Guest questions, answered
MedinaHomestays – Frequently Asked Questions
Planning Umrah or a visit to Medina from the USA, Europe, Canada, or anywhere in the world? These FAQs explain how living with a Medina family works – from booking and meals to walking to Al-Masjid an-Nabawi with your hosts.
About MedinaHomestays
Who we are and what makes us different
? What is MedinaHomestays?
MedinaHomestays is a curated platform that connects you with real Medina families
who open their homes during your stay. Instead of a hotel, you live like a guest of the
People of Medina – sharing meals, stories, and daily life while staying close to
Al-Masjid an-Nabawi.
? Is this a hotel or a homestay experience?
MedinaHomestays is not a hotel. You stay inside a private home with a host family.
Each listing clearly shows whether you have a private room, a guest unit, or only a daytime visit,
along with house rules and what is included.
? Who are the families I will stay with?
Hosts are Medina families who live near the Prophet’s Mosque and are known for their
warmth and Islamic manners. Many are descendants of families who have lived in Medina for
generations and value serving guests of Allah and His Messenger ﷺ.
? Is MedinaHomestays suitable for Umrah and religious visits?
Yes. The platform is designed especially for Umrah, Hajj-season visits, and spiritual trips.
Most homes are a short walk or ride from Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, and hosts are familiar with prayer
times, crowds, and etiquette in and around the Haram.
Stays & experiences
Homestays, daytime visits, and what’s included
? What is the difference between “Homestay with a Medina Family” and “Daytime Experience”?
Homestay with a Medina Family includes overnight accommodation in the family home
(private room or guest unit), plus shared moments like meals and walks to the mosque.
Daytime Experience (No accommodation) is for guests who already have a hotel nearby but want
to spend a few hours with a family for cooking, conversation, or simple visits.
? Are stays suitable for solo travelers, couples, or families with children?
Yes. Each listing indicates if it is best for solo guests, couples, or families.
Some homes welcome children, while others prefer quiet adult stays – always check the
Hosting Guidelines section of the listing.
? How close are the homes to Al-Masjid an-Nabawi?
Listings show both the walking time to the nearest neighborhood mosque and the
time to reach Al-Masjid an-Nabawi by foot or car. Many homes are only a few minutes away,
making it easy to attend prayers and return for rest and meals.
? Are daily meals included with my stay?
It depends on the listing. Some homestays include daily home-cooked meals, while others
offer breakfast only or allow you to join the family in the kitchen by request.
Look for the field “Are daily meals included?” on each property page.
? Is there a private space for women?
Many homes offer a women-only sitting area or room where female guests can relax in privacy.
When available, you will see this clearly marked under “Is there a private space for women?”
in the property details.
Spiritual & cultural life
History walks, scholars, and Arabic practice
? Can my host walk with me to the mosque and historic sites?
Many hosts love to walk with guests to the local masjid and nearby landmarks.
Some listings also offer guided walks through historic areas, visits to battlefields,
and trips to sacred mosques like Quba – always within local regulations and proper adab.
? Can I meet local scholars or attend study circles?
Where possible, hosts may connect you with trusted circles of knowledge or show you
when and where public lessons are taking place. Some listings specify:
“Can guests meet local scholars?” and “How often can guests attend study circles?”
? May I ask religious questions to my host?
Yes, in many homes you are welcome to ask basic religious questions.
Some hosts are students of knowledge who can also direct you to recognized teachers for
more detailed matters. Check the field “Can guests ask the host religious questions?”
on the listing.
? Can I practice Arabic with my hosts?
Yes – this is one of the highlights of MedinaHomestays. Many families offer
everyday Arabic conversation over tea, at home, and even while shopping.
The listing shows “Which language(s) does the host speak?” and whether
“Can guests practice Arabic with the host?” is available.
? Are stories of the Sahabah shared at home?
Many hosts naturally share short stories of the Sahabah and the history of Medina
during meals or evening tea. If this is a regular feature, it will be noted as
“Stories of the Sahabah shared at home” in the experience details.
Practical questions
Transport, payments, safety, and policies
? Is transport to Al-Masjid an-Nabawi or historic sites included?
Some hosts offer daily drop-off at the Prophet’s Mosque or transport to historic and
spiritual sites, while others simply guide you on which taxi or route to take.
Look for the fields “Is transport to historical/spiritual sites included?” and
“Does the host personally offer transportation?” on each listing.
? Is airport pickup available for guests arriving internationally?
A few listings offer airport pickup for guests. If available, you will see
“Airport pickup for guests?” marked as Yes, along with any extra fee mentioned
in the description or messages with the host.
? How do I book and pay if I’m traveling from the USA, Europe, or Canada?
You can search, choose dates, and book directly online. Prices appear in the listing
currency, and secure online payment methods are available for international guests.
After booking, you receive a confirmation email with your host’s details and check-in information.
? What is the cancellation policy?
Each host sets their own cancellation policy, visible under
“Cancellation Policy” on the property page. Please read it carefully before booking,
especially during peak Umrah and Hajj seasons when dates are in high demand.
? Are smoking or parties allowed in the home?
The Hosting Guidelines section clearly states whether smoking,
parties, or pets are allowed.
Most homes maintain a peaceful, family-friendly, Islamic environment and do not allow loud gatherings.
? Can I contact the host before booking?
Yes. If you have special needs – such as accessibility, diet, children, or language –
you can send a message to the host through the MedinaHomestays platform before you confirm
your reservation. This helps both you and the family feel comfortable in advance.
Still have a question? Reach out through the contact form or WhatsApp widget and we’ll help you find the right Medina family for your stay, in shaa Allah.