Mecca hotels

Hotels in Mecca

Mecca is a city like no other: the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad and of the Muslim faith itself, it is the holiest city in Islam. Millions of Muslims come here every year to undertake the Hajj (pilgrimage) in the month of Dhu'l-Hijjah, or the Umrah (minor pilgrimage) at other times of the year, or to observe religious festivals such as Ramadan in the home of Islam.

Lastminute.com has a host of Mecca hotels to choose from. Whether you're after a simple budget place to use as a base during your pilgrimage, or you'd rather stay somewhere with stunning Arabic architecture and spectacular views of the Kaaba, there are great options for every taste. We've a great range of hotels for you to choose from.

The essentials

If you're planning a trip to Mecca, please be aware that non-Muslims are strictly prohibited from entering the city. All visitors must apply for a special visa from the government of Saudi Arabia before travelling.

Throughout Saudi Arabia, women under 45 must travel with a male guardian at all times unless they are travelling with a group.

Unmarried guests may be unable to share rooms under local law. If you are married, you will need to provide proof on check-in.

Your pilgrimage

If you are visiting Mecca for the first time, you will probably want to follow the itinerary of the Hajj, which includes the Sacred Mosque - the holiest site in Mecca and Islam - which is built around the Kaaba and the Hill of Arafat and Jabal Rahma, the site of Prophet Muhammad's last sermon.

If you have time, you may want to consider visiting other holy sites which are not part of the Hajj ritual. The grotto at the top of Jabal Al Noor is where Muslims believe Muhammed first had the Quran revealed to him, while the Jabal Al Thur is the cave in which Prophet Muhammed hid as he fled from the Meccans.

Shopping in Mecca

If you want to pick up some souvenirs to take home to your loved ones whilst you're in Mecca, there are many malls in the city, though the biggest and best-known is Abraj Al Bait. Full of big international brands as well as Saudi Arabian ones, you'll find everything you need in terms of clothes, jewellery and souvenirs as well as numerous food outlets if you need a break from your retail therapy.

You can even stay in the Mecca Royal Hotel Clock Tower which is in the same complex, so that you're as close as you can be to the main holy sites and all the amenities you need during your visit.

Eating in Mecca

There are plenty of food outlets and restaurants in Mecca to choose from, whether you are filling up after a long day of sight-seeing, breaking a fast or just grabbing a quick bite to eat. There's a range of Middle Eastern and Western food – try the open buffet at the Al Ruwad if you fancy a treat, or the the reasonably priced and delicious fried chicken at Albaik.