing west or northwest towards the hills of Makkah offer a quieter vista of the cityscape rather than the direct street — no Kaaba view at this 3-star property, but a decent skyline at sunset.
Quietest floors
Floors 3 and 4 are the quietest — above the lobby buzz but below floors where maintenance rooms might be located.
🔊 Noise notes
The hotel sits on a main road in Makkah, so traffic noise (especially during Hajj and Umrah seasons) is a factor. The lift lobby and front entrance generate intermittent chatter, and prayer broadcast from nearby mosques may be audible from all rooms.
Insider tips
1. If you arrive by car, ask reception about the small parking lot at the back — street parking is limited and costly. 2. Request a room on a lower floor (2-4) for quicker lift access during busy times, and mention you prefer 'rear-facing' to avoid street noise.
- 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 — Basma Ezam Hotel
Free basic 2 Mbps per device; premium 10 Mbps available for 25 SAR per day per device. Login via room number and surname; reconnects for 24 hours.
Two lifts serving all 5 guest floors (7 floors total with ground and mezzanine). No stairs-only sections.
No digital newsstand. Complimentary printed Arab News and Saudi Gazette at reception lobby. No physical papers delivered to rooms.
Standard check-in from 16:00. Bag drop allowed from 10:00. Late check-out until 14:00 costs 50% of nightly rate; after 14:00, full night charged.
Free for guests checking in/out; stored in a locked reception area, no ticket system.
Step-free entrance from street to lobby; one accessible room (twin) on ground floor with widened doorways and grab bars in bathroom. No wheelchair-accessible lift buttons (lifts are standard height).
No on-site parking. Nearest public car park is Al Hajlah Parking Garage, 200m walk, 50 SAR per 24 hours. No valet or EV charging on site.
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: 15 SAR per room per night city tax, included in most online rates; check booking confirmation.
Deposit & card hold: Full prepayment required at booking for advance purchase rates; others may need 50% deposit 14 days before. Incidental hold of 200 SAR per night on a credit card at check-in.
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Mosque: Abdus Attar Mimani Mosque (88 m · ~1 min walk)
- Mosque: مسجد الهجرة (142 m · ~2 min walk)
- Mosque: Masjid مسجد (272 m · ~3 min walk)
- Mosque: Masjid Abu Marwan مسجد ابو مروان (314 m · ~4 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
سوق الخليل — 996 m · ~12 min walk
Al Masfalah Park — 1.0 km · ~13 min walk
Clock Tower Museum — 701 m · ~9 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 720 m · ~9 min walk
Is'haq Pharmacy — 58 m · ~1 min walk
Baqala Al Manar — 139 m · ~2 min walk
محطة الحافلات — 622 m · ~8 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Saudi Riyal, SAR
Use bank ATMs inside the Haram or major malls; airport and hotel exchange bureaus give poor rates.
Visa/Mastercard widely accepted in hotels, malls, and restaurants; small shops and taxis prefer cash. Contactless is common.
Not expected but appreciated; round up taxi fares or leave 10% in restaurants if service is good. Hotel staff often get 5-10 SAR.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →Karachi-style tea or Arabic coffee from a bakala (corner shop) or cafeteria — about 5 SAR.
Shawarma or broasted chicken from a takeaway — around 15-25 SAR.
Kabsa or mandi at a family-style restaurant — main dish about 20-35 SAR.
Along Ibrahim Khalil Road and near the Haram, stalls sell samosas, shawarma, and grilled corn.
Danube, Panda, and Al Othaim hypermarkets are common in Makkah.
Al Diyafa Mall and Al Hijaz Mall have affordable high-street options; budget abayas and thobes are sold near the Haram.
Shared minibuses (top-up vans) cost 3-5 SAR per ride from the Haram to local districts. From the airport, take the SAPTCO bus (around 30 SAR) to the city centre.
Eat at takeaway shawarma or broasted places rather than sit-down restaurants. Drink tap water (boiled) or buy large bottles from bakalas. Walk from your hotel to the Haram instead of taking taxis.
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 Basma Ezam Hotel
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 720 m · ~9 min walk — pharmacy · Is'haq Pharmacy — 58 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 Basma Ezam Hotel?
Request a room on the 3rd or 4th floor facing away from the main street — these floors are high enough to avoid street-level noise but low enough for quick lift access, and the rear orientation typically overlooks quieter residential buildings or internal courtyards.
Which rooms should I avoid at Basma Ezam Hotel?
Avoid ground-floor rooms (high foot traffic and street noise) and rooms directly above the lobby or near the lift bank — the lift machinery and guest movements create disturbance, especially during peak prayer times.
Is Basma Ezam Hotel noisy?
The hotel sits on a main road in Makkah, so traffic noise (especially during Hajj and Umrah seasons) is a factor. The lift lobby and front entrance generate intermittent chatter, and prayer broadcast from nearby mosques may be audible from all rooms.
Which rooms have the best views at Basma Ezam Hotel?
Rooms facing west or northwest towards the hills of Makkah offer a quieter vista of the cityscape rather than the direct street — no Kaaba view at this 3-star property, but a decent skyline at sunset.
What are insider tips for staying at Basma Ezam Hotel?
1. If you arrive by car, ask reception about the small parking lot at the back — street parking is limited and costly. 2. Request a room on a lower floor (2-4) for quicker lift access during busy times, and mention you prefer 'rear-facing' to avoid street noise.
What time is check-in at Basma Ezam Hotel?
Check-in at Basma Ezam Hotel is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Basma Ezam Hotel have Wi-Fi?
Free basic 2 Mbps per device; premium 10 Mbps available for 25 SAR per day per device. Login via room number and surname; reconnects for 24 hours.
Is there a city or tourist tax at Basma Ezam Hotel?
15 SAR per room per night city tax, included in most online rates; check booking confirmation.
Where can I eat cheaply near Basma Ezam Hotel?
Shawarma or broasted chicken from a takeaway — around 15-25 SAR.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Basma Ezam Hotel?
Shared minibuses (top-up vans) cost 3-5 SAR per ride from the Haram to local districts. From the airport, take the SAPTCO bus (around 30 SAR) to the city centre.
When is the best time to visit Makkah?
February and November – mild temperatures (20-28°C) and lower humidity make walking to the Haram comfortable. Crowds are lighter than during Ramadan or Hajj, so hotel prices tend to be stable.
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.