Mecca's Hidden Gem: Askant Golden Hotel - Unforgettable Stay!
Mecca's Hidden Gem: Askant Golden Hotel - Unforgettable Stay! (A Messy, Honest Review)
Okay, buckle up, folks, because I’m about to spill the holy tea on the Askant Golden Hotel in Mecca. Forget the polished brochure, this is the REAL DEAL. After a truly intense pilgrimage, I needed a place to collapse, recharge, and maybe, just maybe, escape the sensory overload. And let me tell you, the Askant Golden, for all its little quirks, kinda delivered.
Accessibility - (Almost) a Touchdown: Look, navigating Mecca is a workout in itself, but I was pleasantly surprised by the Askant Golden's efforts. Wheelchair accessibility seemed pretty decent in the lobby and some of the public areas, though I didn't personally test every nook and cranny. They had an elevator, which is GOLD. Facilities for disabled guests are listed, so that's a plus. The exterior corridor layout was also a nice touch, especially after spending hours crammed in crowds.
Cleanliness & Safety - Comforting, Yet… (Let's Be Honest): Alright, this is crucial, right? And the Askant Golden tried. They've got the whole COVID-19 safety drill down: Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, hand sanitizer everywhere, staff trained in safety protocol, the works. The rooms were sanitized between stays, and they offered room sanitization opt-out, which is a thoughtful touch for the eco-conscious (or just germophobes like me!). I actually felt pretty safe. BUT. There were moments… little imperfections, like a slightly smudged window (don't @ me, I’m just being observant!), or a lingering smell of… something… in the hallway. But overall, they’re doing their best.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – From Buffet Bliss to Coffee Chaos: This is where things get interesting. The breakfast buffet? Okay, it was a thing. Seriously, a thing. Mountains of pastries, a symphony of dates (I'm a date convert now!), and the coffee… oh god, the coffee. Sometimes strong, sometimes weak, always a bit… adventurous. There was a coffee shop nearby, and if you’re a coffee snob like me, you’ll go there to get a decent cup, or ask for a coffee in the restaurant. The hotel offered: Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, and Vegetarian restaurant. I tried the Asian breakfast, and for a Westerner, it was an experience. The restaurants themselves were decent, though getting food at certain times felt like a military operation. One time, I ordered room service (after a grueling day of sightseeing that felt like weeks!) and the 24-hour room service was a lifesaver. The poolside bar was a fantastic spot to quench your thirst with water as the sun sets, and enjoy a refreshing salad.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax – Spa Dreams (and Mild Disappointments): I was especially keen on the "relax" part. The Askant Golden boasts a spa, sauna, steamroom, and swimming pool. The pool with a view was a highlight, truly blissful after a day in the heat. The fitness center (or what I think they called a fitness center) existed, although the equipment was…well, let's just say I wouldn't bet my life on it. I mean, gym/fitness it was, but the air-conditioning was off, making the workout even more challenging than they already are. The Foot bath was heavenly after walking all day. The massage was good, not amazing, but I was so exhausted I barely noticed. The Body scrub and Body wrap were tempting, but I skipped them. Seriously, anything that promised relaxation was a win in my book.
Services and Conveniences – The Good, The… Questionable: Okay, let’s be real: some of these services were smoother than others. The concierge was AMAZING. Always helpful, always patient with my endless questions. The Daily housekeeping was impeccable. The luggage storage was a lifesaver during check-in/out chaos. The Elevator was a necessity. The Currency exchange was a welcome convenience. Cash withdrawal available was a great plus, and the safety deposit boxes were reassuring for my passport. The Air conditioning in public area was great. The Front desk [24-hour] staff were helpful, but the language barrier was sometimes a challenge. They also had: Doorman, Dry cleaning, Laundry service, Invoice provided, Car park [free of charge], Taxi service, Gift/souvenir shop. And, in a pinch, there was a convenience store for late-night snack attacks. The Internet access was pretty reliable, although the Wi-Fi in all rooms! sometimes felt a little sluggish during peak hours. So, bring a book! The Business facilities and things like the Xerox/fax in business center are also great for those who want to work. One more thing: the car park [on-site] was really hard to navigate.
