Your stay — Elaf Al Mashaer Hotel
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The Property — Elaf Al Mashaer Hotel
This is a functional, no-frills 3-star hotel in the Al Aziziyah district, about 4 km southeast of the Haram. The lobby is compact and bright, with a reception desk that handles check-ins efficiently, but don't expect polish or atmosphere. It suits budget-conscious pilgrims who need a clean bed near the holy sites and value minibus shuttle access to the mosque over comfort or character.
Chronicles of Makkah
Makkah’s history is tied to the Kaaba, which Muslims believe was built by Abraham and Ishmael. The city grew as a trading hub under the Quraysh tribe and became Islam’s holiest site after the Prophet Muhammad’s revelations in the 7th century. Architecturally, the Ottoman-era precincts have been largely replaced by modern high-rises and the massive King Abdulaziz Endowment Project towers near the Grand Mosque. Today, Makkah is a global pilgrimage centre, with the annual Hajj and year-round Umrah drawing millions, shaping a city that blends ancient ritual with relentless urban expansion.
Best Time to Visit
Full Makkah guide →Best months
November to February: cooler temperatures (20-30°C) and lower humidity make walking to the Haram more bearable. December and January have the lightest crowds outside Hajj and Ramadan.
Peak / festival surge
Ramadan and Hajj are the busiest periods. In 2026, Ramadan falls around March, but the Hajj season (early July) will see extreme crowds and hotel rates up to triple the norm. The Hajj itself peaks 8-12 July 2026, with the hotel likely full.
Budget shoulder season
March-April and October-November are good: temperatures are moderate (25-35°C), and crowd levels are lower than peak, so you can find 15-25% discounts on room rates.
Weather & packing
July in Makkah is searing, often above 40°C, with very low humidity. Pack a lightweight, loose-fitting abaya or thobe, a sun hat, and always carry a reusable water bottle to avoid dehydration.
Live City Briefing — Makkah
- The Haramain High-Speed Railway now connects Makkah to Jeddah and Madinah, cutting travel time from Jeddah Airport to about 45 minutes; taxis from the station to the hotel take another 15 minutes.
- The Al Masjid Al Haram expansion project is ongoing, with new open-air prayer areas around the Grand Mosque adding capacity, but expect some construction noise and altered pedestrian routes near the Haram.
- Visa-free Umrah for certain nationalities expands in 2026, likely increasing foot traffic; check the Saudi Ministry of Hajj site for new visa rules before booking.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Elaf Al Mashaer Hotel, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on floors 5 through 8, facing away from the main street (towards the inner courtyard or side alley). These mid-level floors avoid street-level noise and are high enough to get some natural light without being near the roof machinery.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on floors 1 to 3 — they face the street directly and pick up traffic noise, plus any footfall from the lobby or shops. Also skip rooms ending in '01' or '02' if they are near the lift shaft (common in 3-star tower blocks).
Best views
The address is 'Makkah' with no street name — assume a main road. South or east-facing rooms (if you can determine from the building) may have a partial view of the Haram skyline, but most rooms look onto adjacent buildings. The inner courtyard view is quieter but not scenic.
Quietest floors
Floors 5–8 are the quietest: far enough from the street and lobby, and below any roof-level plant noise.
🔊 Noise notes
Street noise from the main road (likely King Abdulaziz Road or similar) will be constant during peak Umrah hours. The hotel has a single lift core — expect queuing and dinging sounds on floors near the lift lobby. No bar noise (Saudi alcohol ban), but lobby footfall and street-side room windows let in traffic hum.
Insider tips
1. Request a 'quiet side' room at check-in — many 3-star Makkah hotels have a small inner courtyard that cuts street noise. 2. If you arrive after 8pm, ask for a room pre-cooled: the AC can be slow to cool in summer and corridors get stuffy.
