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DIY Umrah — 10 Best Hotels North of Al-Masjid An Nabawi for a Spiritual Journey
Introduction: A New Era of DIY Umrah
Performing Umrah no longer means you must rely on fixed group packages or travel agents. Thanks to technology and simplified visa options, pilgrims can now plan their entire Umrah journey independently — from applying for a visa to booking flights, hotels, and transportation online. A DIY Umrah gives you full control of your schedule, comfort, and budget — a truly personalized way to fulfill your spiritual calling.
This flexibility has become especially valuable as Umrah travel surges once again. Since Dhul-Hijjah 1446 (June 2025), more than 3.8 million pilgrims have performed Umrah, with an average of 38,000–43,000 pilgrims visiting Medina every day. According to the Saudi Press Agency (Oct 3, 2025), “Madinah leads Saudi cities in hospitality occupancy, reaching 74.7% ( https://www.spa.gov.sa/en/N2413517 ).”
This rising demand means hotels closest to Masjid an-Nabawi are filling up quickly — and prices are climbing, especially during peak Umrah seasons and Ramadan. (For details, see: Peak Umrah Season Ahead: Why Some Madinah Hotel Bookings Get Cancelled — and How to Stay Protected - https://blog.aara.cloud/madinah-hotel-booking-tips-before-ramadan-eng ).
For this reason, many pilgrims now prefer staying slightly north of the Haram, near Mount Uhud — an area rich in history, serenity, and value. Here, you’ll find modern hotels at reasonable prices, peaceful surroundings, and easy access to the Haram by shuttle or short drive — a perfect balance between comfort and spirituality.
Why Stay North of Masjid An Nabawi?
Mount Uhud holds a sacred place in Islamic history — it was the site of the famous Battle of Uhud and the resting place of Hamza ibn Abdul-Muttalib (RA), the Prophet’s beloved uncle. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ once said: “This is a mountain that loves us, and we love it.”
Staying near this area lets pilgrims feel connected to these historical moments while enjoying a quieter atmosphere than the busy hotel zones right next to the Haram. Accommodation here is often more affordable, with modern facilities and regular transport access to the mosque — a great balance between comfort and spirituality.
How These Hotels Were Chosen
All hotels below were selected based on:
- Strong traveler ratings (typically 7.5/10 or higher)
- Proximity to Mount Uhud or the northern Haram area
- Good value for families or groups (quad rooms where possible)
- Availability on popular Trip.com booking platforms
Transportation
Getting around Madinah is simple and convenient. Public bus services are operated by SAPTCO, covering five main routes and 116 stations across the city. These modern, air-conditioned buses run daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, serving most major attractions and equipped with facilities for passengers with special needs.
A dedicated airport shuttle service also operates between Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport and Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, offering a reliable option for arriving or departing pilgrims.
For even greater flexibility, popular ride-hailing apps like Uber and Careem are widely available throughout Madinah. They’re ideal for short trips to the Haram, Mount Uhud, or nearby hotels — especially if you prefer direct, door-to-door service.
Below is the Google Map showing available hotels between the Al-Masjid an-Nabawi and Mount Uhud areas, along with nearby bus stops for easy reference.
