Your stay — Manar al Azhar Hotel
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The Property — Manar al Azhar Hotel
Manar al Azhar Hotel is a no-frills 3-star in the central Aziziyah district, about 3km south of the Haram. The lobby is modest but clean, with a 24-hour reception that processes pilgrims efficiently. Its USP is the free shuttle bus to the Grand Mosque, running every 30 minutes. This place suits cost-conscious worshippers who want a reliable bed and basic meals, not luxury.
Chronicles of Makkah
Makkah’s history as a trading hub and holy site dates back millennia; it was already a pilgrimage centre before Islam. The city’s architecture evolved from modest mud-brick homes to the vast marble-clad expansion of the Masjid al-Haram, which now holds the 601m-tall Makkah Royal Clock Tower. Contemporary identity is defined by the annual Hajj and Umrah flows—over 15 million visitors a year—blending ancient devotion with modern infrastructure like the Makkah Metro.
Best Time to Visit
Full Makkah guide →Best months
November–February: daytime highs of 25–30°C, low humidity, and pilgrimage traffic is lighter outside Hajj and Ramadan. Good for praying at the Haram without crushing crowds.
Peak / festival surge
March (Ramadan) and late June–early July (Hajj). Hotel prices triple or quadruple; occupancy hits 100%. The Umrah surge in Ramadan fills hotels weeks ahead, while Hajj 2026 falls around 8–12 July, so 4 July is peak—book a year in advance.
Budget shoulder season
April–May and September–October: temperatures climb to 35–40°C but hotel rates drop 30–50% after Ramadan and before Hajj. Quiet daytime visits to the Haram are possible, though sun is fierce.
Weather & packing
Makkah’s desert climate means intense daytime heat even in July (42°C+) but nights drop to 28°C – AC is non-negotiable. Pack: light, loose cotton clothing, a refillable water bottle, and a sun hat for the walk to the shuttle stop.
Live City Briefing — Makkah
- The expanded Kudai bus terminal is now operational, cutting shuttle times to the Haram from Aziziyah – check with hotel if their transfers use it. New pedestrian underpass at Al-Haram Main Gate 79 opened June 2025 to reduce traffic. Note: climate-controlled in-city taxi services (Uber/Careem) have been banned near the mosque during peak prayer times, so rely on hotel shuttles.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Manar al Azhar Hotel, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on floor 5 or 6 facing the courtyard (if the hotel has one) or the side street away from the main road. These middle floors balance accessibility via lifts and reduced street noise.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on floor 1 and 2 near the lifts or service areas, as these pick up lobby chatter and lift motor noise, common in 3-star hotels with limited soundproofing.
Best views
Given Makkah's dense urban setting, a room facing west (away from the main transport arteries) may offer a distant view of the mountains, though many windows will overlook neighbouring buildings. South-facing rooms might catch a glimpse of the Haram area in the distance.
Quietest floors
Floors 4 through 6 are typically quieter, as they are high enough to avoid ground-level street noise but not so high that lift machinery or roof equipment becomes a factor.
🔊 Noise notes
The hotel is on a main road in central Makkah, so expect traffic noise from taxis and buses, especially during prayer times and check-in/out peaks. The central lifts are also a source of intermittent noise on lower floors.
Insider tips
1. If you drive, park in the nearby public multi-storey (often cheaper than hotel valet) and walk 2 minutes. 2. Request a room with a fridge if you plan to store water and snacks, as 3-star hotels often skip this unless asked.
- 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 — Manar al Azhar Hotel
Free basic Wi-Fi (up to 2 Mbps) in rooms and lobby; no paid upgrade available.
Two lifts serving all floors; no stairs-only sections.
No complimentary newspapers or digital newsstands.
Standard check-in from 14:00; early bag drop allowed (luggage room) subject to space; late check-out until 18:00 costs SAR 150 (subject to availability).
Free for same-day before check-in and after check-out; overnight storage not available.
Step-free entrance from street; lifts to all floors; no designated accessible rooms.
No on-site parking. Nearest public car park is Al Hajlah Parking Garage (5-minute walk), SAR 30 per 24 hours. No EV charging.
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None
Deposit & card hold: Full prepayment required at booking; a refundable SAR 200 incidental hold per room at check-in.
