The place where Prophet Mohamed was born, 73 kilometres east of Jeddah, is referred to as the Holy City of Makkah. It is known by the Islamic community as where the holy message of God was first delivered, and the city to which Prophet Mohamed returned from his migration to Madinah in 622 CE.
More than one billion Muslims scattered all over the world pray five times a day devotedly turning to the City of Makkah to perform this ritual. Makkah is visited by most Muslims at least once in their life if not prevented by personal limitations. Hence the Holy City plays host to two million visitors or more every year. Drawing prayers from all over the world from devoted Muslims, you will only marvel at the majesty of this holy complex which is revered by pilgrims and devotees alike.
Surrounded by the arid hills of the Sirat Mountains, Makkah can be accessed from four gaps in the mountain and is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the Muslim world. Muslims from many other regions have made the city their home. The temperature is high throughout the year and hits levels as much as 40 degrees in summer. The continual flow of Umrah performers from all over the world pose difficulties such as providing clean and healthy drinking water and hygienic standards.
Hotels in Mecca are all geared to handle the overflow of pilgrims during the peak period. Booking a hotel becomes top priority on you visit, while you travel to Makkah for Umrah or Hajji or to merely view the splendour of the holy place of worship. A Makkah hotel that has defined elegance in the region is Raffles Makkah Palace.
This hotel in situated adjoining directly to the Masjid Al Haram as the Grand Mosque is referred to and the House of God – the Ka’ba. It is equipped with welcoming spas that lets you meditate, unwind or just loosen those tensed up muscles. Many Muslims who visit Makkah to refresh their spirituality have chosen the hotel repeatedly to reside in. It also makes an ideal base from which to explore the region and experience its rich cultural heritage and history.