Available in All Rooms - The Essentials (and Some Surprises): This is where the Askant Golden Hotel kind of shines. My room was surprisingly comfy. The Air conditioning was a godsend. Free bottled water, a Coffee/tea maker, and hair dryer were essential. The blackout curtains were PERFECT. I actually slept! A Safe box to keep my stuff was a great plus. Some rooms had interconnecting room(s) available. A mirror was essential. Non-smoking rooms are available, which is great. The private bathroom was clean. A Refrigerator was a true highlight. The Shower was awesome, with great Toiletries, slippers, and fluffy towels. The Wi-Fi [free] was okay but in the room, it was a lot better. A great window that opens was a must for me!
For the Kids – A Mixed Bag: While I wasn't traveling with kids, I noticed they had some kids facilities and a babysitting service. This is probably a good option for the families but it needs more work!
Getting Around – Surprisingly Easy: They offer Airport transfer. There's also Taxi service as well as a Valet parking. Great for getting around Mecca.
The Bottom Line (And My Honest Recommendation):
Look, the Askant Golden Hotel isn't perfect. It's got its quirks, its moments of minor frustration, and the occasional questionable coffee. But… it's got heart. It's clean enough, it's safe, it's relatively accessible, and it genuinely tries to make you feel comfortable. The staff, despite any language hiccups, were consistently kind and helpful. After the intensity of the pilgrimage, it was a sanctuary.
Would I stay there again? Absolutely. Especially if you need a place to crash, recharge, and just… be. It's not the Ritz, but it's a solid choice for a comfortable stay in the heart of Mecca.
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Okay, buckle up, buttercup. This ain't your cookie-cutter itinerary. This is my potential pilgrimage to Mecca, specifically at the Askant Golden Hotel. Prepare for sand in the sandals of your soul, because, let's be honest, travel never goes perfectly, and that's where the good stuff happens. Here goes:
The Askant Golden Hotel & The Great Heist of the Luggage (a tale of woe before we even get started)
Okay, first things first. Book the Askant Golden. Done. Flights? Holy cow, those economy seats are basically torture chambers for your glutes. Make that four flights to Mecca, because my best friend, Sarah, is coming. She’s the one who forgets EVERYTHING. Like, she’ll forget her own name if you offer her a free samosa. And then she'll blame me.
Day 1: Arrival & Orientation – Or, Finding My Brain (and a Decent Shawarma)
- Morning: Arrive at King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED). The moment you step out of the airport, the heat hits you like a freight train. Seriously. It's oppressive. And the air smells… different. Rich? Spicy? I can’t quite put my finger on it. Taxi to Askant Golden. Pray the driver understands English. Pray harder he doesn't try to fleece us tourists. Oh god, what if Sarah hasn't packed anything decent to wear?
- Afternoon: Check-in. Pray they have a room with a view (even if it's just a view of a parking lot, I'll take it). Unpack. Maybe. Probably mostly collapse on the bed for a few minutes, praying I haven't forgotten my phone charger or my sanity on the plane. Let the jet lag kick in. Deep breath. Sarah will start panicking because she hasn’t found a pharmacy yet. I call her my sister but she aint.
- Evening: Explore the immediate surroundings. Find food. Shawarma. I MUST HAVE SHAWARMA. Seriously, if the Askant Golden doesn’t have a decent shawarma place nearby, I’m going to riot. (Quietly, of course. Respect is key.) Maybe a nice, cold juice. Maybe.
Day 2: The Masjid al-Haram – The First Glimpse (and the Fear)
- Morning: (Hopefully) wake up. The call to prayer will be my alarm clock. It will be beautiful and also terrifyingly early. I can't even describe the feeling, but let's get it done. Maybe Sarah will actually get herself up and together for this.
- Mid-Morning: Head to the Masjid al-Haram. This is the BIG ONE. The Kaaba. The heart of it all. The closer you get, the more overwhelming it becomes. The people, the energy, the sheer scale of it… I expect tears. And probably a lot of "Oh my Gods." And probably a moment where I lose Sarah in the sea of people. That's okay though. She'll turn up eventually following a crowd.
