Al Ansar New Palace Hotel

The hotel's most notable feature is its exceptional proximity to the Prophet's Mosque, often described as just a few minutes' walk, making it an ideal choice for pilgrims undertaking Umrah or Hajj. While this location is consistently praised, overall guest experiences are highly mixed, with many expressing significant dissatisfaction regarding the hotel's condition and service. The hotel caters primarily to religious travelers who prioritize being close to the holy site, often overlooking other aspects of their stay. However, it is less suited for leisure travelers or business travelers seeking modern comforts and consistent service. Guests should manage their expectations regarding the hotel's amenities and staff responsiveness. It is advisable to book well in advance, especially during peak seasons, and be prepared for potential issues with room quality and service.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides essential elevators for guest convenience, though some visitors report significant wait times due to overcrowding. A restaurant is available on-site, offering dining options, but its quality receives mixed reviews. While parking is offered, it comes with a substantial daily fee, and availability can be an issue, with some guests noting that staff occupy available spots. Some guests found restrooms in the lobby, but these were often reported as being locked or inaccessible. However, several guests noted a lack of basic in-room amenities such as a functional room phone or television, and some reported issues with water heaters. There is also no mention of washing machines or ironing boards, which can be inconvenient for longer stays.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Feedback on cleanliness and room comfort is highly polarized. Many guests describe the rooms as dirty, citing stained bedsheets, dusty carpets, and generally poor floor cleanliness. Recurring complaints include unpleasant smells in the rooms and particularly foul odors emanating from the bathrooms, which many found to be unhygienic and poorly maintained, with issues like clogged drains and broken shower glass. The furniture is frequently described as old and worn-out, with some reporting broken beds and dim lighting. While some guests found their rooms to be spacious and clean, others reported narrow rooms and uncomfortable beds, mattresses, and pillows. A significant concern for several guests was the presence of bedbugs and other insects, which severely impacted their comfort and sleep quality.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel features an on-site restaurant that provides dining options for guests. However, feedback on the food quality is largely negative. Many guests reported that the breakfast and lunch offerings were of very low quality, with some even experiencing stomach issues after consuming meals. While a few guests mentioned the restaurant as "good," the predominant sentiment suggests that the food is unappetizing and lacks proper hygiene standards. Some guests also noted that breakfast was not included in their stay despite expectations, or that there were issues with food provision, including reports of discriminatory practices regarding meal service for different groups of pilgrims. Overall, the dining experience appears to be a significant area of dissatisfaction for many visitors.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's most consistently praised attribute is its central location, offering exceptional proximity to the Prophet's Mosque, often just a few minutes' walk away. This makes it highly convenient for pilgrims visiting the holy site. Guests appreciate being within easy reach of the Haram, which is often cited as the primary reason for choosing the hotel. Beyond the mosque, the hotel is also noted for its accessibility to nearby malls and restaurants, providing additional convenience for guests. However, parking is a notable concern; while available, it incurs a significant daily fee and is often difficult to secure due to limited space, with some guests reporting that staff occupy available spots. The hotel's popularity also means it can be very busy and crowded, leading to long waits for elevators and general disorganization in common areas.

Staff & Service
Guest experiences with staff and service are highly inconsistent. While some guests praised specific individuals for their helpful and cooperative reception, many others reported extremely negative interactions. Frequent complaints include rude and unprofessional staff who were perceived as unhelpful, unresponsive, and treating guests poorly. The reception area is often described as unorganized, with long queues and irregular check-in times, leading to crowded lobbies. Guests also reported a significant lack of room service and difficulty reaching the front desk by phone. Housekeeping staff were sometimes noted for being noisy or entering rooms without proper notice, compromising guest privacy. Despite these widespread issues, a few guests highlighted positive experiences with housekeepers and specific staff members who went out of their way to assist, such as providing a wheelchair.