In short: Choose around your actual routes rather than distance to the mosque alone.
Start with the entrance you need
Two hotels described as close to Al-Masjid an-Nabawi can create different walks for members of the same family. Identify the prayer access each person expects to use, then examine the route from the hotel. Mosque access and crowd controls can change, so treat a map as a planning aid rather than a guarantee.
Avoid mixing mosque-door numbers with courtyard-access numbers. When asking a hotel about a route, request a marked map or clear landmarks instead of relying only on a number that may refer to a different layer of access.
Add ordinary needs to the comparison
Look for practical access to meals, basic shopping and transport as well as the mosque. A restaurant listing nearby does not establish its current opening hours or seating availability. Keep more than one suitable food option in mind rather than making the whole routine depend on one place.
Check where a car can meet you with luggage. Pedestrian convenience and vehicle access are separate considerations, particularly around busy times. Ask the hotel for a precise pickup landmark.
Compare the total stay
Shortlist properties on more than one side only if the routes work for your party. Compare room layout, cancellation policy and total price for your dates. The right area is the one that supports your daily routine; there is no single best side for every visitor.