Elaf Al Taqwa — Hotel in Medina Province

Both future guests and hotel management should read this.

We stayed at this hotel twice during our stay. We had booked multiple rooms and everything went well on our first trip.

We then traveled internationally for a few days and returned for our 2nd stay and this was where things severely went downhill! IN SHORT THEY TRIED TO EXTORT US!

The checkout time was at noon. We requested a late checkout from ONE of our rooms as our flight was much later and they offered a late checkout at 4 pm. Great! We called the bell boy and sent our luggage downstairs and went to checkout by 4 pm. They inquired when our flight was and we said it's at 2 am but we were planning to spend that time in the mosque praying. We also told them that we had another room which we had paid for another day (in case we needed rest or use the bathroom). They said that they don't have anyone staying in the room we were checking out from and insisted we stay until midnight as a courtesy for being long time guests. Sounds too good to be true, it is (read ahead)! When we came to checkout at midnight the problem began. The new staff said we didn't pay for the last night. We said that we "stayed" in that room because your team insisted for us to stay as a courtesy, we had already brought our luggage down by the 4 pm extended checkout. He disagreed. We then got their own bell staff to attest that they indeed brought down all the luggage at 4 pm and he still wouldn't budge! He then said we didn't pay for any of the stay. I had to pull out copies of my payments to show him (thankfully I had them handy). He then started arguing that I paid less than what the price of that room was at that exact moment. I told him I BOOKED and PAID NON-REFUNDABLE RATES IN ADVANCE, in fact months ago and that's why I got a cheaper rate through Expedia, as shown in my documents. And if there is a problem with the costs, it's management's job to reach out to their booking partner Expedia, not harass the guests. Then he says that I booked my reservation through their website, this is after seeing my documents clearly saying Expedia on them. I told him I never even saw your website and the only reason I know your hotel's name is because I booked through Expedia. Meanwhile my Uber was waiting downstairs. I told him that my flight leaves in less than 2 hrs and I will not deal with this nonsense. After a very very long back and forth, he says "I don't want you to miss your flight. It's okay, we'll take care of the room."

This is absolutely ridiculous. He essentially tried to extort us trying to generate income from a room that would've otherwise been vacant. He ignored testimonies from his own staff, ignored all the documents we showed him and argued we paid less than the current price because we booked non-refundable through Expedia. Non-refundable bookings made months prior are always cheaper. People concerned about missing their flight will likely succumb to paying the extortion, not us.

I strongly encourage you that if this hotel offers extended checkouts, get it in writing with a signature and in English or a language you understand. No hotel gives it in writing because it's never necessary but seems like it is for this one. They essentially fabricated an entire story despite seeing evidence that proved otherwise. Next time, they'll probably create a fake reservation too. And if something here seems too good to be true, like how we were offered a super extended checkout, then say NO! Please also carry hard copies of all your payments to this hotel. If we didn't have that, this person probably would've tried to get us arrested.

The only reason I gave any stars for anything else here is based on an average of our first and second stay. The staff starting from the bell desk to the restaurant to housekeeping were all fantastic. It was this one person and final experience that soured the entire trip. This was maybe my 8th trip in Madinah, and never have I ever seen anything like this. I'll happily pay more elsewhere to avoid this kind...

I recently had the pleasure of staying at this remarkable hotel, and I can confidently say it was one of the most exceptional experiences I’ve ever had. From the moment I stepped through the doors, I was treated to an outstanding level of service that made my stay truly unforgettable.

Concierge Team: The concierge team was nothing short of extraordinary. Nabeel and Zafran, in particular, went above and beyond in ensuring that every aspect of my visit was flawless. Nabeel’s extensive local knowledge and personalized recommendations enriched my experience beyond what I could have imagined. Zafran’s meticulous attention to detail ensured that all my requests, from restaurant reservations to travel arrangements, were handled with seamless efficiency. The entire concierge team operated with professionalism and warmth, making me feel like a valued guest at every turn.

Reception Team: The reception team set the tone for my stay from the very start. The check-in process was smooth and welcoming, with every staff member displaying a genuine commitment to guest comfort. Whether it was a special request or a simple inquiry, they handled everything with poise and care. Their friendly demeanor and swift problem-solving ensured that my experience was as relaxing as possible.

Management Team: The impeccable service I received is clearly a testament to the leadership of the management team. I would especially like to acknowledge Asma and Saud for their exceptional customer service and hands-on approach. Asma consistently went the extra mile to ensure that my stay was flawless, offering personalized assistance throughout my visit. Saud’s leadership and attention to detail were reflected in every aspect of the hotel's operations. Together, they made sure that all of my needs were met, and their commitment to excellence is truly commendable. The entire management team fosters an environment where guest satisfaction is clearly a top priority, and it shows in every interaction.

Housekeeping Team: I cannot speak highly enough of the housekeeping team, particularly Parvez and Abdulla. Both went above and beyond to ensure my room was not only spotless but also thoughtfully maintained throughout my stay. Their attention to detail and commitment to high standards were truly remarkable. Each day, I returned to a perfectly refreshed room, and the small, personalized touches added an extra layer of comfort. Parvez and Abdulla’s hard work, along with the entire housekeeping team, played a significant role in making my stay so comfortable and relaxing.

In summary, my stay at this hotel was nothing short of perfect. The exceptional service provided by Nabeel, Zafran, Asma, Saud, Parvez, Abdulla, and the entire team—across concierge, reception, management, and housekeeping—created an experience that I will not soon forget. I wholeheartedly recommend this hotel to anyone seeking luxury, impeccable service, and a truly...

Elaf Al Taqwa Hotel – where dreams are woven into reality and hospitality is an art form! Our stay here was nothing short of a fairytale, and this review, though long overdue, comes from the depths of our hearts.

We arrived during Ramadan, a time of reflection and togetherness, and were welcomed with the warmest of smiles. From the moment we stepped in, it felt as though we had entered a realm of unmatched service and extraordinary comfort.

The location of this hotel is perfect for worshippers, offering convenient access to the holy sites. Our rooms were generous and elegantly designed, providing a sanctuary of peace and tranquility after our days filled with spiritual and cultural exploration.

A special shoutout to Zafran, the maestro of our stay. This gentleman orchestrated our entire experience with such finesse, handling all our requirements, organizing travel, and making dinner recommendations that were as perfect as a moonlit night. Speaking of dinner, what a delightful dilemma we faced each evening – choosing between the exquisite dishes on offer! Whether it was the room service or dining in their beautiful restaurant, every meal was a testament to culinary excellence.

The restaurant staff? Exceptional. The restaurant manager was the epitome of hospitality, always greeting us with a smile that could light up the darkest of rooms. And the executive chef? A true gentleman whose culinary creations could only be described as a symphony of flavors. Each night, he presented an extraordinary banquet that left us in awe.

Our young daughter, the adorable little whirlwind, made quite the impression too. She had a knack for creating chaos with her delightful messes, yet the staff were only too happy to assist, treating her with the same care and attention they extended to us. Her mischievous antics, though challenging, were met with patience and kindness, making our stay even more memorable.

Elaf Al Taqwa Hotel, you have set a benchmark in hospitality that is hard to match. Your staff's dedication and the sheer brilliance of your service have etched an indelible mark on our hearts. We look forward to our next visit with great anticipation and fond memories. Until then, keep making magic!

With heartfelt thanks,

Farouk,...