Madinah: A City of Faith and Ongoing Development
After publishing my blog on 10 Affordable 4-Star Hotels in Makkah (Below RM50 Per Night, Quad Sharing) , I had planned to write a similar guide for Madinah.
However, I quickly realized something: finding affordable 4-star hotels near Al-Masjid An Nabawi is far more difficult. Many hotels were already sold out, and those still available were priced much higher—sometimes reaching SAR 200 per night (around RM260) for a quad room.
Because of this, I shifted my focus and published a more practical guide instead: 10 Affordable Hotels in Madinah (Quad Sharing, Below RM100 Per Night) . While these aren’t 4-star properties, they provide budget-conscious jemaah with options that balance comfort and affordability.
This challenge also highlights a bigger reality: Madinah is transforming rapidly. And for today’s traveler, flexibility is key. In this blog, I’ll also share recommended areas to stay—beyond just the Haram—including near Quba Mosque, the Qurban district, along the airport road, and around the new Quba Boulevard developments.
Saudi Vision 2030: 30 Million Pilgrims a Year
Madinah Al-Munawwarah is not only a sacred destination but also a city embracing remarkable growth. In line with Saudi Vision 2030, the Kingdom aims to welcome up to 30 million pilgrims annually.
If we set aside Hajj, which accounts for about 4 million pilgrims, that still leaves 26 million Umrah visitors per year—an average of 2 million per month.
This is not just ambitious but already proving realistic. Between 15 Dhul Hijjah and end of Safar, more than 2.5 million Umrah performers entered the Kingdom. Numbers are expected to rise even higher during Sha’ban to Ramadan, when demand for Umrah traditionally peaks.
Such figures explain why both Makkah and Madinah are undergoing massive development—particularly in new hotels, upgraded infrastructure, and modern transportation systems.
For pilgrims, this means more options, but also greater competition for rooms near Al-Masjid An Nabawi.
Why Hotels in Madinah Are More Expensive Than in Makkah
When searching for hotels in Madinah via Trip.com, two things stand out:
- Many hotels near Al-Masjid An Nabawi are fully booked months in advance.
- Room rates are often higher than those in Makkah, sometimes by a significant margin.
This reflects both increasing demand and the reality of ongoing development projects.
Development Projects: Quba Boulevard & Mosque Expansion
One of the most exciting projects is the Quba Boulevard, a beautifully designed route that connects Quba Mosque directly with the Prophet’s Mosque. Shaded courtyards, wide walkways, and a pedestrian-friendly layout provide both a practical and spiritual path for visitors.
Travel between the two mosques is becoming easier than ever:
- Rent a Careem bicycle
- Take a buggy ride
- Use the Madinah Hop-On Hop-Off bus
At the same time, the expansion of Quba Mosque, under the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, marks the largest in its history. The project will increase capacity to 66,000 worshippers and enhance surrounding facilities, making Quba an even more significant place of worship and reflection.
Where to Stay in Madinah (Beyond the Haram)
Most jemaah naturally want to stay as close as possible to Al-Masjid An Nabawi. But with soaring demand, hotels around the Haram often sell out months ahead or charge premium prices. Thankfully, there are alternative areas in Madinah where pilgrims can still find good options—balancing cost, comfort, and accessibility.
1. Near Quba Mosque
Google Map: Walking route from Al-Masjid An Nabawi to Quba Mosque
With the new Quba Boulevard and transport links, staying near Quba Mosque is becoming more practical. While hotel choices are limited, this area offers:
✅ A calmer atmosphere away from crowds
✅ More affordable room rates compared to Haram-front hotels
✅ Easy daily access to two significant mosques: Quba and Al-Masjid An Nabawi
Example Hotels:
- Radisson Hotel Madinah (4-Star, 9.5/10 “Amazing”)
Radisson Hotel Madinah: Standard Room - From MYR 655.21 per night (twin sharing), approx. 3 km from Masjid An Nabawi.
Modern, stylish, and well-rated, Radisson offers comfort and convenience with excellent service.