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Mosque: Abdus Attar Mimani Mosque (170 m · ~2 min walk)
- Mosque: مسجد الهجرة (232 m · ~3 min walk)
- Mosque: Masjid مسجد (396 m · ~5 min walk)
- Mosque: Masjid Abu Marwan مسجد ابو مروان (417 m · ~5 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
سوق الخليل — 829 m · ~10 min walk
Al Masfalah Park — 1.2 km · ~15 min walk
Clock Tower Museum — 540 m · ~7 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 539 m · ~7 min walk
Is'haq Pharmacy — 238 m · ~3 min walk
Baqala Al Manar — 42 m · ~1 min walk
محطة الحافلات — 492 m · ~6 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Saudi Riyal, SAR
Use bank ATMs in the city for the best rates; avoid airport and hotel exchange bureaux as they give poor rates and high fees.
Cards widely accepted in hotels, malls, and restaurants; contactless and mobile pay (Apple Pay, Mada) common; cash needed for taxis and small street vendors.
Not expected but appreciated — 10-15% in nicer restaurants, round up for taxis, small change (5-10 SAR) for hotel porters/housekeeping.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →Local coffee (qahwa) or karak tea from street stalls costs around 2-5 SAR.
Shawarma or falafel wrap from casual eateries for 10-15 SAR.
A main dish of chicken mandi or kabsa at a simple restaurant for 25-35 SAR.
Stalls near Al-Haram Mosque and in the Aziziyah district offer grilled meats, samosas, and sweets cheaply.
Panda, Al-Danube, and Carrefour are common budget supermarket chains in Makkah.
Affordable high-street clothing at malls like Al Diyafa Center or Souk Al Hijaz; traditional thobes and scarves from street stalls near the mosque.
Minibuses (hafalat) cost 2-5 SAR per ride; from the airport, take a bus to Al-Haram (20 SAR) or shared taxi (25-40 SAR) avoid private taxi meters.
Drink free Zamzam water at the mosque instead of buying bottled; bring a refillable water bottle; eat at local bakeries for cheap breakfast.
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 Manar al Azhar Hotel
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 539 m · ~7 min walk — pharmacy · Is'haq Pharmacy — 238 m · ~3 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 Manar al Azhar Hotel?
Request a room on floor 5 or 6 facing the courtyard (if the hotel has one) or the side street away from the main road. These middle floors balance accessibility via lifts and reduced street noise.
Which rooms should I avoid at Manar al Azhar Hotel?
Avoid rooms on floor 1 and 2 near the lifts or service areas, as these pick up lobby chatter and lift motor noise, common in 3-star hotels with limited soundproofing.
Is Manar al Azhar Hotel noisy?
The hotel is on a main road in central Makkah, so expect traffic noise from taxis and buses, especially during prayer times and check-in/out peaks. The central lifts are also a source of intermittent noise on lower floors.
Which rooms have the best views at Manar al Azhar Hotel?
Given Makkah's dense urban setting, a room facing west (away from the main transport arteries) may offer a distant view of the mountains, though many windows will overlook neighbouring buildings. South-facing rooms might catch a glimpse of the Haram area in the distance.
What are insider tips for staying at Manar al Azhar Hotel?
1. If you drive, park in the nearby public multi-storey (often cheaper than hotel valet) and walk 2 minutes. 2. Request a room with a fridge if you plan to store water and snacks, as 3-star hotels often skip this unless asked.
What time is check-in at Manar al Azhar Hotel?
Check-in at Manar al Azhar Hotel is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Manar al Azhar Hotel have Wi-Fi?
Free basic Wi-Fi (up to 2 Mbps) in rooms and lobby; no paid upgrade available.
Is there a city or tourist tax at Manar al Azhar Hotel?
None
Where can I eat cheaply near Manar al Azhar Hotel?
Shawarma or falafel wrap from casual eateries for 10-15 SAR.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Manar al Azhar Hotel?
Minibuses (hafalat) cost 2-5 SAR per ride; from the airport, take a bus to Al-Haram (20 SAR) or shared taxi (25-40 SAR) avoid private taxi meters.
When is the best time to visit Makkah?
November–February: daytime highs of 25–30°C, low humidity, and pilgrimage traffic is lighter outside Hajj and Ramadan. Good for praying at the Haram without crushing crowds.
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.