From Pilgrimage to Leisure Travel: Marriott Hits 100-Property Milestone in Saudi Arabia, Opening Doors to Modern Comfort and Convenience

Published on November 24, 2025

Marriott International has announced that it now has 100 hotels in Saudi Arabia, counting both existing and future properties. This marks a major vote of confidence in the Kingdom’s hospitality market — and offers exciting new options for pilgrims, tourists, and business travelers alike.

The 100th property is particularly significant: a Courtyard by Marriott with 1,100 rooms, to be built in Makkah, inside a brand-new master-planned development called Masar.

What Makes the Makkah Hotel Special

This Courtyard hotel is designed to blend practical comfort with thoughtful architecture. It will include guest rooms and suites, multiple restaurants, event spaces like a ballroom, a fitness centre, a kids’ club, and retail shops. The design spans over 4,500 square meters.

What’s more, it is located in a pedestrian-friendly zone of Masar, which leads directly to the Grand Mosque (Masjid al-Haram). For travelers coming for pilgrimage, this means ease of access without long commutes — a real advantage during busy times.

How This Supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030

Marriott’s expansion is closely aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, the kingdom’s ambitious plan to boost tourism, modernize infrastructure, and welcome millions more pilgrims annually. The Masar development is part of a larger transit-oriented approach: by building walkable paths and mixed-use neighborhoods, Saudi Arabia aims to reshape its urban and spiritual centers.

This hotel deal reinforces that goal. By increasing hospitality capacity in Makkah, Marriott directly supports the ambition of hosting 30 million pilgrims a year — a core part of Vision 2030.

Marriott’s Broader Presence in the Kingdom

Beyond this flagship in Makkah, Marriott already has a well-established footprint in Saudi Arabia. The company operates dozens of hotels across 13 different brands. These include both high-end and more budget-friendly options. As of now, Marriott runs 44 hotels in the Kingdom with more than 11,000 rooms.

Such variety means travelers can choose the kind of stay that suits them: whether they prioritize luxury, affordability, or proximity to religious sites.

What This Means for Travelers

1. More choices, especially for pilgrims
For people coming to Saudi Arabia for Hajj or Umrah, the new Courtyard at Masar could offer a very strategic base. It’s not just about proximity; the hotel is designed to ease the journey and reduce transit hassles.

2. Comfort meets spiritual purpose
This hotel isn’t just accomodation — it’s built with community, connectivity, and purpose. Its amenities aim to serve both spiritual visitors and families or business travelers.

3. Year-round appeal
Even outside pilgrimage seasons, the hotel can serve as a modern, well-equipped base for tourists exploring Makkah, nearby historical sites, or simply experiencing Saudi culture.

4. Confidence in quality and standards
Marriott is a globally trusted name. Their decision to deepen their investment in Saudi Arabia signals that hospitality in the country is maturing rapidly.

Broader Tourism Trends

Recent data from Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) shows that hotel occupancy is strong. In the first quarter of 2025, hotel room occupancy reached about 63%, up from the previous year. At the same time, the average daily hotel room rate stood at around SAR 477, showing healthy demand. The average stay for hotel guests remained stable at around 4.1 nights.

Tourism employment is also rising: nearly 983,000 people worked in tourism-related activities in Q1 2025, up significantly year-on-year.

These figures reflect a tourism sector that is growing in scale and sophistication — not just for religious visitors, but for leisure tourists too.

Travel Tips for Global Visitors

• Plan ahead: With Marriott’s new project slated to open in 2030, travelers looking to stay in Makkah’s Masar area should mark that on their long-term trip plans.
• Book early for pilgrimage: During peak seasons like Hajj and Umrah, demand is very high. New hotels may ease pressure — but early bookings will still pay off.
• Explore alternatives: Marriott’s broader network in Saudi Arabia gives you flexibility. Even if Masar isn’t available, you can choose from many Marriott brands across major cities.
• Understand visa and travel rules: Tourist visas for Saudi Arabia have become more traveler-friendly in recent years. Keep an eye on the latest visa rules when planning your trip.
• Use public transport: The Masar development is designed to be transit-oriented. Travelers may benefit from walking and public transport infrastructure when staying there.

A Glimpse into Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Future

Marriott hitting 100 hotels in Saudi Arabia is more than just a corporate landmark — it reflects the Kingdom’s broader hospitality push. For global travelers, this means better access, more choice, and infrastructure that caters to both spiritual and leisure travel.

If you’re planning a pilgrimage, a cultural visit, or simply exploring Saudi Arabia’s evolving cities, this development offers a very appealing entry point. With world-class hotels like the Courtyard in Masar coming up, your stay in Saudi could become more comfortable and connected than ever before.