Post by Fajar Travels
The right Umrah package depends on three things: how close you want to stay to the Haram, how much comfort you need, and your budget. A 5 star package puts you nearest to the Haram with the highest level of comfort, a 4 star package balances comfort and cost, and a 3 star package keeps the price down while still covering everything you need for your Umrah. This guide explains the differences so you can choose with confidence.
What does the star rating of an Umrah package mean?
The star rating describes the standard of the hotels in Makkah and Madinah. It does not change the Umrah itself. Whichever package you choose, you perform the same rituals: Ihram, Tawaf, Sa’i and trimming or shaving the hair.
What the rating does change is your stay around those rituals:
- Distance to the Haram. Higher rated hotels are generally closer, which means a shorter walk for each prayer.
- Room and hotel comfort. Room size, facilities and service improve as the rating goes up.
- Price. Hotels close to the Haram are in high demand, so they cost more, especially in busy months.
3, 4 and 5 star Umrah packages at a glance
| 3 Star | 4 Star | 5 Star | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Pilgrims on a budget | Families who want more comfort | Elderly pilgrims and those who want the shortest walk |
| Distance to the Haram | Furthest of the three | Closer | Generally the closest |
| Comfort | Clean and simple | Larger rooms, more facilities | Highest standard of rooms and service |
| Price | Lowest | Mid range | Highest |
Exact hotels and walking distances vary from one package to another, so always ask for the hotel name before you book.
Who should choose a 3 star Umrah package?
A 3 star Umrah package suits pilgrims who would rather spend less on the hotel and are comfortable with a longer walk or a short ride to the Haram. It is a popular choice for young adults, students and anyone travelling for a longer stay, because the saving on each night adds up.
It is worth thinking about your daily routine. If you plan to stay in the Haram between prayers rather than return to your room, the distance matters less.
Who should choose a 4 star Umrah package?
A 4 star Umrah package is the middle ground. You get more comfortable rooms and a shorter journey to the Haram than a 3 star package, without paying the full price of a 5 star hotel.
This option works well for families with children, who often need to go back to the room during the day, and for pilgrims who want a comfortable stay but still have a budget to keep to.
Who should choose a 5 star Umrah package?
A 5 star Umrah package is the best choice when being close to the Haram matters most. That is often the case for elderly parents, pilgrims with limited mobility, and anyone travelling in the hotter months when a long walk is tiring.
It also suits a short trip. If you only have a week, a hotel near the Haram helps you spend more of your time in worship and less of it travelling back and forth.
How to decide: five questions to ask yourself
- Who is travelling? Elderly pilgrims and small children benefit most from a hotel close to the Haram.
- How long are you staying? On a longer trip, a lower nightly cost makes a bigger difference to the total.
- When are you going? Ramadan, December and the Easter holidays are the busiest times, and prices are higher across all ratings.
- How will you spend your day? If you plan to return to your room often, pay for the shorter walk.
- What is your total budget? Decide the figure first, then see which rating fits your dates.
Common mistakes when choosing an Umrah package
- Looking only at the price. A cheaper hotel that is a long way from the Haram can mean taxis several times a day, which adds cost and takes time away from worship.
- Not asking for the hotel name. Two hotels with the same star rating can be very different distances from the Haram. Ask for the name and check the walking distance.
- Forgetting Madinah. Check the hotel and the number of nights in both cities, not only Makkah.
- Booking late for busy dates. In Ramadan and the school holidays, the best located hotels at every rating sell out first.
- Ignoring who is travelling. A package that suits a group of friends may not suit a family with young children or elderly parents.
What is included whichever rating you choose?
At Fajar Travels, our Umrah packages from the UK are arranged as one booking, so you do not have to organise each part yourself. Packages are built around:
- Return flights from the UK
- Hotels in Makkah and Madinah
- Umrah visa processing
- Ground transfers between the airport and your hotels
What is included can differ between packages, so check the details of the one you are interested in, or ask our team to confirm.
Frequently asked questions
Is a 5 star Umrah package worth the extra cost?
It is worth it if a short walk to the Haram is important to you, for example when travelling with elderly parents or on a short trip. If you are fit, on a longer stay and watching your budget, a 3 or 4 star package may suit you better.
Does the star rating affect the Umrah itself?
No. The rituals of Umrah are the same for every pilgrim. The rating only describes the standard and location of your hotels.
Can I stay in a different rating in Makkah and Madinah?
Tell our team what you have in mind. We will let you know what is possible for your dates and how it changes the price.
Which package length should I choose?
Our Umrah packages run from 7 to 20 nights. A 7 day package suits a short trip, while a longer package gives you more time in both Makkah and Madinah.
When should I book?
Book as early as you can, especially for Ramadan, December and Easter, when hotels close to the Haram fill up quickly.
Not sure which package is right for you?
Tell us who is travelling, your dates and your budget, and our team will suggest the package that fits. Contact Fajar Travels or call us on 0121 529 3125.