- Afternoon: Observe. Soak it in. Try to process the sheer awesomeness of it all. Q&A with Sarah on the "do’s and don'ts." Learn them!
- Evening: Dinner. Reflect. Maybe another shawarma. Probably a lot of water. Dehydration is the enemy.
Day 3: Pilgrimage – Attempt One (and Possibly, Failing Miserably)
- Morning: This is where things get real. Try to perform Umrah which is pilgrimage ritual. Pray for patience. Pray for strength. Pray for Sarah not to trip and faceplant in front of everyone. Pray I can last from the early morning to the afternoon.
- Afternoon: The world slows down and the next section begins, a lot of repetition. Deep breaths. And then, maybe a nap. Because, seriously, all that walking. It's exhausting.
- Evening: Back to the Askant Golden. Shower. Collapse. Maybe order room service. I hope they have some good, cheap food, or this trip will probably break the bank fast.
Day 4: Retail Therapy (and Other Important Matters)
- Morning: Souk shopping! I need to bring something back, what is a trip without souvenirs? I will need a prayer rug, and maybe a few dates. Because dates and coffee are life. Pray I don't get ripped off.
- Afternoon: A little more exploration. Maybe a museum? Maybe not. Depends on how much my feet hurt. Or if Sarah is having a meltdown. (Spoiler alert: she probably is.)
- Evening: More food. Maybe a special meal from the hotel. Reflect on the spiritual journey - or the blisters I obtained.
Day 5: Relaxation? (Maybe.)
- Morning: Sleep in. Or, if jet lag demands it: wake up at 4 AM. Take a walk, find a cafe, pray you can get some coffee.
- Afternoon: This is the day that will prove if Sarah actually likes travelling with me. If she does, we’ll rest, nap again, and sit around and do absolutely nothing. Or, we'll find a nice place.
- Evening: Final dinner. Last chance for shawarma? Last chance for reflection. Back at the hotel, pack my bags, start all the mental preparation for the flight.
Day 6: Departure and the Emotional Fallout
- Morning: Final check-out. Taxi to the airport. Pray the flight is on time. Pray I haven’t lost anything important. Pray Sarah hasn't, so that I remember how to get out of this situation.
- Afternoon: The flight home. Reflect on the experience. Feel a profound sense of awe. Feel a profound sense of exhaustion. Feel a pang of sadness to be leaving.
- Evening: Arrive home. Unpack. Collapse. Start planning the next trip. Because honestly? This will change you. Even if you're a cynical, sarcastic, Shawarma-obsessed travel addict like me.
The Anecdotal Rambles, because let's be real…
- The Luggage Heist: Seriously, I'm still half expecting to discover our suitcases lost. Picture this: Sarah's frantic calls to every lost-and-found imaginable, me trying to be her calm, yet internal screaming, I bet my bag will have an issue. Who knows what will happen.
- The People: I’m expecting an overwhelming experience, one that will change my perspective on so many things. The sheer diversity of people alone will be something to absorb. The kindness, the shared purpose… It’ll be beautiful. It’ll be challenging. It’ll be… a lot.
- The Food: Seriously, I'm dreaming of the shawarma. And the dates. And the juices. And the… okay, I'm getting hungry. This trip must have good food because if not… I am leaving a review.
- Sarah's Meltdowns: Guaranteed to happen. It's just a matter of time. It's part of the package. I have to plan on it.
This is a rough sketch. The beautiful thing about traveling like this is that it’s never set in stone. It's messy. It's joyous. It's frustrating. It's life, distilled into a few days. And I can't wait.
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So, like, what *is* this thing anyway? Seriously, I'm lost.
Okay, look, even *I'm* still figuring that out. It's kinda like... imagine a really confusing recipe, written by someone who's both a genius chef *and* has a serious case of ADHD. We're trying to achieve something, but the instructions are vague, the ingredients are questionable, and half the time, I’m pretty sure I've accidentally thrown in a whole bag of flour when I meant to use salt. Basically, it's a work in progress. Just try to hang in there. You'll laugh at me.
Okay, but *why* are we doing this? What's the point? (Besides the obvious... procrastination?)
