Jeddah sits on the Red Sea coast in the Hejaz region and is the country's main commercial centre, as well as the principal gateway to Mecca. For a visitor, that means a city shaped by the sea on one side and by pilgrimage and trade routes on the other, with a historic core that still carries traces of its old walls and gates.
Practically, the places to base yourself cluster around two axes: the Corniche and its beachfront districts along the coast, and the inland commercial streets and roads that connect the city to the airport and onward to Mecca and Medina. This guide covers which areas suit which kind of trip, and what standard of accommodation you can expect in each.
Best areas to stay in Jeddah
1. Al Corniche / Corniche Road
The Corniche is the waterfront strip, and it is where a large share of the city's mid-range and upmarket accommodation is concentrated. You find international chain hotels and resort-style properties here, several with sea views and leisure facilities.
This area suits first-time visitors who want the sea on their doorstep and easy access to the waterfront, and it suits travellers who prefer a resort setting over a city-centre one. Note that the Corniche stretches a long way; properties describe themselves as being on the North Corniche or the Southern Corniche, and the two are some distance apart, so check which stretch you are booking into.
2. Al Hamra District
Al Hamra is a coastal district on the Southern Corniche, home to resort-style hotels with full leisure facilities. It is a quieter, more residential-feeling base than the central commercial streets.
It suits travellers who want a beach-oriented stay with easy access to the water, including families and those planning to spend time at a hotel's club and spa. The practical point is location: you are on the southern stretch of the Corniche, so journeys to northern parts of the city take longer.
3. Al Salamah / Prince Sultan Street area
This is an inland commercial district where serviced apartments and apartment-style accommodation are common, alongside hotels. It suits longer stays, families and business travellers who want more space and kitchen facilities rather than a resort setting.
You are away from the beach here, so this area is a better fit if your priorities are the city's commercial streets and road connections rather than the sea.
4. Al Basateen District
A residential district where serviced apartments make up much of the accommodation on offer. It suits budget-conscious travellers and those staying for more than a few nights who want an apartment rather than a hotel room.
As with the other inland districts, you are not on the waterfront, so plan on travelling to the Corniche and the historic core rather than walking to them.
5. Medina Road / Madinah Road corridor
This is the road axis running towards the airport, and it is where you find both affordable and upmarket hotels, including large properties with extensive facilities. It suits travellers who want a straightforward run to King Abdul Aziz International Airport, and those passing through en route to Mecca or Medina.
The trade-off is distance from the coast: this is a practical, transit-oriented base rather than a scenic one.
6. North Obhur
Further north along the coast, this area is home to beach resorts. It suits travellers who want a self-contained resort stay away from the centre, and families looking for beach facilities.
The practical point is that North Obhur is well removed from the central districts and the Corniche, so it works best if you are content to stay put rather than use the city as a base for daily sightseeing.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: serviced apartments and economy chain hotels, often in residential or inland districts, and some older properties on the main roads. Expect functional rooms and apartment-style layouts rather than resort facilities.
- Mid-range: international chain hotels, many along the Corniche and on the main roads, with leisure facilities such as pools, gyms and health clubs, and some apartment-style properties with hotel services.
- Splurge: large resort and luxury hotels, concentrated on the Corniche and in coastal districts, with full amenities, sea views and, in some cases, a location inside a broader resort complex.
Best area for a first visit
For a first visit, base yourself on the Corniche. It puts you on the waterfront, concentrates the widest choice of mid-range and upmarket hotels in one stretch, and keeps you within reach of the rest of the city. If you want the same coastal setting with a quieter, more resort-like feel, Al Hamra on the Southern Corniche is the natural alternative.
Frequently asked questions
Are hotels in Jeddah expensive?
Outside Hajj season, hotels in Jeddah are generally cheaper than those in Riyadh, and the usual international chains are well represented across the price range.
Which part of the Corniche should I choose?
The Corniche is split into a North and a Southern stretch, and properties are listed under one or the other. They are some distance apart, so decide which end suits your plans before booking.
Where should I stay if I want to be near the airport?
Look at the Medina Road corridor, which runs towards King Abdul Aziz International Airport and has both affordable and upmarket hotels along it.
Is there accommodation away from the beach?
Yes. Inland districts such as Al Salamah, Al Basateen and the Prince Sultan Street area have serviced apartments and hotels, which suit longer stays and travellers who do not need to be on the waterfront.
Compare live prices for your dates using the booking tools on this page before you decide.