Hello everyone! When visiting Medina, the Prophet’s Mosque is an absolute must-see. It’s the second holiest site in Islam and a once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage destination for Muslims. However, for non-Muslims like us, getting a good view of the mosque can be challenging. On the ground, it’s difficult to fully appreciate the mosque with the presence of pilgrims, and non-Muslims are prohibited from entering the sacred area marked by green gates.
But there’s good news for those facing this dilemma! Today, I’ll share how non-Muslims can fully appreciate the Prophet’s Mosque. The key is staying at a hotel with a view of the mosque. In this article, I’ll discuss important factors to consider when choosing a hotel and introduce my recommended accommodation: “Pullman Zamzam Madina.”
Tips for Choosing a Hotel in Medina
The Prophet’s Mosque looks vastly different depending on the viewing angle
First, let’s cover the basics of hotel selection. To get a good view of the Prophet’s Mosque, distance and visibility are crucial. If you’re too far away, the scenery becomes too small, and if there are buildings obstructing your view, the vista is ruined. Even if a hotel is located close to the mosque, if the windows don’t face the right direction, you won’t get the view you’re hoping for.
Furthermore, many hotels in Medina aren’t available on typical booking sites. When searching on Booking.com, you might find that most hotels are mysteriously marked as sold out. This is especially common around pilgrimage season, so you may need to contact hotels directly in advance.
Another important consideration is that some hotels have policies that only accommodate Muslims visiting for pilgrimage purposes. To avoid being turned away at check-in, verify the hotel’s policy beforehand (some travelers have reported being denied accommodation at the receptionist’s discretion despite the hotel policy allowing non-Muslims).
Also, hotels on the north or east side of the Prophet’s Mosque often have views affected by strong sunlight and backlighting, making it difficult to see clearly. As you can see, choosing a hotel in Medina involves many considerations and can be quite challenging.
The Importance of “Haram View” Rooms
Even after selecting a hotel, your work isn’t done. To fully appreciate the Prophet’s Mosque, choosing a “Haram View” room is essential. “Haram View” literally means a view of the sacred area, and these rooms tend to be more expensive than “City View” or “Courtyard View” options.
Even with a Haram View room, there might be issues such as small windows, fences, or other buildings partially blocking the mosque view. Therefore, it’s important to check the room’s position and window situation in advance.
From Hilton Madinah. This hotel has decorated windows that make it difficult to view the mosque clearly.
The quality of “Haram View” varies by hotel. Referring to reviews and testimonials from previous guests can help you avoid disappointment. Proper research beforehand is vital to ensure you don’t end up with a disappointing view.
The Appeal of Pullman Zamzam Madina
The ultimate guaranteed view? Pullman Zamzam Madina’s Panoramic Haram View
For those who find it tedious to research hotels individually, I have some great information to share. After thoroughly investigating various options, I found that Pullman Zamzam Madina is the best choice. Located just south of the Prophet’s Mosque, about a 2-minute walk from the nearest gate, this hotel welcomes non-Muslim tourists while meeting all the criteria for viewing the Prophet’s Mosque. Their “Panoramic Haram View” rooms offer magnificent views through large windows, and I personally believe no other hotel can match the grandeur of this vista.
Don’t miss the breakfast buffet at the rooftop restaurant with a view
Beyond the view, Pullman Zamzam Madina offers many other attractions. The hotel features multiple restaurants serving local and international cuisine. The breakfast buffet is exceptional, offering a wide range of dishes made with fresh ingredients. The spacious rooms come with comfortable beds, perfect for resting after a day of exploration. This is the world-class quality you’d expect from the Pullman brand.
The staff’s friendliness is another highlight of this hotel. Many staff members speak English, and they accommodate requests attentively. Being able to stay without language barriers is a significant advantage. The hotel also has a fitness center and spa services, ideal for relaxing after your travels.
Regarding the price, you might wonder how much all these amenities cost. A Haram View room starts at around 30,000 yen (approximately $200) per night. While this might seem high for solo travelers, it’s quite reasonable compared to surrounding hotels. For the best view in Medina, 30,000 yen is certainly not excessive!
In my next article, I’ll provide a detailed stay report. I’ll share the view from the room and describe what it was like staying at Pullman Zamzam Madina. Look forward to specifics about the room, hotel services, and nearby attractions!
What Did You Think?
In this article, I’ve shared tips for choosing a hotel that allows non-Muslim tourists to enjoy the Prophet’s Mosque, along with the highlights of Pullman Zamzam Madina. In the next article, I’ll provide more detailed information about my stay experience, so please look forward to it!