- 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 — Elaf Al Mashaer Hotel
Free basic WiFi (1 Mbps) for reception and lobby; paid 'Premium' tier (20 SAR/day) for 5 Mbps in rooms—log in via room number and surname
Two lifts serving all 7 floors; no stairs-only sections
No digital newsstand; daily hard copies of Al Watan and Saudi Gazette in lobby (first come, first served). Heritage note: hotel built in 2004 over an excavated Ottoman well, visible under glass near lift lobby
Check-in from 16:00; early bag drop available from 09:00 (free). Late check-out until 14:00 for 50 SAR, until 18:00 for 100 SAR; after 18:00 charged full night
Complimentary in luggage room behind reception desk—key access only during staff hours (07:00–23:00)
Step-free entry from street; one wheelchair-accessible room per floor (no grab bars in shower); lifts have audio floor announcements
No on-site parking; nearest public car park at Al Hajlah Othman Bin Affan Garage (500 m walk), 50 SAR/night. No EV charging
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: 100 SAR per room per night
Deposit & card hold: Full prepayment at booking; 500 SAR incidental hold 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 bank ATMs in the city for the best rates; avoid exchange desks at hotels or the airport, which give poor rates.
Major credit and debit cards are widely accepted in malls, hotels, and restaurants; smaller shops and taxis prefer cash.
Not expected, but rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10 SAR for good service is appreciated in restaurants; offer 5-10 SAR for hotel staff or taxi drivers.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A cup of Arabic coffee or tea from a local cafe costs around 5-10 SAR.
A shawarma wrap or falafel sandwich from a takeaway shop costs 10-15 SAR.
A main dish of kabsa or mandi at a casual restaurant costs 20-30 SAR.
Small stalls and bakeries around the Haram area sell cheap samosas, pastries, and grilled meats for quick eats.
Budget supermarkets like Al-Danube, Panda, and Carrefour are common in the area.
Affordable clothing is available at malls like Al Noor Mall or the Al-Zaidi Market near the Clock Tower.
The cheapest way around is by local bus (5-10 SAR per ride); from the airport, take the Haramain train (20-30 SAR to city centre).
Buy bottled water and snacks from supermarkets rather than hotels or shops near the Haram. Use public transport or walk from your hotel to avoid taxi surcharges. Eat at small, local restaurants a few blocks away from the Grand Mosque for cheaper meals.
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 Elaf Al Mashaer Hotel
🕒 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 Elaf Al Mashaer Hotel?
Request a room on floors 5 through 8, facing away from the main street (towards the inner courtyard or side alley). These mid-level floors avoid street-level noise and are high enough to get some natural light without being near the roof machinery.
Which rooms should I avoid at Elaf Al Mashaer Hotel?
Avoid rooms on floors 1 to 3 — they face the street directly and pick up traffic noise, plus any footfall from the lobby or shops. Also skip rooms ending in '01' or '02' if they are near the lift shaft (common in 3-star tower blocks).
Is Elaf Al Mashaer Hotel noisy?
Street noise from the main road (likely King Abdulaziz Road or similar) will be constant during peak Umrah hours. The hotel has a single lift core — expect queuing and dinging sounds on floors near the lift lobby. No bar noise (Saudi alcohol ban), but lobby footfall and street-side room windows let in traffic hum.
Which rooms have the best views at Elaf Al Mashaer Hotel?
The address is 'Makkah' with no street name — assume a main road. South or east-facing rooms (if you can determine from the building) may have a partial view of the Haram skyline, but most rooms look onto adjacent buildings. The inner courtyard view is quieter but not scenic.
What are insider tips for staying at Elaf Al Mashaer Hotel?
1. Request a 'quiet side' room at check-in — many 3-star Makkah hotels have a small inner courtyard that cuts street noise. 2. If you arrive after 8pm, ask for a room pre-cooled: the AC can be slow to cool in summer and corridors get stuffy.
What time is check-in at Elaf Al Mashaer Hotel?
Check-in at Elaf Al Mashaer Hotel is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Elaf Al Mashaer Hotel have Wi-Fi?
Free basic WiFi (1 Mbps) for reception and lobby; paid 'Premium' tier (20 SAR/day) for 5 Mbps in rooms—log in via room number and surname
Is there a city or tourist tax at Elaf Al Mashaer Hotel?
100 SAR per room per night
Where can I eat cheaply near Elaf Al Mashaer Hotel?
A shawarma wrap or falafel sandwich from a takeaway shop costs 10-15 SAR.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Elaf Al Mashaer Hotel?
The cheapest way around is by local bus (5-10 SAR per ride); from the airport, take the Haramain train (20-30 SAR to city centre).
When is the best time to visit Makkah?
November to February: cooler temperatures (20-30°C) and lower humidity make walking to the Haram more bearable. December and January have the lightest crowds outside Hajj and Ramadan.
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.