Al Madina Golden Hotel

The hotel's most significant feature is its unbeatable location, directly opposite the Prophet's Mosque, offering unparalleled access to key gates like 301, 303, and 307, and even views of the Green Dome from some rooms. This makes it an ideal choice for pilgrims undertaking Hajj or Umrah, especially male travelers who find the men's prayer areas just steps away. While its proximity is a major draw, guests frequently note the compact size of rooms and bathrooms, which can be challenging for families or those with significant luggage. Feedback on cleanliness and staff service is notably mixed, with some praising aspects while others report significant issues. To enhance your stay, it is advisable to confirm check-in times in advance and be prepared for potentially small living spaces, as well as bringing your own essential amenities like cups and toiletries.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers several convenient facilities that guests appreciate, including a 24/7 coffee shop in the lobby, providing easy access to beverages and snacks. The elevators are frequently praised for being numerous and fast, ensuring minimal waiting times for guests accessing their rooms. While Wi-Fi is available in the rooms, some guests reported connectivity issues, particularly with certain devices. Rooms are equipped with a kettle and a fridge, though guests are advised to bring their own cups, sugar, and milk. An iron and ironing board are available upon request. However, the hotel lacks a dedicated restaurant for dining, and there is no microwave or phone in the rooms. Furthermore, guests should be aware that there is no parking garage for hotel guests, and police often close nearby roads, necessitating a walk with luggage from taxi drop-off points.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room comfort and cleanliness is varied, with many highlighting the exceptionally small room size, often noting a lack of space for luggage or even for prayer, especially in rooms converted to accommodate more beds. The bathrooms are consistently described as very small and compact, making basic tasks like ablution difficult. While some guests found their rooms to be clean and free of noise, others reported issues such as unpleasant smells, dust, fungus in bathrooms, water damage on ceilings, and even cockroaches. The beds received mixed reviews, with some finding them comfortable while others described them as hard or squeaky. Noise levels from the hallway, other rooms, and the street were a common complaint, impacting sleep quality. Additionally, in-room amenities like AC performance, TV functionality, and the provision of toilet paper or towels were inconsistent.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's prime location is its most celebrated attribute, positioning guests directly across from the Prophet's Mosque, with easy access to significant gates such as 301, 303, and 307. This proximity is particularly advantageous for male visitors and those wishing to visit the Rawdah and the Green Dome. The hotel is also conveniently situated near historical sites like the Museum of the Prophet's Biography and Bustan Al Safiya Museum, as well as Jannat ul Baqi. While its immediate surroundings offer various shops and services, female visitors should note that the ladies' prayer areas, such as gates 12 and 29, are a considerable walk away. Parking is a significant challenge, as the hotel does not offer a dedicated garage, and nearby roads are often closed by police, requiring guests to walk with their luggage from distant drop-off points.

Staff & Service
Guest experiences with the staff and service are highly varied, ranging from praise for professionalism and helpfulness to strong criticism regarding rudeness and unresponsiveness. Some guests reported positive interactions, highlighting staff who were cooperative and attentive, facilitating a quick check-in process. However, a significant number of reviews describe staff as unprofessional, unhelpful, and exhibiting bad attitudes, particularly at the reception. Many guests faced long waits during check-in, were denied early check-in, or found staff unwilling to address their concerns. Issues with communication were common, as reception often did not answer calls or provide adequate assistance. The lack of bell boys and inconsistent housekeeping services were also frequently mentioned, contributing to a perception of inadequate service quality.

Additional Information
Several important details about the hotel experience are frequently mentioned by guests. A recurring point of contention is the hotel policy of providing only one key card per room, regardless of occupancy, which many found inconvenient for groups or families. Many guests reported that daily housekeeping was not consistently provided, requiring multiple requests for room cleaning or fresh towels. Furthermore, essential in-room provisions such as drinking water, coffee, or tea were often not supplied. The mattresses are generally described as firm, which may not suit all preferences. Guests also noted that the furniture in the rooms appeared old and worn. Issues with booking confirmations and unexpected cancellations or changes upon arrival were also reported by some, leading to frustrating delays and long waits in the lobby.