Cheap 3 Star Umrah Packages My Honest Experience and Tips
When I first started looking at cheap umrah deals from the UK, I’ll be honest… I was overwhelmed. Every website claimed to have “the best” offer, but prices and pictures didn’t always match reality. I wanted something affordable but not so bare-bones that I’d regret it. That’s when I came across cheap 3 star Umrah packages, and honestly, it turned out to be the sweet spot.
Avoiding the Trap of “Too Cheap”
A lot of people will tell you, “Just go for the cheapest, it’s only a few days.” But here’s the thing when you’re thousands of miles from home, even small discomforts can feel huge. I saw unbelievably low offers, but when I checked the hotel location, it was a 30-minute walk from the Haram in Makka in the heat. No thank you.
A proper 3 star package usually means the hotel is within a reasonable walking distance, maybe 5–10 minutes, or they provide a shuttle. That’s a big deal when you’re doing multiple trips to the Haram every day.
Arriving in Makkah – The Reality Behind the Brochures
You know those glossy pictures on websites? Well, let’s just say they have good photographers. My 3 star hotel room wasn’t fancy, but it was clean, air-conditioned, and had a bathroom with decent water pressure (which is a blessing after long prayers). The lobby was simple, and breakfast was pretty much the same every day boiled eggs, bread, tea but it did the job.
One thing I really appreciated was the location. I could leave my hotel and be at the Haram in under 7 minutes. In those early morning hours, when the streets are quiet and the call to prayer echoes, that short walk feels like a gift.
Why 3 Star Was the Right Choice
I met other pilgrims who stayed in 5 star hotels yes, they had plush carpets and buffet dinners, but most admitted they barely spent time there. On the flip side, I spoke to a couple from Birmingham who went with a rock-bottom deal. They were 25 minutes away on foot, and by the time they reached the Haram, they were already tired.
My cheap 3 star Umrah Packages gave me a comfortable bed, AC, Wi-Fi for video calls home, and a location that saved my energy for what mattered prayer. That’s all I really needed.
The Money-Saving Part
Booking early is key. I secured my spot almost four months before travelling. The agency told me prices can jump by £200–£300 closer to the date, especially for peak seasons like Ramadan. My return flights were included, as well as transfers from Jeddah airport to Makkah and then to Madinah. That meant I didn’t have to haggle with taxi drivers or figure out Saudi bus systems.
Also, don’t underestimate how much you can save by travelling outside school holidays. I went in early February not too hot, not crowded, and much cheaper.
Moving Between Makkah and Madinah
This is where the package really helped. The transfer between cities was in a comfortable coach with air conditioning (and Wi-Fi, surprisingly). The journey takes around 5 hours, but it’s a chance to rest, read Qur’an, or just take in the scenery. When you arrive in Madinah, the atmosphere shifts it’s calmer, and the proximity to Masjid al-Nabawi in my package was just as good as Makkah.
A Few Things No One Tells You About Cheap Umrah Deals
- Hotel elevators – At prayer times, they get insanely busy. If you’re on a higher floor, you might wait 10–15 minutes.
- Food variety – If you’re picky, budget for eating out occasionally. Hotel breakfasts are fine, but repetitive.
- Communication with the agency – Keep their WhatsApp handy. Mine helped me when I needed to adjust my airport pickup time.
- Walking shoes – This is non-negotiable. Even if your hotel is close, you’ll walk a lot inside the Haram itself.
Would I Do It Again?
Absolutely. For me, cheap Umrah deals aren’t about cutting corners; they’re about cutting unnecessary extras. The 3 star setup gave me exactly what I needed—nothing more, nothing less and let me focus fully on the spiritual side of my journey.
If you’re thinking of booking, my advice is simple:
- Check real walking distance to the Haram or the Prophet’s Mosque.
- Book early, even if you haven’t finalised your exact dates.
- Don’t be swayed by flashy photos look for reviews from actual travellers.
- Remember, your time in Makkah and Madinah is precious. Save your energy for the prayers, not long walks or stressful arrangements.
In the end, you’re not there for the hotel it’s about the worship, the atmosphere, and the once-in-a-lifetime feeling of standing in front of the Kaaba. A good cheap 3 star Umrah package just makes sure you can do that comfortably, without worrying about your bank account.