How we verify hotel and route information

Pilgrims rarely choose a Makkah or Madinah hotel by star rating. They choose it by how easily they can reach the Haram five times a day. So we record the details that decide that.

What we record for every hotel

Field	What it means
Nearest gate	The named gate most guests will actually use
Walk (normal)	Minutes from the hotel exit to that gate outside peak times
Walk (peak)	Minutes around Jumu’ah, Ramadan and major crowds
Terrain	Flat, downhill on the way and uphill back, or with steps
Lifts	How long guests report waiting at prayer times
Verified	The date and the person or source that confirmed it

Where the information comes from

In order of preference: our own measured walks and those of trusted partners on the ground; hotel operators’ published information; reports from recent guests; and reputable published guides. When sources disagree, we say so and give a range rather than a single number.

How often we re-check

Every hotel entry is re-checked each season, and before Ramadan. Construction around the Haramain can change routes quickly, so if a route has changed, please let us know.