Best Resorts & Hotels in AlUla 2025 — How to Pick the Right Stay for Your Saudi Arabia Trip

ℹ️ Why AlUla is important in your Saudi Arabia trip

Many travellers make AlUla the second or third stop in their 12-day Saudi Arabia itinerary after Riyadh or before Jeddah and Umluj, because it combines nature, history and calm desert vibes.

• It’s home to world-class sites like Hegra (Madain Saleh), a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• You have unique experiences like stargazing in AlUla or attending AlUla seasonal events.
• It’s easy to combine AlUla with Riyadh, Jeddah and Umluj in one trip.

All of this means your choice of hotel really matters, because you’ll often depend on organized tours and transfers rather than just walking around on your own.

📍 Best areas to stay in AlUla (near what?)

Instead of memorising too many hotel names, think of AlUla as a few simple “zones” that connect to what you want from the trip:

1) Near AlUla Old Town

• Perfect if you want to walk in the evening around AlUla Old Town, restaurants and cafés.
• Easier if you like a short walk every night without using a car.
• A practical option for families who prefer a “small town” feel rather than full isolation in the desert.

2) Closer to official tour starting points (Hegra & other sites)

• Some hotels and resorts are slightly better located for the main tour pickup points.
• Convenient if your schedule is packed with morning and afternoon tours.
• Useful if you have kids and don’t want to spend too long driving to every activity.

3) Desert resorts outside town

• A completely different vibe: quiet, open sky and beautiful nights.
• Great for couples or anyone looking for a “relax and disconnect” type of stay.
• Requires better planning for transfers and tours, because you’re further from Old Town.

🏨 Types of Resorts & Hotels in AlUla

AlUla is not a “high-rise hotel city” like Jeddah or Riyadh. The mix of properties feels a bit different:

• Mid-range family hotels: comfortable rooms that can fit a family of four, with simple breakfast options.
• Desert resorts & villas: ideal for romantic trips or families who want privacy, with outdoor seating and views of the mountains or the valley.
• Guesthouses / small lodges: more local style stays, good for 1–2 nights if you’re mainly outside on tours and want to save budget.

Pro tip: if this is your first time in AlUla, try to combine one night near Old Town + one night in a desert resort (if your budget allows).

🧠 How to choose the right AlUla hotel

Ask yourself these questions before you book:

• Is your priority tours or relaxation?
  If your main focus is Hegra and organised sightseeing, choose a place that makes pickups and drop-offs easy with your tour operator.
• Are you travelling with kids?
  Look for family rooms or suites, and check if they can provide an extra bed / baby cot and enough space for everyone.
• Are you visiting during a major event?
  If you’re coming during AlUla event seasons, book early and expect higher prices for the most popular properties.
• Do you prefer quiet or to be near restaurants?
  If you love walking to dinner and having options around, stay near Old Town. If you want a quiet desert atmosphere, consider a resort outside town.

🌅 Sample 2–3 night plan in AlUla (with hotel logic)

Here’s a simple example you can adjust to fit your own Saudi Arabia itinerary:

Day 1 — Arrival in AlUla + Old Town evening

• Arrive by domestic flight from Riyadh or Jeddah and check in to a hotel near AlUla Old Town.
• Rest after the journey, then enjoy a light evening walk in Old Town and a local restaurant.

Day 2 — Hegra tour + (optional) switch to desert resort

• Join a morning guided tour to Hegra (Madain Saleh) with several stops for photos.
• In the afternoon, you can: either stay in the same hotel, or move to a desert resort for a quieter second night.

Day 3 — Elephant Rock + stargazing (if available)

• Slow morning in the hotel/resort with free time for kids or just relaxing.
• Head in the late afternoon to Elephant Rock for sunset photos.
• In the evening, join a stargazing experience in AlUla if it’s operating during your dates.

💡 Tips before booking a hotel in AlUla

• Book early: AlUla doesn’t have endless hotel rooms, and in peak seasons the good options sell out fast.
• Read the location details carefully: distance to Old Town, tour departure points and the airport.
• If you’re travelling with small children, ask the hotel about baby cots, extra beds and room size before confirming.
• Check the cancellation policy, as weather or event changes might make you adjust your dates.
• Keep your arrival night light with no heavy tour, especially if you’re flying the same day — it’s better to rest and start fresh next morning.

❓ FAQ about AlUla hotels & resorts

How many nights do I need in AlUla?

In most cases, 2–3 nights are enough to see Hegra, Elephant Rock and Old Town, with some quiet time at your hotel or resort. If you’re following a 12-day Saudi Arabia itinerary, then 3 nights in AlUla is usually a sweet spot.

Is it better to stay near Old Town or in a desert resort?

If you like movement, evening walks and easy access to restaurants, stay near Old Town. If you want silence and a more special “desert” atmosphere, think about a resort outside town — or combine both if you have the time and budget.

Do I need a private car in AlUla?

Having your own car or a private driver makes it much easier to move between your hotel and tour meeting points, especially with kids or older family members. But many travellers rely on organised tours with transfers included, which works well if your plan is mostly tour-based.