Top 10 Recommended Hotels North of Al-Masjid An Nabawi
| # | Hotel | Approx Distance /Room Rates |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | ~1.3 km to Haram ~2.3 km north of Uhud ~ from SAR 314/night (QUAD ROOM) |
| Highlights : Clean, quiet, great balance of price and comfort | ||
| 2 |  | ~ 5 km to Haram / near Uhud Field ~ from SAR 290/night (Triple bed) |
| Highlights : Safe, peaceful, excellent value | ||
| 3 |  | ~ 3.2 km to Haram Close to Uhud / north side, more apartment-style ~ 414/night (QUAD ROOM) |
| Highlights :Apartment-style, ideal for families | ||
Search & Book Hotel in Madinah |
| # | Hotel | Approx Distance /Room Rates |
|---|---|---|
| 4 |  (Al Aridh) | ~6.5 km to Haram ~6.0 km to Mount Uhud area, northern zone ~ SAR 254/night (Double Room) |
| Highlights : Newer property, clean and calm | ||
| 5 |  | ~2.8 km to Haram ~ from SAR 507/night (QUAD ROOM)
|
| Highlights : Modern facilities, family-friendly | ||
| 6 |  | ~ 5 km to Haram / near Uhud Field ~ from SAR 471/night (Family Two-Bedroom Suite) |
| Highlights : Great reviews, comfortable stay | ||
| 7 |  | ~2.4 km to Haram ~1.6 km to Mount Uhud area, northern zone ~ from SAR 630/night (QUAD ROOM) |
| Highlights : Spacious rooms, excellent service | ||
Sample Hotel in Madinah |
| # | Hotel | Approx Distance /Room Rates |
|---|---|---|
| 8 |  (King Abdullah Rd, Shadhah) | ~ 8 km to Haram ~ 4.2 km to Mount Uhud area ~ ~ from SAR 785/night ( TRIPLE ROOM with Breakfast) |
| Highlights : Premium comfort, includes free shuttle | ||
| 9 |  | ~ 2.0 km to Haram ~ 2.0 km to Mount Uhud area, northern zone ~ from SAR 520/night (QUAD ROOM) |
| Highlights : Convenient location, good facilities | ||
| 10 |  | ~ 2.7 km to Haram / 1.6 km to Uhud ~ from SAR 288/night (Triple bed) |
| Highlights : Safe, peaceful, excellent value | ||
**Note: Prices are based on November rates and may change depending on travel dates. Please check the latest rates on Trip.com.
Smart DIY Umrah Planning Tips
You don’t need an agent to plan your Umrah anymore — just a bit of research and the right tools:
- Visas: Check your eligibility for the Saudi Tourist eVisa or the Umrah visa via Nusuk platform. (Note: Nusuk isn’t available for all nationalities, but most travelers can apply through the Saudi Ministry of Tourism or get visa-on-arrival if eligible.)
- Flights & Transport: Compare fares on Trip.com or Google Flights. Sometimes flying to Jeddah is cheaper, and you can then take the Haramain High-Speed Train to Medina — fast, comfortable, and scenic.
- Hotels: Book early through platforms offering free cancellation, allowing flexibility. Staying north of the Haram often gives you better value and a calmer environment.
- Timing: Avoid peak periods like Ramadan or school holidays for better prices and smaller crowds.
For a complete step-by-step guide, read the companion article: “Essential DIY Umrah Planning Tips 2025.”
Connecting with the Spirit of Uhud
Visiting Mount Uhud and the resting place of the martyrs reminds pilgrims of courage, sacrifice, and steadfast faith. When visiting, maintain respectful etiquette — dress modestly, avoid loud conversation or photos, and take a moment for reflection and prayer. It’s a humbling experience that connects you to the roots of Islamic history.
Search & Book Hotel in Makkah |
Final Thoughts
Choosing to perform Umrah independently gives you the freedom to focus on what matters most — your connection with Allah. Staying near the Uhud area offers a perfect balance of spirituality, comfort, and value. With today’s technology, you can plan every detail — from visa to hotel to transportation — before even setting foot in Saudi Arabia.
May your journey to Medina be filled with blessings, peace, and reflection. 🌙
FAQ
- Can I safely stay north of Haram? Yes. The Uhud area is generally calm, well serviced and safe.
- Will I reach Haram easily? Yes, especially by car or Uber/Careem. Walking possible for some, but plan accordingly.
- Are amenities good in these hotels? Most listed have good ratings; some are more luxurious than others. Always check reviews.
Disclaimer
Information in this guide (hotel names, distances, prices, ratings) is based on listings from Trip.com. These may change. Always check real-time rates, cancellation policies and reviews before booking.
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