In a city where hospitality carries profound meaning beyond comfort or design, Jabal Omar Marriott Hotel Makkah has distinguished itself as a place of purpose, precision, and quiet excellence. Positioned steps from Al-Masjid al-Haram, the hotel serves as a trusted companion to millions of guests navigating one of life’s most significant journeys. Its recognition as Best Luxury City Hotel, Makkah, Saudi Arabia, by Luxury Lifestyle Awards 2025 reflects a rare achievement: delivering world-class luxury while remaining deeply aligned with the spiritual rhythm of Makkah.

Leading this remarkable property is Waleed Awad Silan, General Manager, and newly named as one of Luxury Lifestyle Awards’ TOP 100 Hotel General Managers of the World for 2025. His leadership has been instrumental in shaping the hotel’s identity, one rooted in discipline, cultural intelligence, and an uncompromising focus on guest experience. Through thoughtful strategy and hands-on stewardship, Waleed has elevated Jabal Omar Marriott into a benchmark for urban luxury hospitality in sacred destinations.

The conversation is guided by Alexander Chetchikov, President of the World Luxury Chamber of Commerce and long-time leader of the Luxury Lifestyle Awards.

Alexander Chetchikov: Congratulations on being named one of LLA’s TOP 100 Hotel General Managers of the World for 2025. What does this recognition mean to you personally and professionally?

Waleed Awad Silan: Personally, this recognition is a profound honor and a reflection of a career built on discipline and a passion for hospitality. Professionally, it validates our team’s commitment to elevating Jabal Omar Marriott Hotel Makkah into a global benchmark for luxury within a sacred destination. It reinforces our mission to align world-class luxury with the spiritual rhythm of this holy city.

AC: Jabal Omar Marriott Hotel Makkah has received multiple international accolades. What do you believe makes this hotel stand out in such a spiritually significant city?

WAS: Our hotel stands out because it serves as a “trusted companion” to guests on one of life’s most significant spiritual journeys. We have successfully distinguished ourselves through “purpose, precision, and quiet excellence,” ensuring that our luxury offerings never overshadow the spiritual significance of the location.

AC: How do you and your team strike a balance between luxury, mindfulness, and the sacred atmosphere of Makkah?

WAS: We achieve this through “cultural intelligence” and thoughtful strategy. By being positioned just steps from Al-Masjid al-Haram, we remain deeply aligned with the spiritual rhythm of Makkah while providing a world-class luxury environment that allows guests to focus on their devotion with comfort and peace.

AC: Service is often described as the soul of the hotel. How do you cultivate a culture of attentiveness and consistency among your team?

WAS: Cultivating this culture requires “hands-on stewardship” and an uncompromising focus on the guest experience. We instill a sense of discipline and purpose in our team, recognizing that in Makkah, hospitality carries a profound meaning that goes far beyond simple design or comfort.

AC: The hotel caters to pilgrims, families, and business travelers from all over the world. How do you ensure a personalized experience for such a diverse guest profile?

WAS: We treat every guest as a unique individual navigating a meaningful journey. Whether they are here for pilgrimage or business, our leadership is rooted in understanding their specific needs and providing a harmonious blend of luxury and comfort that respects their diverse backgrounds.

AC: What innovations or enhancements can guests expect from the hotel in the coming years?

WAS: Guests can expect a continued focus on elevating the harmony between luxury and spirituality. We are dedicated to refining our identity as a benchmark for urban luxury hospitality, ensuring that our facilities and services evolve to meet the high expectations of the modern luxury traveler in a sacred destination.

AC: As a leader in luxury hospitality, what advice would you offer to aspiring hotel general managers seeking distinction in this industry?

WAS: Distinction comes from a commitment to “quiet excellence” and the ability to lead with purpose. My advice is to remain disciplined, develop deep cultural intelligence, and always prioritize the guest experience above all else, especially when operating in unique and significant destinations

AC: What legacy do you hope to leave at Jabal Omar Marriott Hotel Makkah, both for your team and for the guests who pass through its doors?

WAS: I hope to leave a legacy of excellence where the hotel is remembered as a place that truly understood the “profound meaning” of hospitality in Makkah. For my team, I hope to leave a culture of discipline and pride; for our guests, I want them to remember us as the companion that enhanced their most sacred journey through unparalleled service and spiritual harmony.

We extend our sincere thanks to you, Mr. Silan, for sharing your insights and for your continued dedication to elevating hospitality in one of the most meaningful destinations in the world.

Experience the harmony of luxury, comfort, and spirituality at Jabal Omar Marriott Hotel Makkah. Visit https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/qcamc-jabal-omar-marriott-hotel-makkah/