One of the oldest and most important cities in Islamic history and in the Kingdom itself, Medina – known locally as Madinah, and officially Al Madinah Al Munawwarah or “The Luminous City” – is quickly on the rise as a cultural, religious and economic hub.
The city serves as the capital of the Medina Province and is considered the second holiest city in Islam due to Al-Masjid an-Nabawi (The Prophet’s Mosque) being located here. It serves as the burial site of the Prophet Mohammed by whom the mosque was built in 622 CE, the first year of Hijrah.
While not obligatory, Muslims often visit the Prophet’s tomb at least once in their lifetime during a pilgrimage known as Ziyarat. Apart from its Islamic significance, Medina is rising as one of the Kingdom’s major development projects to expand its hospitality, tourism and cultural sectors. Start planning your trip to one of Saudi’s holiest cities now with our guide to the best places to stay in Medina.
1. Dar Al Taqwa Hotel
Located in the courtyard of the Prophet’s Mosque, just three metres from the main entrance and facing King Fahd gate, this luxury hotel offers lavish, comfortable rooms with touches of Islamic art and design. Perfect for both leisure and business travelers, dining options include Al Qasr Restaurant decorated with ornate marble floors and tables evoking Medina’s Islamic past and serving Arabic and international cuisine, and Al Marwa Restaurant offering dishes from Saudi Arabia, the Mediterranean and other international flavours.
Off All Sitten Street-Facing Prophet Masjid - King Fahd Gate
2. Anarat Boutique Hotel
Located a few kilometres away from the Prophet’s Mosque, this new heritage hotel in the city's historic Al Mughaisilah neighbourhood celebrates Saudi heritage specific to Medina. Founder May Al-Musallam transformed her century-old home into a heritage hotel to highlight the beauty of Saudi heritage coupled with modern comforts. Amid the Kingdom’s numerous major developments and glass skyscrapers, Anarat is somewhat of an anomaly.
The structure of the hotel was restored using basalt stone – the same material that was originally used in its construction. Additional elements in wood preserving traditional design and building techniques were also incorporated. In collaboration with the Madinah Municipality and other tech and heritage specialists, the home was brought back to life with the utmost attention given to detail, beauty and heritage. The hotel is now open to guests visiting Medina from around the world eager for a unique and authentic Saudi experience.
Guests at the hotel can enjoy a variety of programs, including guided tours of the neighborhood, transportation to the Prophet’s Mosque and a variety of Saudi culinary dishes. During Ramadan, the courtyard of the hotel will transform into a place for a host of activities and gatherings. Anarat offers a full historical and cultural immersion into Medina and life in the city.
Mughaislah, Medina
3. Pullman Zamzam Madina
This five-star Pullman hotel is situated in the centre of Medina near to major cultural attractions. Named after the famous Zamzam well in the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca known for its holy and healing properties, the hotel has 836 rooms and suites, each with breathtaking views of Medina’s numerous historic sites and mesmerising mosques. The luxury hotel is just 500-metres from Al Masjid an Nabawi Mosque, a 25-minute walk from The Seven Mosques and ten minutes by car from Jabal Ohud Garden.
The hotel is just 25 kilometres away from Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International airport, making it an easy destination for business and leisure travellers. For those traveling with family and children, the Al Hokair Time Amusement Park is just ten minutes away by car and offers a host of exhilarating attractions.
Rooms are elegantly designed, incorporating references to traditional Saudi heritage and architecture. Several restaurants serving international cuisine provide options for travellers visiting from around the world. For those wishing for much needed rest and relaxation, there’s a fitness room and a spa.
Amr Bin Al Gmoh Street Madina, 41499 Madinah
4. Anwar Al Madinah Mövenpick
Situated in the heart of Medina, Anwar Al Madinah Mövenpick Hotel is located just a 20-minute walk from Anbariya Mosque, also known as Hamidiye Mosque, built by the Ottoman Turks in 1908. The hotel has 1,295 rooms overlooking the courtyard of the Prophet’s Mosque and is considered the city’s largest hotel, offering activities and amenities for everyone from business travellers to leisure groups and families traveling with children.
The building is directly linked to a shopping mall with underground parking and a variety of shops and restaurants, and is also near Al Masjid An Nabawi, the second mosque built by the Prophet Mohammed; it’s also the closest hotel to the Ladies’ Prayer entrance of the Al Masjid An Nabawi, providing easy access to travellers eager to visit the city’s historic Islamic attractions. Additionally, Anwar Al Madinah Mövenpick has three on-site restaurants offering a variety of food, including local and international dishes, with captivating views onto the Prophet’s Mosque. For those wishing to unwind, there’s also a steam room and sauna.
Central Zone, Medina
5. InterContinental Dar Al Iman Madinah
This magnificently ornate hotel, overlooking the Prophet's Mosque and situated just 350 metres from King Fahd Gate, provides luxurious and stylish accommodation just a 20-minute drive from the airport. Rooms are upscale and elegant with each offering enchanting views of the Prophet’s Mosque and are also equipped with live Haram sound, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in prayer.
Rooms also feature private dressing areas, marble bathrooms and amenities like an LCD TV. Dining includes the Rotana, the hotel’s main restaurant, serving international and Middle Eastern cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner. InterContinental Dar al Iman Madinah offers sleek upscale accommodation and amenities in the heart of Madinah perfect for both leisure and business travellers alike.
Unit No:10, 2657, Bada'ah, Unit No 10 2657, Madinah 42311
