Mecca's BEST Hotel? Novotel Makkah Thakher City Review!
Okay, buckle up, because this isn't your typical, sanitized hotel review. Forget perfect prose and predictable descriptions. We're diving headfirst into the Novotel Makkah Thakher City, and trust me, it’s a wild ride, a beautiful chaos, and a potential lifesaver all rolled into one. Let's be REAL, shall we?
Hold on to your headscarves, we're going in! Novotel Makkah Thakher City – The Good, The Bad, and The Absolutely Worth It.
Forget glossy brochures. We're talking raw experience here. I just got back, my bags are still unpacked, a faint smell of Oud still clings to my clothes, and my bank account is screaming… but MAN. This place. This Novotel.
Accessibility – Because Sometimes, Getting There is Half the Battle (and Should Be Easy!)
Okay, let's kick it off with a BIG win. Accessibility at Novotel Makkah Thakher City is surprisingly good. Forget those nightmare stories about hotels that claim to be accessible and then… well, aren't. Elevators? Plenty. Wide corridors? You betcha. Rooms designed with accessibility in mind? Yup, they have them. I didn't need one myself, so I can't provide a personal anecdote, but I saw the facilities, and I was seriously impressed. Wheelchairs can navigate this place without a problem, and that's huge.
On-Site Grub and Guzzling – From Buffet Battles to Midnight Munchies!
Alright, food. This is a big one, especially when you're on a pilgrimage and burning calories like you're running a marathon in the desert.
- Restaurants: Loads of them! The international cuisine is a safe bet, but the Asian ones… oh boy. The flavour. I'm still dreaming about the spices.
- Breakfast [buffet]: Okay, this is where things get… overwhelming. Picture this: You're bleary-eyed at 6 am, trying to navigate a buffet that's basically the size of a small shopping mall. The choices are insane. I swear, they had everything. Eggs (fried, scrambled, omelets, you name it), pastries that tempt you into a sugar coma, various forms of cheese, a noodle bar, and a whole section dedicated to dates (because… Mecca!). The downside? The sheer volume of people sometimes makes it feel like a mildly chaotic scrum. But hey, it's part of the experience, right? Embrace the beautiful mess! The coffee, however, was strong, which is a godsend that could save your sanity.
- A la carte in restaurant: For those who prefer a more leisurely experience and not wanting to be a part of the "Buffet Battle Royale", there's a la carte options too. Good for those who prefer something less hectic.
- Coffee shop: Need a caffeine fix? They got you. And pastries. Always pastries.
- Room service [24-hour]: This is where Novotel really shines. After a long day of worship and exploration, a 24-hour room service menu is a dream. I'm a sucker for late-night snacks, and the options covered everything you could want.
- Poolside bar: Didn’t partake, since it felt inappropriate in that context. But it does exist, and looks inviting!
- Snack bar: Perfect for when you need a quick bite between prayers.
- Happy hour: Didn’t partake.
- Alternative meal arrangement: They're accommodating, which is great for dietary restrictions or allergies. I didn’t test it, but the fact that I saw the options makes me happy.
- Plus, there are several other options.
Cleanliness and Safety – Because Peace of Mind is Priceless.
This is HUGE. When you're traveling, especially in a place as densely populated as Mecca during Hajj or Umrah seasons, cleanliness and safety are paramount.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Check. I saw the staff constantly cleaning and sanitizing.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Check.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Check. (I think I could smell them!), I can’t say I’ve EVER smelled an anti-viral product, but if it's there, I’m relieved.
- Hand sanitizer: Abundant everywhere. Literally, everywhere.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: They seemed competent and knowledgeable.
- COVID-19 related precautions: Masks were (mostly) worn.
- Cashless payment service: Very handy.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax (or Just Survive the Day!)
Okay, let's talk about the "chill out" factor. This is crucial, because, trust me, you'll need it.
- Fitness center: I tried this once. Let's just say my post-workout self-esteem needed a serious boost. The equipment is modern. But, I'm pretty sure I was the only one who wasn’t a professional athlete.
- Sauna, Spa/sauna, Steamroom: Didn't use them, but the facilities looked top-notch. Perfect for unwinding after a day of… well, everything.
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: I didn't get the chance to use it, with all the things to do during the trip, but it looked stunning, with a great view.
- Massage: Oh, YES. After a particularly grueling day of exploring, I indulged in a massage. It was heavenly. Just… heavenly. This should be offered for all to truly unwind when you're in Mecca.
Services and Conveniences – Making Life Easier
- Concierge: Invaluable. They can sort out just about anything, from organizing airport transfers to booking tours. They’re my best friend.
- Currency exchange: Essential.
- Daily housekeeping: The rooms were always immaculate. Honestly, I don't even know how they manage to do it.
- Laundry service: Thank GOD. Pack light, people!
- Luggage storage: Perfect for early check-ins or late check-outs.
- Elevator: Essential (again!).
- Wi-Fi for special events, Internet access – wireless, Internet, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! The internet kept me connected to the world. Essential.
- The basics: the standard things that are always good to have - Air conditioning, Cash withdrawal, Facilities for disabled guests, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Ironing service, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Safe deposit boxes.
For the Kids – Family Friendly? Definitely.
I didn’t travel with kids, but I saw plenty of families.
- Family/child friendly: Yes.
- Babysitting service: Check.
- Kids meal: Check.
- Kids facilities: Looked great.
Getting Around – Easy Peasy (Mostly)
- Airport transfer: Yes. Easy. Book it.
- Car park [free of charge]: Available (if you’re driving)
- Taxi service: Always available.
- Valet parking: Available.
Available in All Rooms – What You Get
- Air conditioning: ESSENTIAL.
- Alarm clock: Check.
- Bathtub, Shower: Check.
- Blackout curtains: Needed.
- Coffee/tea maker: Necessary for those early mornings.
- Complimentary tea, Free bottled water: Love.
- Desk: Useful for the late-night journaling.
- Hair dryer: Check.
- In-room safe box: Always use it.
- Internet access – wireless: Always good.
- Ironing facilities: Good to have
- Laptop workspace: Check.
- Non-smoking: A blessing.
- Private bathroom: Check.
- Refrigerator: Handy.
- Satellite/cable channels: Check.
- Slippers: Check.
- Smoke detector: Good.
- Telephone: Check.
- Towels, Toiletries: Check.
- Wake-up service: Check.
The Quirks, the Imperfections, the Truth:
Okay, let's get real. No hotel is perfect.
- The crowds at the buffet are intense. Embrace the chaos.
- The elevators? Sometimes you wait. Patience, pilgrim!
- The sheer scale of the place can feel a little impersonal at first. But the staff are fantastic.
- The rooms, although clean, are standard “hotel room” style. Nothing overly fancy.
The Verdict:
The Novotel Makkah Thakher City is a brilliant base for your pilgrimage. It's comfortable, safe, incredibly well-equipped, and the location is perfect. It's NOT the flashiest hotel, and it has its quirks, but it delivers solid comfort, a great location, and a sense of security that’s priceless when you’re in Mecca. Would I recommend it? ABSOLUTELY.
**Here’s Your Un
Nato House Ekkamai: Luxury Bangkok Condo Steps from BTS!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the organized chaos that was my "spiritual journey" (read: stressful adventure) at the Novotel Makkah Thaker City. Prepare for the unexpected. Prepare for the real. Prepare for… well, a lot of me rambling.
The Pre-Journey Freakout (AKA, Packing Panic)
Okay, first things first: packing. This is always a disaster. I'm the kind of person who packs for the apocalypse even for a weekend trip. This time, though? It was a proper meltdown. "Do I need ten layers of clothing for the desert even though it’s November?" "What if I attract a sandstorm with my anxiety?" "Will my prayer beads clash with my sensible walking shoes?" The paranoia was REAL. I ended up overpacking so much I could probably outfit a small village. And of course, the airline promptly lost my favorite scarf. Classic.
Day 1: Arrival and Initial "Wow" Factor (Followed by Mild Existential Dread)
Morning (ish): Arrive at King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) after a red-eye. Disembark the plane and… whoa. The sheer scale of everything hits you first. The airport is HUGE. The heat hits you second. Honestly, I felt like I'd stepped into a giant, air-conditioned oven. Found a taxi after a brief, panicked negotiation (always a fun game) and finally, finally, arrived at the Novotel.
Afternoon: The Novotel. Damn. It’s a behemoth. Shiny. Modern. A little…sterile? Rooms are well-appointed, but there's that slightly unsettling "hotel room emptiness" that always creeps in. The view from my window? Magnificent. The Kaaba, glorious in the distance. Made me stop, I swear I did, and just…breathe. Then immediately started worrying about the logistics of visiting it. This is the duality of me, the religious tourist.
Evening: Dinner at the hotel restaurant. Buffet. Mountains of food. Felt a bit overwhelmed AND slightly guilty because I didn't know what I was facing. I probably shouldn’t have had three plates of hummus. Also, the first prayer call rang out from the nearby minarets. It sent shivers down my spine – both a powerful reminder of where I was and a sudden spike of “Oh God, this is REALLY happening” anxiety.
Day 2: The Umrah Attempt (And The Near-Collapse)
Morning (bright and early – forced, let’s be honest): Okay, this was the main event: The Umrah. The pilgrimage. The thing I’d been planning for months. And I almost lost it before it had even started. The crowds near the Haram are insane. Pushing, shuffling, a torrent of humanity. I spent a solid hour absolutely convinced I was going to be trampled. My carefully planned route went straight out the window.
Afternoon: Managed to somehow complete most of the rituals. The tawaf (circling the Kaaba)? A blur. Emotional? Yes. Overwhelming? Absolutely. I have no idea if I sobbed or not. This is what I remembered: The sheer energy, the collective devotion, the feeling of being just a tiny part of something vast and significant. My feet were killing me. I'm pretty sure my hijab was askew. And I’d lost my phone in the chaos (found it later, thankfully).
Evening: COLLAPSED. Back at the hotel, I essentially self-medicated with a giant plate of pasta (comfort food, clearly) and a good hour of staring blankly at the ceiling. The experience had been breathtaking but exhausting. I needed a full mental reset and lots and lots of water. My spiritual battery was drained, but my stomach was full.
Day 3: Exploring (And The Desert Dilemma)
Morning: Got it into my head that I needed to "explore" the city. Walked to the Abraj Al-Bait Clock Tower, the massive building complex next to the Haram. Massive is a good word - the whole thing is so damn big, but the shopping mall inside felt a bit… soulless. Like a giant shopping mall that just happened to have a clock tower built onto it. (Sorry, I’m a retail skeptic).
Afternoon: Tried to arrange a trip to the desert. The tour guide told me that it was "very hot" and not for me. Then, she saw my clothes. It was the end of any desert trip, because I don't do well. So, I end up reading in my room and thinking about doing something else.
Evening: More buffet. More hummus. Started feeling a slight sense of equilibrium. I even managed a few moments of genuine peace – sitting on the balcony, watching the city lights glitter after after dark and, for a brief time, feeling very content.
Day 4: Reflection (And the Unexpected Kindness)
Morning: Walked to the Haram again, but this time, with no specific agenda. Just to wander. Found a quiet spot and sat. The quiet moment was amazing. Honestly, I spent a long time just watching people. Observation is what makes me feel connected.
Afternoon: Got chatting with a woman from another country. Shared stories, shared a moment of understanding. It’s funny, the connections you make when you’re stripped of your usual routine. This happened to me two places: a nice woman in the grocery store, and two of the staff at the Novotel.
Evening: Packing (again). The trip was drawing to a close. A sense of accomplishment, mingled with exhaustion, and a strange, quiet sadness. I felt I couldn’t get everything I wanted.
Day 5: Departure (And The "I’ll Be Back" Promise)
- Morning: Final breakfast. Said goodbye to the amazing staff. Seriously, they were incredibly helpful and patient with my general ineptitude.
- Afternoon: Checked out, taxi back to the airport. Felt a weird sense of pride that I had made it back to Jeddah in one piece.
- Evening: Planes, and crowds, and long security lines.
- Final thought: This trip wasn't perfect. I freaked out, I ate too much hummus, I felt overwhelmed, and I definitely looked like a lost tourist for most of the time. BUT….it was also transformative. It stretched me. It challenged me. And it left me with a deep, quiet longing to return. (Maybe with a better packing strategy next time). Now, if you'll excuse me, I need a nap.
Novotel Makkah Thakher City: My Chaotic, Glorious, and Occasionally Questionable Journey
So, is the Novotel Makkah Thakher City actually the best hotel in Mecca? Lay it on me!
Okay, buckle up. "Best"? That's a loaded question. Let's just say... it's *an* experience. Look, I've stayed in some places that make you question the very fabric of reality, and others that feel like a gilded cage. This one? It's… a mix. It's got potential. It's got views that'll make you weep (in a good way, mostly). But "best"? It depends on your definition of "best" and how much you value your patience. I walked out feeling strangely... happy. And also slightly exhausted. So, make of that what you will.
