Review: Pullman ZamZam Makkah

- Name of the hotel: 
Pullman ZamZam Makkah

- What is your Le Club status?
Platinum

- Were you (or for multi-stayers were you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Very happy.

- Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked Junior Suite City View (45 sqm) using points on the Adv Purchase rate; got Executive Suite with Kaaba view (55 sqm). Despite only 1 category upgrade, the Adv. Purchase rate for Executive Suite with Kaaba view is twice of the Junior Suite AP rate. Perhaps because the Executive Suite has two bedrooms; while Junior Suite only got 1 bedroom. Therefore, it was really good value to be upgraded. 

- How are the rooms?
There are two bedrooms. One of the bedroom has a view to Kaaba. It has also living room with dining room nearby. Microwave Oven also available on the room.

- What was good and what was bad?
Good:
- Breakfast is included in any rate
- Early check-in was allowed
- The hotel has 1,300 rooms something but they put us on 31st floor with 4 special elevators accessing only for 24-33 floor; while most of others stayed at 1-23 floors. Therefore, it would be no hassle for us when using elevators. During my stay; the hotel is 98% occupied; but I only meet some people when using 24-33 elevators so it saves much our time
- As I previously mentioned; I use 28,000 pts burn to stay at this hotel plus another 500 SAR something (120€) using CC. However, two weeks before my stay; the Adv. Purchase rate for Junior Suite was dropped. I emailed the hotel that I booked in advance to receive better rate but I'm quite upset to see that the AP rate was dropped. I didn't say that I want compensation; just saying that it feels unfair for me. Then, suprisingly the hotel matches the current AP rate and the amount both from CC and points would be refunded after my stay. And yes, as promised I was refunded 910 SAR (217 €) after I finished my stay.  Not to forget that I would get 81 GBP (112 €) from Quidco for this hotel booking since Quidco records your reservation in full amount even if you redeeming pts. Therefore, staying on this hotel makes me richer by 209 € (-120€ + 217€ + 112€)
- Planning to have early check-out since my flight to Istanbul was very early; I informed it to the DM then I was told that I could make phone call to the Restaurant Manager that they can prepare for the breakfast to be taken away. I told that I would like American breakfast. Then suddenly; at 4 am in the morning, a room boy delivered a table with a HUGE basket of pastries, juices, tea, coffee, sauces, butters, and jams. Can't imagine how to take away of these!!
- Got greetings from the DM upon check-in; and also got phone calls from another DM to the room on the night after Isha pray; asking if there is anything that he could help. So, feels like I'm not left behind especially the hotel was almost full with around 3,000 guests. 
- The hotel location is very good for those who umra or hajj because it is located on the Abraj Al Bait Complex Buildings (they are on the front side of the famous Makkah Royal Clock Tower) so the location is very close to Masjid Al Haram.
- Since Makkah is strictly allowed for Muslim travelers; (the city itself is already overcrowded for the pilgrim guests, can't imagine if they accept non-Muslim as Tourist) therefore it is very advantageous for me as Platinum Member here since most of Plat or Gold were from Europe so presumably most of the Plats & Gold are not muslim and they can't visit Makkah so perhaps the hotel staffs rarely see Plat or Gold staying at this hotel so they are really go out of the way for the Platinum members who staying at the hotel.  

Bad:
- The hotel design is not that my taste; bit 90s eventhough the hotel is relatively not old (around 5 years I think).
- Most of the front office couldn't speak English; fortunately all of the bell boys could speak English fluently. 
- Slow Wifi (presumably that the occupants were 98% on that time)

- Did you get club lounge access? How was the lounge?
Yes. Surprisingly, they have Executive Lounge for those who staying at Suite; but only open during breakfast. For hotel with 1,300 rooms and 98%full, can't imagine what happened to the main restaurant during breakfast. So, having access to Lounge is definitely great.

- What about welcome drinks, welcome amenities or any other special perks?
- A fruit basket on my room
- Some Arabian desserts (not desert; for sure )
- Welcome drink vouchers; good for 3 persons. Note that they don't serve alcohols in Makkah.
- Laundry services for 3 clothes.

- Value for $ or Vouchers? Would you return?
Yes. Surely I would return.

Here are some pictures of the hotel :
The Facade of Abraj Al Bait Buildings; Pullman ZamZam is located on the right tower; the location is better than the Royal Fairmont Clock since it needs more walking distances there comparing to Pullman ZamZam.


Hotel Entrance:


Lobby:
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Welcome fruit platter & desserts:




Closer view to Kaaba from Executive Suite:


Early Breakfast package prepared by the hotel:


I've just realized that I didn't take pictures of the room itself. Lol