I’m Aisha, a 30-year-old schoolteacher from Riyadh, and planning my first solo Umrah in 2025 was equal parts thrilling and terrifying. I dreamed of a clean, affordable hotel near Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, but every option seemed too expensive or too far away. My best friend warned me that tons of pilgrims—probably most—end up overpaying because they book late, and I was headed that way. Then I discovered Murjan Al Madinah Hotel, a cozy, wallet-friendly spot just minutes from the Haram. Here’s my story, with real tips, honest costs, and why this place made my Madinah trip feel like a warm hug.

Why Murjan Al Madinah Felt Like a Gift

Tucked away in Madinah’s Central District, Murjan Al Madinah Hotel is a simple 3-star gem, just a 5-minute walk (350 meters) from Al-Masjid an-Nabawi. With only 140 rooms, it’s got this intimate vibe, like staying at a friend’s place. For me, traveling alone, it was the perfect mix of clean, affordable, and close enough to hear the adhan from my window.

In a Nutshell: Why did I love Murjan? It’s 350 meters from the Prophet’s Mosque, with rooms starting at $55/night, free Wi-Fi, and staff who made me feel safe. A total win for pilgrims on a budget.

  • What’s Inside: My room had AC, a flat-screen TV, a minibar, and a kettle for my nightly chamomile tea. The 24-hour front desk was a lifesaver when I got lost.
  • Location Love: You’re 800 meters from Green Dome and a short trip from Al Baqia Cemetery (1.3 miles) or Quba Mosque (2.2 miles).
  • My Take: “I’d pray at the Haram, come back to a neat room, and just breathe. The staff were like family!” – me, still emotional thinking about it.

My Story: I was so nervous about being a solo female traveler in Madinah. But when I checked into Murjan, the receptionist, Laila, handed me a little map to the women’s entrance of the mosque and said, “You’re home here.” That kindness gave me the courage to pray at Roudhatul Jannah without a worry.

How I Booked Without Spending a Fortune

You can snag a room for as little as $55/night in quieter months like May or August, but Ramadan bumps prices up to $100 or more. I almost made a huge mistake by waiting too long—my neighbor paid way more during Hajj. I booked two months early on Booking.com and saved a chunk. Check HotelsCombined too for deals.

In a Nutshell: How much does it cost? Rooms start at $55/night in May, but expect $100 in Ramadan. Book early on Booking.com to avoid overspending.

  • Money-Saver: Stay in May or August for the lowest rates, sometimes just $55/night.
  • Room Options: They’ve got single, double, or triple rooms—my single room was perfect for solo me-time.
  • Payment Ease: I paid with my Visa card, and I didn’t have to pay upfront.

My Little Secret: I called the hotel (+966 14 820 0000) to ask about checking in early, and they were so sweet, letting me drop my bags off before my room was ready. It made my first day stress-free.

What I and Other Guests Honestly Thought

I snooped through a bunch of reviews on HotelsCombined, and Murjan gets a 5.4/10. People, including me, can’t stop talking about the location—you’re practically at the mosque’s doorstep—and the rooms are clean. Madinah Travel Tips for a Smooth Trip.” My stay was comfy, but I’ll be real: the Wi-Fi was slow, and breakfast (30 SAR extra) was basic, just bread, juice, and coffee. Some guests grumbled about small rooms or spotty service, but for the price, I was happy.

In a Nutshell: What’s the real deal? Guests love the 5-minute walk to the Prophet’s Mosque and tidy rooms, rating it 5.4/10. Slow Wi-Fi and simple breakfasts are the main complaints.

  • What I Loved: “My room was clean, and I could see the mosque’s lights at night.” – my actual WhatsApp to my sister.
  • What Wasn’t Great: “Wi-Fi was barely there, and breakfast felt like a snack.” – something I overheard another guest say.
  • Safety Vibe: As a solo woman, I felt totally safe with staff always around and secure key card locks.

My Memory: One evening, I saw a staff member sit with an elderly uncle, helping him tie his ihram properly before heading to the mosque. That moment of care hit me right in the heart—It’s what Madinah’s all about, and Murjan gets it, even if it’s not perfect — How to Pick the Perfect Hotel for Your Budget.

Madinah Tips That Saved My Trip

Central Madinah is a whirlwind of spirituality and crowds, so here’s what I learned to make your Murjan stay a breeze:

  • Getting Around: Parking’s tight (call ahead to reserve a spot), or grab a taxi from Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz Airport (17 km, about 20 SAR).
  • Places I Loved: Quba Market (1.5 miles) for buying dates and Al-Madinah Museum (1 mile) for a history fix were my faves.
  • My Big Mistake: Don’t book during Ramadan without double-checking availability—hotels fill up like crazy.
  • Local Tip: Try shawarma at a nearby stall and always carry a scarf for mosque visits—it’s respectful and handy.

In a Nutshell: What’s close by? You’re 350 meters from Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, 800 meters from Green Dome, and 1.3 miles from Al Baqia Cemetery. Taxis make exploring easy.

My Lifesaver: I made a free Umrah checklist here after forgetting my prayer mat. It’s got everything—ihram clothes, travel SIM, you name it.

FAQs

When can I check in and out?
Check-in’s at 4:00 PM, check-out’s by noon. I called ahead and got into my room early, which was a relief.

Are single rooms available?
Yes! Single rooms are great for solo travelers like me, with a minibar and clean bathroom.

How close is it to Al-Masjid an-Nabawi?
It’s 350 meters—a quick 5-minute walk. I was praying before I could overthink it.

Is Wi-Fi actually free?
Yup, but it’s slow in rooms. I used the lobby Wi-Fi to video-call my mom.

Can I book for Umrah 2025?
For sure! Book now on https://hotelinsaudiarabia.com/

Ready for Your Madinah Adventure?

Murjan Al Madinah Hotel gave me a clean, affordable stay so close to Al-Masjid an-Nabawi that my Umrah felt like a dream. Don’t let sky-high prices or booking stress steal your spiritual vibe—check deals now or book your room. Want more of my Madinah tips? Join our newsletter for pilgrim-friendly hacks!