If you're planning a bit of sightseeing head to Great Mosque of Makkah— just one of the monuments in Makkah City Center. Makkah has other landmarks you might want to visit such as Kaaba.
If you're interested in local religious buildings head to Makkah City Center— home to Kaaba. Makkah has other landmarks you might want to visit such as Great Mosque of Makkah.
You can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Al Batha Market during your trip to Riyadh. Attend a sporting event while you're in the area, or simply enjoy its coffeehouses.
Check out reviews of Saudi Arabia hotels guests love
Novotel Makkah Thakher City
10/10 Excellent
"This was my first time staying at this Hotel. I must admit, it was a lot further away from Masjid Haram then I originally thought.
The shuttle service, which runs every 30-mins from the Hotel, was great. HOWEVER, where the bus drops you, it is a very long walk to Masjid Haram.
My wife and kids got really tired of walking. I'm comparing this to the other hotel I staying in Makkah (Swissotel Makkah) which was 2 mins away from Masjid Haram.
Breakfast was ok too, but for some reason, it felt really cold in the dinning area due to the Air-conditioner being set of extremely cold. it made eating uncomfortable.
Also, the chef at the omelet station was very slow. There was only one chef and the line-up was very long. Some items which was near finished were not replaced or refilled quickly enough. I had to ask the staff and remind them that some items were running short.
The rooms were great and clean. No Issues with the rooms. Just remember, if you get a room with views to the back side of the hotel, it is pretty boring, nothing to see other then construction and a few mountains.
There was also one issue with the shuttle service. Once we boarded the bus at Masjid Haram, we remain sitting on the bus for almost 1 hour because they has issues with finding a bus driver. My kids needed to use the washroom but remained on the bus hoping it would leave soon. It finally left1 hour later and you could see other passengers were also left disappointed in the service."
"The hotel is perfectly located with great access to The Prophet's Mosque, dining options and shops.
What stood out most was how accommodating and welcoming the reception staff were. We arrived a little earlier than expected for our check in time after an overnight flight. However they did everything they could to provide us with a room and check in early so that we could freshen up and make the most of our first day.
The room was perfect and kept to a really high standard. Overall a very good experience staying here and we will definitely return to this hotel when we come back to visit Medinah. "
"I especially want to praise one of the staff members, Ashwaq — she was incredibly kind, polite, and helpful throughout my stay.
From the moment I checked in, she made sure everything was perfect with our room and went out of her way to ensure we were comfortable. She looked after us so well and had such a sweet and friendly face that instantly made us feel welcome.
Thank you, Ashwaq, for your excellent service and warm hospitality — you truly made our stay special! "
Tips on visiting Saudi Arabia for active travelers
Saudi Arabia offers a range of thrilling experiences for energetic tourists looking to stay fit while exploring the region. First, the stunning landscapes of the Asir Mountains invite hiking enthusiasts to traverse its scenic trails, providing opportunities to experience breathtaking views and unique ecosystems. For those who prefer water sports, the Red Sea coast is perfect for snorkeling and diving, showcasing vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life. Adventure seekers can also try sandboarding in the vast deserts, where the adrenaline rush of gliding down dunes is matched only by the stunning sunsets. Additionally, city parks in Riyadh and Jeddah offer jogging paths and outdoor fitness areas, allowing visitors to maintain their routines amidst urban beauty. For an enriching stay, consider hotels in these vibrant areas that feature well-equipped fitness centers, making it easy to balance your workouts with exploration. Enjoy the excitement of discovering Saudi Arabia's diverse landscapes while knowing you can return to a comfortable space to recharge and stay active.