Sofitel Shahd Al Madinah

This was my dream hotel... but unfortunately, I had a rather unpleasant experience. During breakfast, I stood by from early morning to secure the window seat with the Haram view that my family and I had been dreaming of. I managed to be the very first person in line, but as soon as I reached the table, I was shooed away with the excuse that it had already been reserved. Deeply disappointed, I ended up sitting at the second-row table. Even there, a man in a black suit approached me and asked which room I was staying in. When I replied 'Suite,' he finally nodded. Yet, until breakfast was almost over, that window table remained completely empty. It is such a shame that a hotel of Sofitel's caliber, for which I paid a 5-figure room rate per night, still plays favorites with guests. Furthermore, the restaurant staff really need to be friendlier, regardless of the guests' background or nationality. It was truly an unpleasant and unforgettable experience, leaving me with a heavy and disappointed heart.

The location is extremely close to the Nabawi Mosque; you step out of the lobby directly onto the mosque's courtyard. The breakfast food was very varied and all delicious. The only downside is that the classic rooms are relatively smaller, but still very good.

It was an enjoyable visit to the city, and the reception staff were very respectful and friendly.