Elaf Kinda Hotel

This hotel is primarily distinguished by its unbeatable proximity to Masjid Al-Haram, often described as being literally steps away, making it an ideal choice for pilgrims and families seeking convenient access to the holy site. Its direct connection to the Clock Tower shopping mall further enhances its appeal for sightseers and those looking for easy access to amenities. Guests frequently highlight the hotel's advantageous location, which allows for quick and effortless journeys to the Grand Mosque. While the hotel offers a practical base for spiritual journeys, some aspects of its decor and room comfort are noted as being outdated. To make the most of your stay, be prepared for the hotel's unique accessibility, as direct vehicle access is limited, often requiring a short walk with luggage from the nearest drop-off point.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel's elevators receive mixed feedback; while some guests find them quick and efficient, others report them being busy or problematic, particularly during peak times. A notable feature is the dedicated prayer room within the hotel, which is connected to the Haram, offering a convenient alternative for prayers, especially during crowded periods or hot weather. Guests also appreciate the complimentary luggage storage facility available for a few hours after check-out. While Wi-Fi is generally available, some users report slow speeds or intermittent connections. Many reviews consistently mention the hotel's outdated decor and furniture, suggesting a need for renovation to modernize the overall appearance. A significant point of note is the lack of direct road access, meaning taxis cannot pull up to the entrance, requiring guests to walk with their luggage from a nearby drop-off point.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room comfort and cleanliness is varied. Many describe the rooms as notably small, cramped, or tight, which can be challenging, especially for families or those with significant luggage, as there is often limited space to store belongings. Some guests report uncomfortable beds, with issues like feeling springs, and mention that the furniture and carpets appear old, stained, or dirty, contributing to an overall sense of being outdated. While some reviews praise the rooms for being clean and well-maintained, others highlight concerns about general cleanliness, including dust, unclean bathrooms, and broken curtains. Issues with electricity flickering and hot water taking a long time to heat up or turning cold during showers are also occasionally reported, impacting the overall comfort.

Dining & Food Quality
Feedback regarding the hotel's dining options, particularly the breakfast buffet, is quite mixed. Many guests find the breakfast to be excellent, offering a decent variety of options that cater to different preferences, with some praising the food quality as delicious and exceeding expectations. However, other guests express disappointment, describing the food as merely "okay," "simple," or not meeting their expectations, with some noting a limited selection of warm dishes. The restaurant and room service also receive varied comments, with some finding the food good, while others report issues such as cold food or missing items from their orders. Complimentary coffee is available in the reception area, which is a welcome touch for many guests.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is consistently highlighted as its strongest asset, placing guests within a very short walking distance, typically 2-5 minutes, from Masjid Al-Haram. This prime position allows for easy access to the holy mosque, making it highly convenient for pilgrims. The hotel is also strategically situated next to the Clock Tower and provides direct access to various shopping malls, restaurants, and pharmacies, ensuring all essential amenities are within reach. However, a recurring challenge is the parking situation and the hotel's limited accessibility by vehicles. Taxis and private cars cannot reach the hotel entrance directly, requiring guests to walk a short distance with their luggage from designated drop-off points, which can be particularly inconvenient for those with heavy bags or traveling with the elderly.

Staff & Service
The staff generally receive high praise for their friendliness and helpful service. Many guests commend the team for being cooperative, attentive, and quick to respond to requests, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere. The check-in and check-out processes are frequently described as quick and smooth. Guests appreciate the responsiveness of the room service team and the assistance provided by the bellboys with luggage, despite the hotel's challenging vehicle access. While the majority of feedback is positive, some isolated instances of unhelpful or rude behavior from certain staff members, particularly at the front desk, have been reported, leading to frustration for a few guests. Overall, the staff's dedication to guest satisfaction is a recurring theme.

Additional Information
A consistent observation among guests is the hotel's need for renovation, with many reviews pointing to outdated decor and worn-out furnishings across the property. While some guests find the hotel to offer good value for its prime location, others feel it is overpriced given the condition of the rooms and facilities. Experiences with early check-in and late check-out vary, with some guests successfully accommodating their requests while others face refusal. There are also occasional comments regarding the amenity provision in rooms, with some guests noting a lack of certain items like sufficient towels or toiletries, requiring them to request these from the front desk.