Hotel Elaf Bakkah (Makkah, Saudi Arabia)

Check-in and check-out goes without a hitch. The rooms are adequately clean; however, if you are staying for a long period, you may find considerable gaps in between cleaning times.

The hotel is only a three-minute drive from Al Masjid Al Haram for all daily prayers and the bus leaves every ten to fifteen-minutes. The bus is dependable and will also bring you back to the hotel after prayers. The Holy Mosque is a five-minute drive away.

There are a number of small shops on the hotel's ground floor, which includes a several mini-markets, take-out, and a barber. There are also a few clothing shops in the area.

Why have the kettle in the room if there are no cups, tea, or coffee to go along with it? The breakfast leaves a lot to be desired. You won't find butter, omelettes, or any of those familiar foods. You won't find the staff very cooperative, so a request for your favourite foods probably won't be honoured. You can always buy some goodies at the mini-market and there's an additional restaurant near the hotel.

The staff speaks little to no English, so you may find it difficult to communicate if you don't speak the local language. The parking is difficult. The under-ground facility is extremely narrow and there is only one entry and exit. It's best to use the local transportation.

Wi-Fi needs improving and it's only available in the lobby area.