Performing Umrah during the month of Shawwal is a truly special experience. After the intense worship and crowded days of Ramadan, Shawwal offers a slightly calmer atmosphere. One of the most important decisions you will make for this trip is where you will stay. For most of us, staying as close as possible to Masjid al-Haram is the top priority. Staying just a few steps away from the Kabba changes the entire feel of the journey.

In this guide, we are going to talk about some of the best hotels located right on the doorstep of the Haram. We will look at options that suit different needs.

The Convenience of the Clock Tower Complex

The massive Clock Tower building is officially known as the Abraj Al Bait complex. It is probably the most popular place for pilgrims to stay because it’s right in front of the King Abdulaziz Gate. Staying here means you can leave your room just ten minutes before the adhan and still make it to the first row.

Inside this giant complex, there are several different hotels. The Fairmont Makkah Clock Royal Tower is one of the most famous. It is a very tall building, and many of the rooms offer a direct view of the Kabba. The rooms are large, and the service is very professional. It feels very grand, which is nice if you are bringing elderly parents who cannot walk long distances.

Another great choice in the same building is the Raffles Makkah Palace. This hotel is known for being very quiet and peaceful. Many people choose this hotel for their Shawwal trip because of its distance to the Haram.

Luxury and Style at the Makkah Royal Clock Tower

It has a very fresh and contemporary feel compared to some of the older hotels. One of the best things about this hotel is its entrance. It has a dedicated entrance that leads you straight into the mall and then out toward the Haram courtyard. The breakfast buffet here is also very popular because they offer a huge variety of food that caters to people from all over the world. There is also the Swissotel al Maqam which is part of the same family. It is located on the upper floors of the complex.

The Classic Elegance of the Jabal Omar Development

While the Clock Tower is right in front of the Haram, the Jabal Omar area is just a short walk away on the other side. This area has been developed recently and houses some of the most beautiful hotels in the world. The Hyatt Regency Makkah Jabal Omar is a standout choice here. It is located just a one-minute walk from the Ibrahim Al Khalil Road.

The Hilton Suites Makkah is another favorite in this area. Unlike a standard hotel room, these suites come with a small living area. Many of the suites have windows that face the Haram, and they have speakers in the rooms so you can hear the Imam’s voice clearly during the prayers.

Staying on the Historic Side of the Mosque

If you prefer to stay on the side of the mosque near the hills of Safa and Marwah, there are some excellent older and very reliable hotels. The Hilton Convention Hotel is slightly further back, maybe a seven-minute walk, but it offers amazing value for the price. They have a free shuttle that runs constantly.

Why Shawwal is the Best Time to Visit These Hotels

During Ramadan, these hotels are often fully booked months in advance, and the prices can be very high. However, in Shawwal, you can often find much better deals. The hotels are less crowded, which means the staff can give you more attention.

The weather in Shawwal is usually quite warm, so staying in a hotel that is very close to the mosque is a huge advantage. It allows you to stay in the air-conditioned mosque for as long as you like and then quickly run back to your cool room when you need a break.

Making the Most of Your Stay

When you are picking your hotel for Shawwal, think about what matters most to you. Is it the view of the Kabba? Is it the quality of the food? Or is it simply the shortest walking distance? If you are traveling with children, the hotels inside the Clock Tower are great because everything you need, like pharmacies and food courts, is right downstairs. If you are looking for a more spiritual and quiet vibe, the Jabal Omar hotels might be better suited for you.

Always try to book your room as early as possible. Even though Shawwal is quieter than Ramadan, Makkah is never truly empty. People from all over the world love to finish their Eid celebrations by performing Umrah. If you book Umrah Packages a few weeks in advance, you are more likely to get a room with a better view or a higher floor.

Final Advice 

No matter which of these hotels you choose, remember that the real reason you are there is for the worship. A nice hotel is a blessing because it helps you keep your energy up so you can spend more time in the Haram. It allows you to rest well at night so you can wake up early for the dawn prayer.

By choosing a hotel that makes your stay easy and comfortable, you are taking away the small stresses of travel and allowing your heart to focus entirely on the House of Allah. Travel agents can book rooms in these hotels through at market-competitive rates.