Fairmont Makkah Clock Royal Tower vs Raffles Makkah Palace — Which Is Better for Umrah?
Both Fairmont Makkah Clock Royal Tower and Raffles Makkah Palace are popular Makkah hotels for Umrah pilgrims. We compared distance to Masjid al-Haram, guest ratings, room features and pricing so you can pick the right one for your group in under 60 seconds.
Quick verdict
Both hotels are evenly matched — the right choice depends on whether you prioritise distance, price or guest reviews.
Side-by-side comparison
| Specification | Fairmont Makkah Clock Royal Tower | Raffles Makkah Palace |
|---|---|---|
| Star rating | 5★ | 5★ |
| Distance to Masjid al-Haram | 2 Min Walk | 1 Min Walk |
| Walking time | 2 min | 2 min |
| Guest rating | 4.8/5 (4 reviews) | 4.3/5 (4 reviews) |
| Starting nightly rate | SAR 399 | SAR 399 |
| Address | King Abdul Aziz - 38 Rd, Endowment, Ajyad Street, Makkah 24231, Saudi Arabia | Royal Tower, Near Ibrahim Al Khalil Rd, Al Hajlah, Makkah 24231, Saudi Arabia |
Best for…
Fairmont Makkah Clock Royal Tower is best for
- elderly pilgrims who can't walk long distances
- wheelchair users (covered route to Haram)
- first-time pilgrims wanting a premium experience
- Ramadan pilgrims (proximity matters most)
Raffles Makkah Palace is best for
- elderly pilgrims who can't walk long distances
- wheelchair users (covered route to Haram)
- first-time pilgrims wanting a premium experience
- Ramadan pilgrims (proximity matters most)
How we compared these hotels
Distance figures come from our verified Masjid al-Haram measurement set — the same data powering every distance-based facet on this site. Guest ratings reflect aggregated verified-stay reviews. Walking times assume off-peak conditions; expect 30–50% longer during Maghrib, Isha and Ramadan Taraweeh.
Both hotels are bookable through our concierge with the same 60-Day Buyer Protection: if anything at check-in doesn't match what was confirmed, we make it right.
Frequently asked questions
- Which is closer to Masjid al-Haram: Fairmont Makkah Clock Royal Tower or Raffles Makkah Palace?
- Fairmont Makkah Clock Royal Tower is 2 Min Walk from Masjid al-Haram, while Raffles Makkah Palace is 1 Min Walk. Raffles Makkah Palace is closer by 1m.
- Which hotel is better for families: Fairmont Makkah Clock Royal Tower or Raffles Makkah Palace?
- Families typically prefer Fairmont Makkah Clock Royal Tower for elderly pilgrims who can't walk long distances, while Raffles Makkah Palace suits elderly pilgrims who can't walk long distances. Both offer family rooms; confirm bed configuration at booking.
- Which is more affordable: Fairmont Makkah Clock Royal Tower or Raffles Makkah Palace?
- Fairmont Makkah Clock Royal Tower starts from SAR 399 and Raffles Makkah Palace from SAR 399 per night. Rates fluctuate seasonally — Ramadan and the last 10 nights see the steepest premium on both.
- Do both hotels have Kaaba view rooms?
- View availability varies by floor, room category and booking class. We recommend confirming directly — our team can lock in specific room types on request via WhatsApp.
- Which has a shorter walk to the Haram entrance gates?
- Walking time is the better metric than straight-line distance. Fairmont Makkah Clock Royal Tower reaches the nearest gate in roughly 2 minutes; Raffles Makkah Palace in roughly 2 minutes during off-peak hours.
- Can I book either hotel as part of a full Umrah package?
- Yes — both Fairmont Makkah Clock Royal Tower and Raffles Makkah Palace are bookable inside our custom Umrah builder along with flights, transfers and Ziyarat. Our 60-Day Buyer Protection covers any booking discrepancy at check-in.
Still deciding? Get a tailored recommendation
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