Must-see hotels in Iran

  • Saraye Ameriha Boutique Hotel

    Kashan

    This is the jewel in the crown of Kashan's accommodation. Set within the most impressive of Kashan's restored mansions, guests dine under a twinkling dome…

  • Bavanat Homestay

    Iran

    Offering the perfect rural getaway, this rural homestay in the middle of the Bavanat valley comprises a range of 35 traditional or modern rooms, some with…

  • Nartitee Ecolodge

    Yazd

    For a rewarding off-the-beaten track experience, spending a night in this charming licensed homestay is highly recommended. Located close to Yazd in the…

  • Abbasi Hotel

    Esfahan

    The Abbasi’s main building was once the caravanserai of the Madraseh-ye Chahar Bagh; arranged around a huge garden of ponds and towering cedars, and with…

  • Tak-Taku Guesthouse

    Iran

    English-speaking owner Mohammad Jalali and his family offer guests an authentic experience of Iranian hospitality with great charm and warmth. Their…

  • Fahadan Museum Hotel

    Yazd

    Arranged around delicately painted courtyards, this beautiful little establishment is more museum than hotel and some of the rooms are exquisite. With a…

  • Malek-o Tojjar

    Yazd

    Hidden along a narrow, lamp-lit passage from the Panjeh-ali Bazar lies Yazd’s original traditional hotel. The small sign above a modest door gives no hint…

  • Narenjestan Traditional House

    Yazd

    This licensed homestay, in the heart of the old city, is a real find. The couple who run it speak excellent English (the husband gained his PhD in New…

  • Forough Hotel

    Shiraz

    This newly restored old house, in the heart of the old quarter, is arranged around two courtyards and immediately conveys a sense of hospitality. A…

  • Shiraz Hotel

    Shiraz

    This is currently Shiraz's most desired residence, attracting international visitors to its conference facilities and well-heeled Iranian travellers in…

  • Iran Hotel

    Esfahan

    On a quiet lane in an excellent location, this modest hotel with its stylish foyer offers comfortable rooms with low beds, Persian rugs and a fridge. The…

  • Gileboom Eco Lodge

    Iran

    Brainchild of young Tehrani adventurers, this lodge nestled in the verdant Ramsar hinterland provides cultural, musical, gastronomic and adventure…

  • See You In Iran Hostel

    Tehran

    What started as a Facebook forum for helping travellers in Iran has blossomed into Tehran's first fully-legit hostel. Run by a clued-up, youthful and open…

  • Niayesh Boutique Hotel

    Shiraz

    One of only a handful of traditional hotels in Shiraz, this delightful, sociable hotel in the heart of the old quarter is a firm backpacker favourite. The…

  • Barandaz Lodge

    Iran

    In the tiny outpost of Farahzad, neighbouring Mesr, this 11-room guesthouse occupies two beautifully restored mud-brick houses. The simple rooms with…

  • Motevibashi Hotel

    Southeastern Iran

    The classic, 180-year-old house of Aramgah's one-time motevibashi (caretaker) has been tastefully converted into an eight-room boutique hotel using…

  • Yata Traditional Hotel

    Iran

    With a cool sunken courtyard, a fine wind catcher and gorgeous rooms with beds and private bathroom, this beautifully renovated traditional hotel is well…

  • Manouchehri House

    Kashan

    Opened in 2011 after a three-year restoration project, this traditional house is a joy to behold with a stunning central courtyard featuring an iwan…

  • Karim Khan Hotel

    Shiraz

    This centrally located hotel with its stained-glass windows casting lozenges of light across the foyer in a modern take on an ancient theme is a…

  • Toranj Marine Hotel

    Kish Island

    Iran's first (and only) over-water hotel, the Toranj is one of Kish’s best resorts. The 100 bungalows are built on stilts and come with the requisite…