The 'why' is a GREAT question! Honestly, I'm not totally sure. Maybe to unleash my inner monologue onto the world. Maybe because I have serious performance anxiety (like, can't even order pizza on the phone without sweating). Maybe because... well, why not? I kinda like throwing spaghetti at the wall and seeing what sticks. And hey, maybe someone will actually *understand* the glorious madness of my brain. Or maybe they'll just think I need therapy. Either way, mission accomplished!
So, what’s the best way to... *do* this? Like, how do I "interact"?
Good luck with that! The best way? I'd say just... let it happen. Read it. Think about it. Maybe laugh at it. Maybe get totally confused. Maybe scream into a pillow. You get to do *whatever* you want. That's the beauty of this, right? There's no right or wrong answer (except... well, don't be a jerk. Basic human decency is still required). Just vibe with it. If it clicks, FANTASTIC! If not, well... at least you got to laugh at my failures? (Sorry, not sorry)
I'm totally lost. Can you give me an example? Like, *anything* to help me understand?
Alright, alright, let's see... I had this *thing* happen last week. So, I was trying to bake a cake. You know, the whole "domestic goddess" thing. (I am decidedly *not* a domestic goddess, by the way). So, I got the recipe, meticulously measured the ingredients... or so I thought. Turns out, I measured the flour wrong. Like, *really* wrong. The cake looked like a volcanic eruption. I burned the frosting. I cried a little. And then I ate the burnt bits because... well, I was hungry. That's basically how this works. Expect the unexpected, embrace the chaos, and sometimes, eat the burnt bits.
Okay, so... are you saying EVERYTHING will be messy and chaotic? Is there *any* structure at all?
*Deep breath*. Messy? Absolutely. Chaotic? Guaranteed. Structure? Well... *attempts* at structure. I'll try to make it vaguely coherent. But let's be honest, my brain is like a Jackson Pollock painting: beautiful, vibrant, and utterly unpredictable. So, expect tangents, random thoughts, and the occasional existential crisis. It's all part of the fun! (For you. Maybe not for me.) I'll *try* to make sense, but hey, no promises. I've got commitment issues.
Is there any advice for folks who want to be a part of this? Or: How can *I* get involved?
Oh, excellent question! You want in on the fun? Here's what I recommend... or rather, here's what *I hope* will happen:
- **Embrace the Absurdity:** Seriously. This isn't exactly brain surgery. Relax, have fun, and don't take this too seriously.
- **Don't Judge - Me or Yourself:** We all make mistakes. I *especially* make mistakes. Try to be open-minded and try not to take things too personally (I'm a sensitive soul). I am already judging myself, so you don't need to!
- **Get Ready for the Unexpected:** Seriously. I change my mind on the daily, so expect things to evolve. Maybe it will get better, or maybe it will get worse. Who knows?
- **Feedback is welcome** Okay, okay, as much as I enjoy complaining, I do care about making something that's at least vaguely helpful.
- **Try to have a good time!** Ultimately, I hope we can all laugh together!
What are your personal favorites things about this?
Okay, here's the truth: it's a *huge* emotional rollercoaster. Some days, I think I'm onto something amazing. Other days? I want to delete everything and go back to hiding under my covers. But honestly, it's the *struggle* that makes it fun. When I manage to nail a joke? Pure elation! When I stumble across a really deep thought? Mind-blowing! When I get to be a complete goofball? Therapeutic! The best part? It helps me get to know this weird brain of mine.
What's the worst part about it? Don't sugarcoat it!
*Deep sigh*. The *worst* part is the fear, hands down. The *fear* of being judged. The *fear* of failing. The *fear* of putting yourself out there and having NO ONE care. It's a constant battle, that little voice in my head whispering, "You're an idiot. No one wants to hear what you have to say." I can tell you that it's a lot of work to wrestle with it, but I keep going... even though I'm mostly terrified. Okay, that was the sugar-free version.
What if I have a question that's NOT on this list?
Send it! Seriously, ask me anything! I thrive on chaos. I love getting new ideas! I'll either answer it honestly (and probably awkwardly) or IBest Hotels Blog
