How to Choose the Safest Hotels in Makkah & Madinah Through Umrah Packages

December 02, 2025

Choosing the right hotel for your Umrah journey is one of the most important decisions you’ll make especially if you are traveling with family, elderly parents, or first-time pilgrims.

While most people focus on price, the safety, location, and reliability of the hotel matter far more than the cost. A safe, authentic, and professionally managed hotel can make your entire Umrah journey peaceful, while a risky or unverified hotel can completely ruin your experience.

Today, Umrah packages offer hundreds of hotel options in both Makkah and Madinah. Some packages include premium 5-star hotels like Makkah Clock Royal Tower – A Fairmont Hotel or Anjum Makkah, while others may provide practical and affordable options in Madinah like Pullman Zamzam Madinah or Saja Al Madinah.

But the real question is: how do you choose the safest hotel through your Umrah packages?

Let’s break it down step by step.

1. Verify the Hotel’s Distance From Haram (Not Just the Agent’s Words)

Every travel agent claims their hotel is “near the Haram,” but in reality, the distance can vary from 150 meters to 1.5 kilometers.
For safety and convenience, especially for elderly pilgrims, always look for:

Hotels 300–600 meters from Masjid al-Haram
Hotels 100–400 meters from Masjid an-Nabawi

Examples of truly close and reliable hotels include:

Anjum Makkah Hotel (very close and safe walking route)

Makkah Clock Royal Tower – A Fairmont Hotel (iconic location directly above the Haram complex)

Checking the real map location gives you clarity before booking.

2. Choose Hotels With a Strong Safety Reputation & Verified Reviews

A hotel may look luxurious online, but safety comes from:

24/7 security presence
Cooperative staff
Emergency systems
Verified Halal food services
Cleanliness ratings
CCTV-monitored public areas

Platforms like Google Reviews, TripAdvisor, and Booking.com show genuine pilgrim experiences.
Hotels like Pullman Zamzam Madinah and Hilton Suites Makkah consistently receive high safety and cleanliness scores.

3. Ensure the Hotel Is Officially Registered in Nusuk & MOFA

This is the single strongest safety checkpoint.
If your hotel booking shows up in the official Saudi systems:

Nusuk app

MOFA Visa portal

then you know the booking is legitimate and not a fake “temporary voucher.”

Registered hotels guarantee:

Guaranteed room availability
Correct dates
Valid reservation confirmation
No last-minute cancellations

Most reputable hotels in premium Umrah packages such as Anjum Makkah, Pullman Madinah, or Marriott Jabal Omar are always registered.

4. Check If the Hotel Has Separate Family Floors or Quiet Zones

Umrah seasons get busy, and some hotels mix all types of guests on the same floor.
For a safe and peaceful stay, look for hotels that offer:

Family-only floors
Ladies-friendly areas near elevators
Child-safe rooms
Non-smoking zones
Silent floors for elderly pilgrims

Hotels like Saja Al Madinah and Mövenpick Hotel & Residences Hajar Tower are well-known for family-friendly environments.

5. Check the Hotel’s Lift Capacity and Crowd Control

Safety isn’t only about crime it’s also about managing crowds.
Especially in Makkah, during prayer times, hotels near Haram get extremely crowded at elevators.

A safe hotel should have:

Multiple elevators
Separate service lifts
Wide lobby areas
Organized exit & entry routes

Hotels like Anjum Makkah and Hilton Suites Makkah handle crowds very efficiently.

6. Check Meal Safety, Hygiene Levels & Food Handling

Pilgrims often fall sick due to unhygienic food.
For safer stays, choose hotels that:

Serve fresh buffet meals
Have certified kitchens
Provide sealed drinking water
Offer room service during busy hours

Premium Umrah hotels like Pullman Zamzam Madinah and Fairmont Makkah Clock Tower have excellent hygiene records and strict food safety standards.

7. Ask Your Agent for Hotel Confirmation Numbers Before Payment

A reliable agent will always share:
Booking confirmation number
Hotel reservation voucher
Check-in and check-out dates
Room type and category

If an agent refuses to share information or says “hotel baad me final hoga,” it’s a red flag.

8. Prioritize Hotels With Easy Access for Elderly & Family

Safety also means ease of movement. For elderly parents, babies, or large families, choose hotels with:

Wheelchair-friendly entrances
Close proximity to escalators
Direct Haram access routes
Comfortable pathways
Quick access to food courts

Hotels like Marriott Jabal Omar, Hilton Suites, and Anjum Makkah are excellent for safe movement.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the safest hotels in Makkah and Madinah isn’t just about luxury it’s about comfort, security, and peace of mind during your spiritual journey. Whether you select Anjum Makkah, Fairmont Clock Tower, Pullman Zamzam Madinah, or any other reputable hotel, always verify: