urShadow's Blog: Useful Locations while Travelling to Makkah from Riyadh (Updated)

Originally Posted on Monday, 17 June, 2013:

1. Hotels (Mafrooshe) in Taif

If you plan to take rest or spend a night in Taif then you can find a room in several Hotels present on below mentioned location. The last time I drove to Makkah, I went straight to this hotel and spent a night there and left for Makkah in the morning. This is also useful in the month of Ramadan as Makkah is very crowded and the hotel prices are very high.

Update(28-8-2014): Some people suggest not to go to Makkah from Taif via Al Hada mountain route as it’s a dangerous road, to get an idea about the route you can have a look at the following video:

From 20140803-0731 - Al Shadda Mountain, Wadi Al Hiqa, Khira Forest Park, Taif, Al Shafa Mountain, Jabal

1. Al Mohub Al Shika Al Mafrusha

Coordinates: 21.320011,40.433013

Google Maps: http://goo.gl/maps/1oVXQ

It is near Al Nadi Mafroosha. The rate varies from SR 100 to SR 200 depending on the season. In Ramadan 2015 they were charging SR200/night.

2. Al Ndi Mafroosha

Coordinates: 21.320011,40.433013

Google Maps: http://goo.gl/maps/1oVXQ

It is near Al Mohub Al Shika Al Mafrusha. I visited it in Ramadan of 2015 and it cost me SR 150 for 1 night whereas all other Mafrooshas around were asking for SR 200.

3. Asturut Taif Mafroshe (Near Al Baik)

Coordinates: 21.28837,40.417247

Google Maps: http://goo.gl/maps/hefzQ

The rate we got in Ramadan of 2013 for a double bedroom was SR 150, it varies from SR 120 to SR 250 depending on the season.

In visited it in March 2015 and they were charging SR 200 for the double bedroom and SR 350 for 2 bedroom apartment per night.

2. Al Baik, Taif

If you want to visit Al Baik in Taif then it is inside the Taif Heart Mall. The mall has a big tower just next to it thus it is visible from quite a distance. Al Baik is the most famous food chain of western side of Saudi Arabia. It is jam pack all the time, it is famous for its taste, quality and low price.

Coordinates: 21.287485,40.417863

Google Maps: http://goo.gl/maps/SV4AW

3. Motels on Jeddah Road before Meeqat (As Sayl Al Qabeer)

It you get tired and wants to take rest for a few hours than you can stay in models present on below location. These motels usually charge on per hour basis. You can also get into ahram on this location so that you don’t have to stop again at Meeqat, As Sayl Al Qabeer.

Coordinates: 21.503593,40.490601

Google Maps: http://goo.gl/maps/6pFo1

4. Meeqat, As Sayl Al Qabeer

New Washrooms have been constructed on the back side, you can use them if the place is crowded.

Coordinates: 21.633496,40.428143

Google Maps: http://goo.gl/maps/nCksM

5. Hajj Parking on Sayl Al Qabeer Road, Makkah

During Hajj/Ramadan private cars are not allowed in Makkah, you will have to park your car in this parking and will have to take a bus or a taxi. Last Ramadan buses on nominal prices were arranged by the Saudi Government.

Coordinates: 21.480958, 39.915207

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/CYgw991B1B82

6. Kudai Parking, Makkah

Finding legal parking near Haram is very difficult. Either its very expensive like SR25 per hour or its not available. One way to avoid that hassle is to park your car in Kudai Parking which is a big free parking for Haram and take a Taxi from there and find a hotel at walking distance from Haram.

Coordinates: 21.39622,39.827392

Google Maps: http://goo.gl/maps/SNmCk

7. The King Abdullah Zam Zam Water Distribution Center

This is a government facility for selling Zam Zam water, you can find 10 liters bottle for SR 5. Usually this place is very crowded so you have to find an appropriate time when it is less crowded. There are separate counters for men and women.

Coordinates: 21.38851,39.823111

Google Maps: http://goo.gl/maps/yGxPE

You can find step by step guide on how to purchase Zam Zam bottles from there on the following link:

urShadow's Blog: How to Buy Zam Zam Water Bottles from King Abdullah Zam Zam Water Distribution Center, Makkah, Saudi Arabia

http://naumankhan.blogspot.com/2015/07/how-to-buy-z…

View Now

8. Parking on King Abdul Aziz Road, near Haram

You might be able to find parking on the below mentioned location. It is a small steep street and it is not a ‘No Parking’ street. The last time I drove to Makkah, I parked my car here and walked towards Haram to find a Hotel. Haram from here is around 15 mins walk.

Coordinates: 21.42239,39.834408

Google Maps: http://goo.gl/maps/wn9DL

9. Parking on Umm Al Qura Road, near Haram

You might be able to find parking on the below mentioned location. It is a small street and it is not a ‘No Parking’ street. Haram from here is around 15 mins walk.

Coordinates: 21.42536,39.81468

Google Maps: http://goo.gl/maps/4g16z

10. Qashla Car Parking, on Al Madinah Al Munawarah Road, near Haram (Not Walking Distance)

You can use this parking if you would like to park your car and take a taxi to Haram. It is 2 km from Haram.

Coordinates: 21.428777, 39.811385

11. Hotels on King Abdul Aziz Road, near Haram

There are many hotels on this road, I have stayed in:

Diamond Hotel

Coordinates: 21.42079,39.83157

Google Maps: http://goo.gl/maps/7AVrR

12. Hotels on Ajyad Road

There are many Hotels on Ajyad Road and most of them are expensive/luxury hotels. Most of them provide shuttle service from Hotel to Haram and back for all prayers. I have stayed in:

1. Best Western Plus Hotel

The BEST WESTERN PLUS (Bakkah Awan Hotel) offers 4-Star accommodations. It has free parking and restaurant. Further information on the hotel:
Number of floors:12
Check-in time:15:00:00
Check-out time:12:00:00
Email: reservation@bestwesternmakkah.com
Phone: +966 225971622
Coordinates: 21.403592,39.83046

Google Maps: http://goo.gl/maps/ElEpB

urShadow's Blog: Review: BEST WESTERN PLUS Al Massa Awan Hotel, Makkah, Saudi Arabia (Updated)

http://naumankhan.blogspot.com/2015/04/review-best-…

View Now

2. Bakkah Arac Hotel, Makkah, Saudi Arabia

Coordinates: 21.404648, 39.830497
Google Maps Link: https://goo.gl/maps/EPi3BxtJeEC2

urShadow's Blog: Review: Bakkah Arac Hotel, Makkah, Saudi Arabia

http://naumankhan.blogspot.com/2015/11/review-bakka…

View Now

13. Nawazi Watheer Hotel

This hotel is on Babul Fahd side, you can read my detailed review on the following link:

urShadow's Blog: Review: Nawazi Watheer Hotel, Makkah, Saudi Arabia

http://naumankhan.blogspot.com/2015/04/review-nawaz…

View Now

14. Hira Cave (Jabal Al Noor) Parking

If you are planning to hike to Cave Hira, Jabal Al Noor then you can park your car on the below mentioned location.

Coordinates: 21.45569,39.86182

Google Maps: http://goo.gl/maps/8mP0c