The second of Islam's two holiest cities, Medina (Madinah) is a place of extraordinary spiritual significance. It’s home to the Prophet’s Mosque, which was built by the Prophet Muhammad in 622 CE, and is also the site of his burial. As such, the city draws millions of pilgrims each year to pay their respects after performing Hajj or Umrah in Mecca. Non-Muslims are welcome to visit Medina, although they are not permitted to enter the fenced area around the Prophet's Mosque.
Obviously, most visitors want to stay as close as possible to Al Masjid an Nabawi, with its iconic green dome marking the Prophet’s tomb. Central to the city, most of Medina’s best and most luxurious hotels are clustered around it, offering inspiring views of the Haram area and offering easy access at prayer times.
On the whole, the top luxury hotels here lean towards a more traditional style, and focus on providing great service and convenience rather than cutting-edge wellness facilities. And even more are coming to the city – the renowned luxury brand, Four Seasons, will open a Medina outpost in 2025, followed by the
1. Pullman Zamzam Madina
One of the biggest hotels in the central area of Medina, Pullman Zamzam Madina is just a few minutes' walk away from the Haram. It’s a large, buzzy place to stay, with 836 rooms and suites decked out in elegant, understated neutrals, and a stay includes complimentary indoor parking.
There are four great on-site restaurants that cater to every taste. New to the city? Get your bearings at The Horizon, an all-day buffet on the hotel’s rooftop, serving international dishes and offering panoramic views over the whole city. There are two other buffet restaurants – Acacia, which features its own bakery, a traditional tandoori oven and kids entertainment, plus Al Mandara, which specialises in Middle Eastern food and also offers an à la carte menu.
Atrium is a smart cafe based in the grand, highly polished lobby, and is an ideal spot for coffee meetings. A wheelchair accessible hotel, the Pullman has 19 rooms designed for those with reduced mobility.
A Classic King Size room starts from approx SAR 870 per night.
2. Sofitel Shahd Al Madinah
The Sofitel Shahd Al Madinah is a superb pick for anyone seeking to soak up as much local atmosphere and culture as possible during their stay. The interiors are beautiful at this five-star hotel, with rooms and suites incorporating Arabic design elements to great effect – think arched windows, intricate lamps and traditional artwork.
The contemporary all-day restaurant, Arabesque, features dramatic full-length windows, with exhilarating views of the Al Masjid an Nabawi as you tuck into dishes from the Middle East, Asia and Europe. Regular guests rave about the attentive and thoughtful service and the consistently warm welcome from staff members.
Sofitel is a top-rated choice for families, as it offers an excellent cost-cutting ‘Family Escapade’ for those travelling with kids – adjoining rooms are half price, breakfast is included and a late checkout is allowed.
A Classic King room starts from approx SAR1,451 per night.
3. The Oberoi Madina
Opulent and traditional, The Oberoi Madina is located five minutes’ walk from the Baqi Cemetery, and moments from the ladies’ entrance to Al Masjid an Nabawi (the Prophet’s Mosque). It’s conveniently based above an arcade of shops too, making it super-easy to pick up essentials and souvenirs without needing to venture further afield.
The decor is overwhelmingly grand, with plush velvet furnishings, soft lighting and gilded accents throughout the property. Rooms all offer atmospheric views, either of the city or the mosque, while the suites feature a living room with flat-screen TV, perfect for kicking back and unwinding after a busy day.
Dining options at The Oberoi go well above and beyond typical buffet fare –The Moghul Room specializes in Tandoori and South Indian cuisine, while The Tea House serves a selection of teas, coffees and artisanal pastries. Kyoto Restaurant offers a taste of Japan with hand-rolled sushi from the sushi counter, shabu shabu (hotpot) or teppanyaki on offer. Room service is also available round the clock.
The Oberoi is one of the few hotels in the area with wellness facilities, and includes a men-only gym equipped with a range of workout equipment, while the adjoining spa offers relaxing massages and treatments. Rooms start from approx SAR 1,836 per night.
4. InterContinental Madinah-Dar Al Iman
The InterContinental Madinah-Dar Al Iman is an excellent choice for travellers planning to immerse themselves in the spiritual side of the city – it’s located within the courtyard of the Al Masjid an Nabawi, and each room offers views of the mosque as well as live sound from the Haram.Rooms and suites are classic and comfortable with dark mahogany furniture and crisp white linens, each featuring marble bathrooms, TVs and mini-fridges.
The Rotana Restaurant is the perfect place to try out some local dishes, as it serves an extensive menu of international and Middle Eastern meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Buffet and a la carte options are both available. If your visit allows, don’t miss the themed Seafood Night which takes place every Thursday and serves freshly grilled fish and seafood (as well as a tempting spread of desserts).
Taiba Café is another pleasant spot to grab a more casual bite, serving light snacks, drinks and coffee in the hotel’s mezzanine. Complimentary coffee is served in the lobby and there’s 24-hour room service.A King Bed Classic Room starts from approx SAR 1,978 per night.
5. Madinah Hilton
Guests routinely praise the great customer service at the Madinah Hilton, calling it warm, friendly and genuine. It’s a welcoming, traditional place to stay, with a relaxed, down-to-earth atmosphere. Bright, art deco rooms feature vibrant green mosaic windows, many of which look out over the city or the Haram.
Complimentary slippers and mineral water are a nice extra touch.As for the dining experience, expect a taste of local luxury at the Madinah restaurant with regional dishes such as Red Sea shrimp or creamy Umm Ali dessert on offer.The Hilton’s location is also tip-top, a two-minute walk from Al Masjid an Nabawi and there’s easy access to Gate 25 for women. Plenty of lifts in the hotel reduce waits during busy periods, prayer times in particular. A King Guest Room with a city view starts from SAR 1,404 per night.