The location – is it actually "close" to the Haram like they say? 'Cause I've seen pictures... it looks kinda... far.
Alright, let's talk about the walk. "Close" is relative in Mecca, my friend. It's not *right* there. Think of it this way: you *can* walk it. You absolutely *can*. And on a good day, feeling pious and full of energy (and with the right footwear, *important!*) it's a manageable trek. But it's uphill. In intense heat. Surrounded by... well, a lot. It’s a good 15-20 minute brisk walk, maybe longer if you get caught in a crowd (which you will). The hotel offers shuttles, and that's honestly the BEST option. Don’t be a hero. Trust me on this. I tried the "walk of faith" on day one. Big mistake. My faith in my fitness levels was instantly shattered.
What's the view like? Because if I'm going, I want the *view*.
Oh, the view. THAT, my friends, is the money shot. Seriously. From certain rooms, you're looking *straight* at the Kaaba. It's breathtaking. Literally. You might find yourself speechless, staring out the window, losing yourself in moments of reflection. Or, you know, just taking a million photos. Guilty. The sheer scale of the Grand Mosque from that height is unbelievable. It’s a visual punch to the gut – in the best way possible. Make sure to request a room with that view. Pay the extra money. Do it. It's worth every single riyal. Trust me, I was a puddle of happy tears at sunrise. Worth. It.
The rooms? Are they clean? Spacious? What's the vibe? And do they have enough sockets for all my gadgets?
Alright, let's talk practicality. The rooms are... decent. They're clean, generally. Spacious? Depends. Some are definitely bigger than others. The vibe is… functional. Think modern hotel with a dash of "we know you're here for something else." They're not exactly oozing with personality, but they get the job done. Sockets? Yes! Thank ALLAH for that. Because let’s be honest, we all need to charge our phones, cameras *and* our portable prayer beads. I actually appreciated the thoughtful socket placement, because after a long day of Umrah, the last thing you want is to be crawling around looking for a plug.
The food! Tell me about the food! Is the buffet edible? Because buffets can be… terrifying.
Oh, the food. The buffet… Look, it's a buffet. It's there. It's plentiful. The variety is... extensive. Is it Michelin-star cuisine? Absolutely not. But is it actually terrible? Also no. There are days where the food is surprisingly good! Fresh pastries, some delicious local dishes, and a solid selection of international fare. Other days? Well... let's just say I made friends with the fruit selection. It’s a lottery for your taste buds. My advice? Go in with low expectations, explore everything, and don't be afraid to stick to what you know. Oh, and the coffee? Hit or miss. But hey, you're in Mecca, remember that. The experience is the main course.
What about the service? Are the staff helpful? Or are they overwhelmed?
The service... okay, here’s the thing. The staff is *generally* helpful. They’re trying their best. They deal with a LOT of people, constantly. Sometimes, things are a bit… chaotic. You might have to repeat your request a few times. There might be some language barriers. I experienced a few "lost in translation" moments. One time, I tried to order room service and ended up with a plate of... well, I'm not entirely sure what it was. But it was edible! And it came with a LOT of smiles. Kindness goes a long way. Overall, the service is fine. Be patient. Be polite. And remember that everyone is trying their best. It’s a demanding environment.
Any major drawbacks I should know about? Spill the tea!
Okay, the *major* drawbacks. The elevators. Oh, dear GOD, the elevators. They are the bane of my existence. Especially during prayer times. Be prepared for a wait. A *long* wait. Elevator etiquette? Let's just say it’s… subject to interpretation. Pack some patience. And maybe a good book (or something to pray with) for the inevitable delays. Also, it’s noisy. It's Mecca. Expect noise. And some of the décor is a bit dated. It’s not exactly a design masterpiece, but you aren’t there for the interior design, are you? You're there for the Kaaba, right? You'll be fine.
Okay, but what about the *shreds* of gold? Is there anything *truly* amazing to make this hotel a worthwhile experience?
Okay, so the elevators are a nightmare, the buffet is hit or miss... but, and this is a BIG but... It's the view. Let me go back to it. I spent one entire sunrise just… staring. It was a profoundly moving experience. The beauty, the history, the spiritual weight of the place… it all washes over you. And when you have that view, it elevates everything. It makes the elevator waits, the questionable buffet selections, the slight inconveniences... all fade into insignificance. I'm not going to lie, I cried. Quietly, of course, because, you know, decorum.Hotel Hop Now