- Taiba Oasis Hotel Apartments (3-Star, 7.6/10 “Good”)
Taiba Oasis Hotel Apartments: 2 bedrooms · 1 living room · 1 bathroom - From MYR 265.78 per night (quad room), approx. 2.4 km from Masjid An Nabawi.
Budget-friendly with spacious rooms, perfect for families or groups.
- Madinah Deluxe Hotel (7.1/10 rating)
Madinah Deluxe Hotel - Deluxe Quadruple Room - From MYR 278.00 per night (quad room), approx. 1.1 km from Masjid An Nabawi.
Closer to the mosque, offering basic comfort for jemaah who value location.
2. South of the Haram (Qurban Area)
The Qurban district is about 5–10 minutes by car from Al-Masjid An Nabawi. Hotels here are often cheaper, and shuttle services or short taxi rides make it convenient for jemaah.
Google Map: Walking route from Al-Masjid An Nabawi to Qurban Area
Examples:
- Madinah Aram Hotel (7.2/10 “Good”)
Madinah Aram Hotel : 1 bedroom, desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi - From MYR 338.00 per night (quad room)
Budget-friendly, clean rooms; ~10–20 minutes’ walk to the Haram.
- Artal Taibah Hotel (7.2/10 “Good”)
Artal Taibah Hotel : Basic Quadruple Room - From MYR 289.00 per night (quad room)
Good rates for those seeking proximity at lower prices ~10–20 minutes’ walk to the Haram.
3. Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz Airport Road ✈️
Hotels along the airport road provide modern facilities at lower nightly rates. Although 20–30 minutes by car from the Haram, these are great for families and those arriving late at night.
Google Map: Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz Airport to Al-Masjid An Nabawi (Driving)
Examples:
- Millennium Madinah Airport Hotel (9.0/10 “Great”)
Millennium Madinah Airport Hotel - From MYR 405.00 per night (Twin Sharing ), approx. 25 minutes drive to Masjid An Nabawi.
Convenient for arrivals and departures, with shuttle options.
- E Hotel – High ratings (~9.2/10)
E Hotel - From MYR 232.00 per night (Twin Sharing ), approx. 16 minutes drive from Masjid An Nabawi.
Clean, and comfortable.
4. New Developments Around Quba Boulevard
With ongoing projects, new hotels are opening near Quba Boulevard. The selection is still limited, but it’s an area worth watching for future stays.
Smart Hotel Booking Tips for Madinah
With millions more pilgrims expected each year, here are practical tips to secure your stay in Madinah:
- Plan Ahead & Book Early → Rooms near Al-Masjid An Nabawi and Quba Mosque fill up months in advance, especially during Ramadan, Rabi’ al-Awwal, and school holidays.
- Be Flexible with Location → Hotels near Quba Mosque can be more affordable, less crowded, and still well-connected.
- Mind the Season → Prices double during peak months like Sha’ban–Ramadan. If possible, travel in off-peak months for better deals.
- Use Trusted Platforms → Use both Trip.com and Expedia when searching. Each site may offer different inventories, promotions, and cancellation policies—helping you find the best deal for your travel dates.
- Consider Mid-Range Hotels → Don’t overlook 3- and 4-star properties; many provide excellent service and are within walking distance of key mosques.
Final Thoughts
Madinah is where faith, history, and modern development meet. With projects like Quba Boulevard and the expansion of Quba Mosque, the city is preparing to host millions more pilgrims each year.
Yes, hotel prices are generally higher than in Makkah. But by being flexible—such as staying near Quba—you can still enjoy an affordable, convenient, and spiritually enriching experience.
Disclaimer
The hotel information, prices, and availability mentioned in this blog are based on publicly listed rates at the time of writing. Prices may vary depending on travel dates, seasons, promotions, and booking platforms. We recommend checking Trip.com, Expedia, or other trusted travel sites for the latest rates and availability before making any reservations.
This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute endorsement or partnership with any hotel or booking platform. Always review cancellation policies, guest reviews, and hotel amenities carefully to ensure the accommodation meets your needs.
Leave a comment
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
