Roya Al Andalus Hotel

This hotel's most notable feature is its exceptional proximity to Masjid Nabawi, making it an ideal choice for pilgrims and sightseers who prioritize easy access to the holy site. Many guests appreciate the spaciousness of the rooms, which can accommodate larger groups. However, the overall experience is significantly impacted by recurring issues with cleanliness, particularly in the rooms and bathrooms, and a general lack of maintenance. The service quality is frequently criticized, with numerous reports of unhelpful or rude staff. Guests also consistently highlight problems with the elevators, which are often slow, crowded, or out of service, leading to considerable wait times. Parking is another common concern, often being expensive, full, or not included as expected. To ensure a smoother stay, it is advisable to manage expectations regarding service and amenities, and be prepared for potential delays during check-in and when using the elevators.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests frequently report significant issues with the hotel's elevators, describing them as slow, often crowded, and sometimes out of order, leading to frustratingly long waits and impacting overall convenience. While Wi-Fi is generally available, some guests experienced inconsistent connectivity within their rooms. Many found the in-room television sets to be non-functional or lacking remotes, rendering them unusable. Essential amenities such as electric kettles, coffee, tea, and complimentary water bottles are often not provided in rooms and require multiple requests, if available at all. The air conditioning system receives mixed feedback, with some units being difficult to control or having an unpleasant odor. Additionally, lighting in rooms can be weak or faulty, and room phones are frequently reported as non-existent or disconnected, making it challenging to contact reception for assistance.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel faces widespread criticism regarding its cleanliness, with many guests describing rooms and bathrooms as dirty, neglected, and unhygienic. Reports include stained bed sheets, uncleaned floors, and unpleasant odors, with some even mentioning bed bugs and food waste in bathroom sinks. While some guests found the beds comfortable, many others reported them as old, uncomfortable, or even broken, with visible stains on linens. Noise levels are a significant concern, as rooms often lack proper sound insulation, allowing conversations and disturbances from adjacent rooms and corridors to be easily heard. Guests also frequently mention issues with the overall room condition, including broken fixtures, non-functional lights, and a general sense of disrepair. Furthermore, basic amenities like towels and toilet paper are often missing upon arrival and require repeated requests.

Dining & Food Quality
Feedback on dining options is quite varied among guests. While some found the breakfast to be satisfactory, offering a decent variety of choices, many others expressed disappointment, noting it was not rich enough or felt overpriced for the quality provided. There were also instances where guests expected breakfast to be included with their booking but found it was not. The hotel's main restaurant service frequently receives negative comments, with many describing it as unprofessional and lacking in attentiveness, though a few guests did appreciate the efforts of the cafeteria staff. A consistent point of contention across numerous reviews is the notable absence of room service, which significantly limits in-room dining convenience and means guests must seek all their food and beverage needs outside their accommodations, impacting the overall comfort and service experience during their stay.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is overwhelmingly praised as its strongest asset, placing guests within easy walking distance of Masjid Nabawi, often cited as a mere 5 to 10-minute stroll, particularly near Gate 310. This prime position is highly valued by pilgrims and offers beautiful views of the holy site from many rooms. Beyond the mosque, guests appreciate the vibrant surroundings, with numerous restaurants and shops readily accessible, providing convenient options for meals and necessities. However, parking is a recurring point of frustration; it is frequently reported as expensive, often full, and not included in the room rate, forcing guests to seek alternative, sometimes distant, parking solutions or pay significant daily fees. Navigating to the hotel by car can also be challenging due to ongoing construction.

Staff & Service
Guest feedback on staff and service is notably mixed, though predominantly negative. While a few guests commend certain individuals for being professional, friendly, and helpful, a significant number report experiences with rude and unhelpful staff, particularly at reception, who are perceived as ignoring requests or lacking basic customer service skills. The check-in process is a frequent source of frustration, often described as lengthy, disorganized, and leading to significant delays, with some guests even reporting that their confirmed bookings were not honored upon arrival, forcing them to seek alternative accommodations. Furthermore, housekeeping and cleaning services are consistently criticized, with many guests stating that rooms are not cleaned during their stay, and basic amenities like towels and toilet paper require multiple requests.

Additional Information
Guests frequently encounter significant issues with booking and room availability, with numerous reports of confirmed reservations not being honored upon arrival, leading to guests being turned away or relocated to other properties, often without prior notice. The hotel is also noted for being very crowded, particularly with large groups, which contributes to a noisy environment in corridors and common areas, impacting the tranquility of the stay. Some guests have also reported disturbances from the fire alarm system, which occasionally goes off unexpectedly. While the hotel appears to be undergoing some remodeling or renovation, which may explain some of the inconsistencies, guests should be aware that this can sometimes lead to a lack of staff or fully functional amenities, and the overall experience might not align with expectations set by online images.