Swissotel Al Maqam Makkah Haram View Rooms: Are They Worth Booking?
By Abdur Rehman
Table of Contents
A helpful guide for pilgrims from the UK for Umrah 2027, which includes information on staying in Makkah and Madinah, family tips and package advice.
One of the most important decisions after booking flights for many pilgrims from the UK is where to stay in Makkah during this blessed journey. A hotel in the Clock Tower complex (Abraj Al Bait) offers you a stay just a few steps away from Masjid al-Haram, which can make the travel experience for families, elderly parents or anyone travelling with young children comfortable and worth staying. One of the most famous deals for Clock Tower Makkah hotels is Umrah Packages with Swissotel Al Maqam Hotel, which is best known for its rooms with a Haram view that are the most popular ones that pilgrims inquire about.
This guide will tell you what to expect, who should book them, how to make the best of your stay and how to organise Madinah and your Umrah package from UK.
Are Haram View Rooms Worth the Extra Cost?
There are many pilgrims who prefer to stay in the hotels with Haram view rooms that are quite expensive but worth the cost as they offer exclusive advantages. There are various advantages such as proximity, a short walk towards the Haram that saves time and energy particularly during Fajr and Isha, Swissotel Al Maqam is a five-star hotel within the Clock Tower complex. Other facilities include a mall, food court, medical unit, pharmacies, and other services that make everyday life easier when you are busy performing your sacred Umrah journey.
A Haram view room brings a more spiritual uplift to your Umrah journey. It is a great privilege to be able to sleep in a comfortable room with a spiritual view, with hearing the religious Salah clearly by staying around the mosque, and many pilgrims state that it makes the trip more special. For elderly pilgrims, it also means a comfortable area to stop between prayers without leaving the area.
The disadvantage can be the cost. The price of the hotel in the Clock Tower hotel increases significantly during Ramadan, school holidays and the peak seasons. The difference between a standard room and a Haram view room can be significant. Most of the hotels offer a number of different types of views including Kaaba view, Half haram view and full haram view, so be sure to ask your travel operator what you are getting and if it is guaranteed or not. The higher the floor above, the better the view is.
Who Should Book a Haram View Room?
The table below gives a simple idea regarding your stay. Use it as a starting point and consider your booking according to your own budget and priorities.
Traveller | Worth booking? | Why |
Elderly parents | Usually yes | Rest, comfort and short distances matter most |
Family with young children | Often yes | Quick returns to the room make long days easier |
Couple or solo on a budget | Maybe not | A well-located standard room may give better value |
Ramadan or last ten nights | Weigh carefully | Prices jump, but the atmosphere is exceptional |
Short 4 to 5 night stay | Often yes | Every hour counts, so proximity saves time |
Best Tips for Staying at Swissotel Al Maqam Makkah
Book early for 2027, as Ramadan is likely to start in early February and the best Haram view rooms are booked first.
Please specify your room type, high floor and connecting rooms in writing and request your operator to verify them on your booking.
Allow extra time for lifts and security, particularly after prayers and on Fridays.
Perform tawaf during quiet periods of the day, e.g. after Fajr or later in the evening when the crowds are not as strong.
Make sure that you have comfortable, easy-to-remove shoes and a small bag to put your shoes into.
Record the hotel's name, address and room number on your phone and provide a card with the information for children and elderly relatives.
Rest between prayers and stay hydrated, as long days and heat can be tiring.
Adding Madinah to Your Umrah
Most of the pilgrims in the UK include Madinah with Makkah and it is easier to plan both at the same time. The standard 10-night tour package is a 4-5 night tour to Madinah and a 6-9 night tour to Makkah, depending on flights and package. A lot of tourists visit Madinah and then visit Makkah for Umrah. As the Haramain high-speed train is in high demand and is comfortable for travel between the two cities, check what your package includes, or coach or private transfers. In Madinah, stay in a hotel that is close to Masjid-e-Nabawi. Typically, visits to the Rawdah are organised via the official Nusuk app, so please refer to current rules before travelling. To visit the historic places such as Quba Mosque and Uhud, it is better to join an organised ziyarat or a knowledgeable guide.
Choosing the Right Umrah Package from the UK
A good package includes the hotels in Makkah and Madinah, the type of room and the view outside, the number of nights in each city, flights and baggage allowance, visa support, transfers, meals and ziyarat. Family Umrah packages are generally more flexible in terms of connecting rooms, private transfers and a comfortable stay, making them ideal for families travelling with children. Many pilgrims who are traveling to Mecca for the first time find reassurance in a group Umrah from the UK as it provides proper assistance and guidance. The premium packages for umrah will include the best hotel near the Haram, superior hotel categories, smaller groups, enhanced personal service and will be ideal for families and older pilgrims who wish to have a less tiring trip.
Note: To experience a secure travel, check for ATOL cover on packages that include flights and membership in a recognised trade body like ABTA, as well as recent independent reviews. When considering Umrah packages 2027 or group Umrah package 2027, make your booking early, take a careful look at the early booking packages and review the refund policy.
Check current Saudi visa, permit and health requirements with your travel agency and official sources as the requirements may change.
Final Thoughts
For those looking for the proximity, comfort, and convenience, Swissotel Al Maqam Makkah Haram view rooms are a premium option to book, especially for families and elderly pilgrims. However, even if you are on a budget, you can still get a great Umrah from a standard room, if it is located well. In either case, verify the information in writing, make sure that you are prepared for Madinah, and use a trusted, protected service. May your Umrah be accepted and your journey may be smooth. Ameen.
Please remember that hotel information, rates, entry and permit regulations may vary. Always double check information before booking with a travel provider or official sources.