Al Ansar Al Shourfah

The hotel's most significant appeal is its unbeatable proximity to Masjid Nabawi, making it an ideal choice for pilgrims and families seeking convenient access to the Holy Mosque. Guests consistently highlight the ease of reaching the mosque, often within a few minutes' walk, which is a major "deal maker." While the location receives universal praise, the overall guest experience is mixed, with recurring feedback on room condition and cleanliness, food quality, and the efficiency of elevators. Many guests find the rooms comfortable and the lobby pleasant, but others report issues with maintenance and cleanliness standards not meeting expectations. The dining experience is often described as lacking variety, and the elevators are frequently cited as a source of frustration due to long waiting times, especially during peak prayer hours. To enhance your stay, it is advisable to specifically request a non-smoking room if you are sensitive to odors, and be prepared for potential delays when using the elevators.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel's facilities present a mixed experience for guests. A significant point of contention is the elevator system, which many describe as a major nuisance due to excessively long waiting times and overcrowding, particularly during prayer times. Despite having multiple working elevators, guests frequently report delays, suggesting the number is insufficient for the hotel's high occupancy. The Wi-Fi service is another area of concern, consistently described as very poor, with guests suggesting the need for more routers on each floor to improve connectivity and allow them to share their experiences. Additionally, the key card system is inconvenient, as only one card is typically provided per room, and it often requires daily activation at the reception, adding an extra step to daily routines. Some guests also noted issues with smoking rooms, describing them as awful with lingering scents that can be problematic for non-smokers.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room comfort and cleanliness is varied. While some guests found their rooms comfortable and clean, especially after recent renovations, others expressed disappointment, stating that the quality did not meet 4-star expectations. Common complaints include dirty floor carpets, bad smells in both the washroom and lobby, and a general need for room maintenance. Rooms are often described as small, particularly for quad sharing, and some bathrooms presented functional issues, such as taps that caused water spillage and toilets positioned too close to the sink, making them awkward to use. While basic bathroom amenities are provided, their quality is sometimes questioned. Guests also reported receiving old blankets instead of quilts and noted that some advertised amenities like balconies or gyms were not available. Housekeeping services were inconsistent, with some guests reporting infrequent cleaning and only partial task completion.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining experience receives mixed reviews, with many guests expressing dissatisfaction with the food quality and variety. The breakfast is frequently mentioned as not being up to par, with a repetitive menu that often features the same items, such as sausages, leading to a lack of appeal over longer stays. Some guests found the food decent or good, particularly the Indonesian food served, but many others felt the offerings were not appealing and suggested bringing personal condiments like sambal or anchovies to enhance their meals. A notable issue is that the in-house restaurant was sometimes reserved for specific groups, forcing other guests to rely on outside food options. Overall, while some found the food acceptable, the general sentiment points to a need for significant improvement in menu diversity and culinary standards to better cater to a wider range of tastes.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is consistently highlighted as its strongest asset, receiving overwhelming praise from guests. Its central location provides exceptional proximity to Masjid Nabawi, often described as being within a mere 100 to 200 meters or a 5 to 10-minute walk, including direct access to the women's side gate. This unparalleled convenience allows guests to easily attend all five daily prayers at the Holy Mosque. Beyond its religious significance, the hotel is also ideally situated near a variety of shopping stores, including a BinDawood supermarket, money changers, and pharmacies, making it convenient for daily needs and leisure. The surrounding area offers numerous eateries, providing ample dining options outside the hotel. This strategic positioning makes the hotel highly desirable for those prioritizing accessibility to both spiritual sites and essential amenities.

Staff & Service
Feedback on staff and service is quite varied, ranging from positive to highly critical. While some guests found the staff to be good, welcoming, and attentive, many others reported issues with staff attitude, describing some individuals as unpolite, unhelpful, or not in the mood to assist. The check-in process was generally reported as fine, but room service and housekeeping received significant criticism. Guests noted that room service was slow and poor, sometimes only performing half tasks, such as just taking out garbage without thorough cleaning. Housekeeping was also described as inconsistent, with some rooms not being cleaned during the stay or requests for items like tissues going unfulfilled. Overall, while individual staff members might be praised, the general sentiment suggests a need for improved management and training to ensure consistent, high-quality service across all departments, especially given the hotel's high occupancy.

Additional Information
Several important details emerged from guest reviews that provide further insight into the hotel experience. Despite being marketed as a 4-star establishment, many guests felt the hotel rating was not consistently reflected in the quality of rooms and services, suggesting it might be closer to a 3-star standard. The hotel experiences significant overcrowding, especially during peak seasons, which contributes to issues like long elevator wait times and strained services. Guests should be aware that the key card provided for room access often requires daily activation at the reception, which can be an inconvenience. On a positive note, the hotel has undergone renovation, resulting in cleaner rooms in some areas, and the lobby ambiance is generally described as large and pleasant-smelling. These points highlight aspects of the hotel that guests should consider beyond the standard categories.