How to Find Hotels in Saudi Arabia

Visitors should know that Saudi Arabia enforces strict conformity to the Islamic faith. Most tourists visiting this largely desert country are Muslims on a religious pilgrimage to Mecca.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Passport
• Visa

Book Accommodations in Saudi Arabia

1. The organizer of your tour group. will probably choose your lodgings. Many international hotel chains operate in Saudi Arabia and these accommodations will generally be of good quality, with modern amenities, air conditioning and clean sheets.

2. Concentrate on the larger cities. Most of Saudi Arabia is uninhabitable desert, and the small towns and settlements scattered around the edges of Saudi civilization offer few lodgings for tour groups. You will find hotels in the larger cities, and these are the only facilities equipped to host large tours.

Know Your Destination

3. Make the journey to Mecca if you are a Muslim. While the holy city of Mecca is Saudi Arabia's most popular attraction, it is off-limits to anyone who does not practice Islam. Armed guards positioned around the city enforce this rule.

4. Enjoy the wonders of the desert. It is not all sand and sun out there. Saudi Arabia's desert is home to spectacular natural rock formations, interesting wildlife and the remnants of ancient cities. Make sure your tour group gets the necessary permits to visit some of these astounding desert sites.

Tips & Warnings

• Saudi Arabia does not currently maintain an English language Web site or phone number for booking and tourism information.
• Knowing some Arabic will be helpful, as this is the official language of Saudi Arabia. However, most Saudi nationals will know at least some English.
• Visit the Web site of the U.S. State Department before traveling to Saudi Arabia for updated information and recommendations on security precautions that should be taken when arranging for accommodations there (see Resources, below). You can also call the State Department's hotline for travelers at [phone].
• Visas must be obtained in advance of arriving in Saudi Arabia.
• Tourists will only be issued visas to enter Saudi Arabia if they are part of an official tour group.
• Exit visas are required to leave Saudi Arabia.
• All women, including tourists, are required by Saudi law to wear an abaya, which is a black head-to-toe robe. While female tourists are not required by law to wear a head scarf, it is recommended to ward off undue attention, especially from men.
• Israeli nationals and those who have visited Israel are not allowed to enter Saudi Arabia.