Anjum Makkah Hotel (Makkah, Saudi Arabia)

The Haram is literally only a several hundred metres from the hotel. You will have to pass through ongoing construction to get there though.

Hotel rooms are clean but small. The housekeeping is creative too. They create amazing little shapes from the bed-runner. Don't be surprised to return to your room and see a heart, swan, or ribbon shape on your bed. It's a nice touch and brings a smile to your face.

You probably know what it is like to experience slow elevators in a hotel. However, in this hotel the elevators are superb. The elevator that is approaching and opening is clearly indicated, so there's no need to try and guess. You just simply stand at the door and it's right there. It's also fast.

There are no local shops or restaurants nearby. You can go to ZamZam for that. It's a fifteen to twenty-minute walk from the hotel.

Don't be surprised if you encounter a hard time at reception. The personnel does not appear cooperative or amiable and most do not speak English. So there is a communication problem as well unless you speak Arabic. It would probably be wise for the hotel to invest in some hospitality classes for the reception staff. It may take a while to check-in as well.

You may encounter noisy construction going on at the facility. There is a new extension being built so it may be difficult to get to the Kaaba district. The distance from the mosque to the hotel is also a bit far.