  • Ecotourism Hotel

    Persian Gulf

    Smack dab in the heart of Kong's old town, this well-run guesthouse is an opportunity to stay in a traditional home brimful of local charm. Rooms are…

  • Hasht Behesht Apartment Hotel

    Esfahan

    It may be a bit short on style, but the centrally located Hasht Behesht, run by a delightful family, is one of the best accommodation options in town,…

  • Shushtar Traditional Hotel

    Iran

    Soon to be a traveller's favourite, the Shushtar offers traditional-styled rooms that open onto a private palm-fringed courtyard. Breakfast is served in a…

  • Kuhpayeh Caravansary Hotel

    Iran

    With two impressive portals at either end of a large central courtyard, this old caravanserai has been sensitively restored to suggest a continuity of…

  • Isfahan Traditional Hotel

    Esfahan

    Located in the bazaar near the ancient Masjed-e Hakim (Hakim Mosque), this hotel is set around two courtyards in adjoining Safavid- and Qajar-period homes…

  • Hotel Shorabil

    Iran

    Surrounded by wasteland at the edge of an artificial lake, 4.5km southwest of the centre, this hotel might prompt you to wonder what the attraction is,…

  • Setar-e Kavir

    Iran

    The Garmsar area's most luxurious accommodation offers six cosily comfortable mini-suites in a pseudo-historical architectural style but with full…

  • Keykhosro

    Southeastern Iran

    Built around a century ago to accommodate the priest of the nearby (and still active) Zoroastrian temple, this delightfully quirky place has two spacious…

  • Parvin Homestay

    Southeastern Iran

    This ultra-simple, 40-year-old adobe house has just two thick-walled rooms, one adorned with embroidery on old rice sacks and the other with decor…

  • Vesal Homestay

    Iran

    Young Ali Vesali has turned a traditional Roein house into a delightful, bargain-value getaway: three carpeted rooms and an indoor bathroom form a self…

  • Vali’s Non-Smoking Homestay

    Mashhad

    Eccentric, endlessly enthusiastic Vali is a hospitable (if full-on), English-speaking carpet merchant/guide offering a six-bed mixed dorm and double…

  • Mrs Fattahi’s House

    Qeshm Island

    This pleasing homestay is in Shibderaz village, a short stroll from the beach where turtles lay their eggs between April and July. Bedding is laid out in…

  • Village Zafaraniyeh Ecolodge

    Iran

    Three comfortable sleep-on-the-floor rooms (sharing a decent indoor bathroom) form a sweet little lodge run by the village council as a self-help…

  • Ghasr Talaee International

    Mashhad

    A gigantic chandelier, tinkling piano music and suavely personable, English-speaking staff welcome guests into this lush five-star hotel with 650 rooms…

  • Ferdowsi International Grand Hotel

    Tehran

    This is the only international-standard hotel within an easy walk of the museums, Golestan Palace and bazaar, and as such is popular with tour groups. The…

  • Sepehr Apartment Hotel

    Tehran

    In a peaceful north Tehran neighbourhood that's a short walk from the metro or Valiasr Ave, the Sepehr is a stylish hotel made up of good-quality self…

  • Radkan Arg Ecolodge

    Iran

    With 12 sleep-on-floor rooms (two of them en suite) ranged round a central well and fountain pool, Arg Ecolodge is one of Khorasan's most delightful rural…

  • Kashkiloo Lodge

    Southeastern Iran

    By far the most comfortable logings in the Kaluts region, Kashkiloo is a very professional six-room mini hotel combining stylishly modernised traditional…

  • Damghan Tourist Hotel

    Iran

    With multi-domed roofs, this cosy, well-appointed hotel is designed to faintly resemble a caravanserai. It offers full midrange facilities, wi-fi and a…

  • Mr Amini’s House

    Qeshm Island

    Esmael Amini and his family welcome travellers into their attractive home in Tabl near the Harra Sea Forest and are great hosts. Bedding is laid out on…

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