The hype
Unbeatable location for Umrah, but the rooms feel aged and the elevators will test your patience.
Zamzam Pullman Makkah
$150-250/ night
Book this if You want the absolute closest possible location to the Haram and don't mind battling elevator crowds to get there.
Why People Love It
- Zero-distance commute: you are literally inside the Clock Tower complex facing the Haram
- Hearing the call to prayer directly in your room via dedicated audio channels
- Direct access to the massive Abraj Al Bait mall and food court without stepping outside
Quick Take: A tired giant that trades on its unbeatable location while letting maintenance and service slide.
Reviewed by @OsamaKhabab249452: I stayed in the Zamzam Pullman during my Umrah and the Kaaba view from my suite left me speechless. Hearing the Adhan from my room was a core memory. Highly recommend for the spiritual proximity.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
Housekeeping is hit-or-miss; many guests report having to beg for fresh towels or toilet paper.
- Your physical mobility is limited and you need to be steps away from the mosque
- You prioritize location over luxury finishes
- You are traveling with a large family and need easy access to mall food courts
Cleanliness & Maintenance
5.5
- Housekeeping: Inconsistent. Frequent complaints about missed days, un-replenished towels, and rushing through rooms.
- Bathroom hygiene: Major weak point. Reports of mold in grout, leaky shower seals, and lingering damp smells.
- Maintenance: Showing its age. Peeling wallpaper, scuffed furniture, and loose outlets are common.
- Linens & towels: Often feel worn and thin. Check for stains immediately upon arrival.
- Odors & scents: Heavy artificial air freshener in lobby; rooms can smell musty or like stale smoke despite non-smoking policies.
Sleepability™
6MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Corridor noise due to poor soundproofing
- Constant elevator dings and lobby chaos echoing up
- Haram prayers (audible by design, but loud)
Before you book
Good to know
- Check-in is strictly at 4:00 PM; early arrival fees are steep (~400 SAR).
- Breakfast costs ~90 SAR/person if not included; the mall food court is often a better value.
- No pool: This is a pilgrimage hotel, not a resort.
What to pack
- High-quality earplugs (Loop or similar) for sleeping
- Universal travel adapter (outlets are often loose or scarce)
- Thick socks or slippers (carpets can feel worn/grimy)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Junior Suite: Significantly more space than the cramped Classic rooms, worth the upgrade for families.
- Executive Suite Kaaba View: The only way to guarantee a view that isn't a disappointment.
Rooms to avoid
- Classic Room City View: Small, dark, and often facing a concrete wall or construction.
- Any room near the elevator bank (ask to be away from the lift lobby)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am traveling for Umrah and requesting a room on a high floor, strictly away from the elevators to minimize noise. Please ensure my 'Partial View' booking actually has a line of sight to the Haram, or downgrade me to a quiet City View if the view is obstructed.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the Kaaba view worth the extra money?
Only if you book a 'Kaaba View' or 'Executive Suite.' The 'Partial View' rooms are often a letdown with 90% building and 10% mosque.
How bad are the elevators really?
Bad. During Ramadan or Hajj, it's a gridlock. Plan to leave your room 45 minutes before prayer time.
Is breakfast included?
Usually not in the base rate. It's a massive buffet but gets chaotic. Many guests prefer eating at the mall food court downstairs.
Can I walk to the Haram?
Yes, you are in the Abraj Al Bait complex. You take the elevator down, walk through the mall, and you are at the King Abdul Aziz Gate.
Is there parking?
Yes, but it's exorbitant (~287 SAR per day). Avoid driving here if possible; take a taxi or private transfer.
Does the hotel have a gym?
Yes, there is a small fitness center, but no swimming pool.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Skip the hotel laundry (expensive surcharge) and use 'Makkah Laundry Zamzam' which offers free pickup/delivery.
- ✨
The elevators have a 'transfer floor' system that confuses everyone—study the signs or ask a porter immediately.
- ✨
Don't buy the hotel breakfast daily; the food court on the 3rd/4th floor has Al Baik (legendary fried chicken) and international options for a fraction of the price.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'Partial View' is often just a view of the Fairmont hotel tower next door.
💡The carpets in the hallways are visibly worn and stained in many areas.
💡You can hear the Imam's recitation directly in your room via a dedicated volume knob on the wall.
💡Room service is notoriously slow; order 90 minutes before you actually want to eat.
💡The lobby scent is a heavy, polarizing oud perfume that permeates everything.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Zamzam Pullman Makkah is located and what's nearby.