Zowar International Hotel

This hotel is highly regarded for its exceptional proximity to the Prophet's Mosque, often cited as its signature feature, making it an ideal choice for pilgrims and religious travelers seeking convenient access to the holy site. Guests frequently highlight the hotel's strategic location, which also places them within easy reach of various shops and dining options. While many appreciate the value for money, some guests note inconsistencies in service and room quality. The hotel is particularly well-suited for families and couples who prioritize being close to the mosque. To ensure a more comfortable stay, it is advisable to request a recently renovated room and be prepared for potential delays during peak hours, especially concerning elevator usage.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of facilities, though guest experiences vary. A common point of feedback revolves around the elevators, which are frequently described as slow, crowded, and prone to long waits, particularly during prayer times or check-in/check-out. Some guests reported elevators being out of service, necessitating the use of stairs. While Wi-Fi is available, many guests found the connection to be poor, slow, or unreliable, often not reaching the rooms effectively. Basic in-room amenities like cups, tea, coffee, sugar, and irons are often not provided and must be requested, if available. Issues with kettles and refrigerators were also noted by some.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room cleanliness and comfort is mixed. Many appreciate the cleanliness of recently renovated rooms and bathrooms, describing them as neat and well-maintained. However, a significant number of reviews mention issues such as dirty rooms, stains on bedding or curtains, dust, and unpleasant odors (including sewage, bathroom, or cooking smells). Some rooms are described as small and cramped, especially when accommodating multiple beds, leaving little space for luggage or movement. Common complaints include worn furniture, broken door handles, non-functional televisions or telephones, and thin walls leading to noise from adjacent rooms or the street. Bed comfort varies, with some finding them comfortable and others describing them as hard or uncomfortable.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel offers dining options, with the breakfast buffet being the most frequently mentioned. Guests generally describe the breakfast as average to sufficient, with some praising its variety and the creativity of the chef. Many consider it to be good value for money. However, some reviews indicate a lack of variety in the menu, with the same items served daily, and occasional concerns about food quality, including specific mentions of smelly chicken or limited bread options. The hotel's proximity to various restaurants and fast-food establishments, including a nearby McDonald's, provides additional dining convenience for guests.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is consistently highlighted as a major advantage, being just a short 5 to 10-minute walk to the Prophet's Mosque, particularly convenient for the ladies' gates. This prime position allows for easy access to religious observances. Beyond the mosque, guests appreciate the hotel's proximity to numerous shops, restaurants, and other amenities, making daily errands and dining convenient. Parking is available, which is a significant benefit for guests traveling by car, though some reviews note that parking can be limited, narrow, or occasionally full, requiring permits. The hotel also offers easy access to transport.

Staff & Service
The staff and service receive varied feedback. Many guests commend specific individuals at the reception and housekeeping for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness, contributing to a positive experience, including smooth check-in processes. However, a notable number of reviews express dissatisfaction with the overall service consistency. Complaints include unresponsive staff who are difficult to reach by phone, slow service for basic requests like towels or toilet paper, and a perceived lack of professionalism from some receptionists who are often seen on their phones or are not fluent in English. Some guests reported issues with room cleaning not being performed daily or only when the guest was present in the room.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that the hotel's online rating may not always align with their on-site experience, with some reviews suggesting it operates more like a lower-star establishment despite higher online claims. A recurring issue involves room access cards, with guests sometimes receiving only one per room or experiencing cards that fail to work, leading to inconvenience. Some reviews mention a hotel policy requiring guests to be present in the room for cleaning services to be performed. There were also isolated reports of booking cancellations or overbooking issues upon arrival, causing significant distress for some travelers. The hotel offers free parking, which is a notable benefit for those with vehicles.