Must-see hotels in Middle East

  • 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…

  • Feynan Ecolodge

    Dana

    Owned by the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature, this unique ecolodge – frequently rated one of the world's best – is accessible on foot from…

  • Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa

    Northern Coast

    This resort complex comprises three kasbah-style hotels set around a beautiful shared beach and landscaped gardens. Al Waha Hotel is easygoing, family…

  • Alila Jabal Akhdar Oman

    Jebel Akhdar

    This is one gorgeous hotel. Overlooking a dramatic rift in the mountain floor, the 86 luxury rooms of this refined hotel command views of the 2000m desert…

  • American Colony Hotel

    East Jerusalem

    East Jerusalem's VIP choice is this luxurious complex based around a mid-19th-century building. The American Colony Hotel retains much of its historic…

  • 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…

  • Walled Off Hotel

    Bethlehem

    For 10 years British street artist Banksy has been stencilling his work on and around the wall that separates Bethlehem from Jerusalem. Now he's opened a…

  • 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…

  • Mövenpick Hotel

    Wadi Musa

    This beautifully crafted Arabian-style hotel, 100m from the entrance to Petra, is worth a visit simply to admire the inlaid furniture, marble fountains,…

  • Lishansky Since 1936

    Upper Galilee & Golan

    Built in the Bauhaus style in 1936 by the family of a famous WWI spy, this place retains its original architecture, interior design and furnishings. The…

  • 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…

  • Villa Carmel

    Haifa

    Gramophones and antiques set the nostalgic tone of this one-of-a-kind hotel. Rooms feature a tasteful mix of original art, dangling clocks, fleur-de-lis…

  • Shkedi’s Camplodge

    Dead Sea

    A wonderful place to linger for a couple of days, this desert retreat is especially enchanting at night, when owner Gil Shkedi and his guests hang out…

  • Fauzi Azar Inn

    Nazareth

    Hidden away in a gorgeous, two-century-old stone house in the Old City, this place has oodles of charm – and so do the staff. The 14 rooms are simple but…

  • Dana Guest House

    Dana

    With panoramic views across the reserve, a roaring fire in winter and enthusiastic park rangers, this ecolodge is run by the Royal Society for the…

  • Villa Tehila

    Upper Galilee & Golan

    At this fabulous B&B, 19th-century stone courtyards shelter bubbling fountains, glittering fairy lights, stained glass and a veritable menagerie – llamas…

  • 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…

  • Al Bustan Palace

    Muscat

    Set in a desert oasis on a secluded bay ringed by rugged mountains, this sumptuous hotel was built as a venue for the Gulf Cooperation Council summit in…

  • Al Sahel Villa Resort

    United Arab Emirates

    Offering laid-back luxury with gazelles and peacocks grazing on the lawn out front, Al Sahel resort sits on the island's west, surrounded by the scrubland…

  • 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…

  • Nizwa Heritage Inn

    Nizwa

    Comprising four, newly converted old townhouses, this characterful hotel (booked by email) is located immediately behind the souq and is helping to save…

  • Kempinski Amman

    Amman

    By some way Amman’s most chic and sophisticated accommodation option, this European-styled hotel is right at home in Shmeisani with immaculate rooms,…

  • Beit Al Baraka

    Umm Qais

    This friendly, charming B&B offers simple rooms sharing two bathrooms (with some nice toiletries). The roof terrace has great views over the hills, but…

  • Mövenpick Tala Bay

    Jordan

    This large resort feels like a small village with its landscaped grounds and many accommodation blocks all painted in dark chocolate shades. Rooms and…

  • Al Baleed Resort

    Salalah

    Wedged between beach and bird-filled lagoon, this beautiful spa resort is a study in refined elegance and landscaped luxury. A series of arches leads to a…

  • Al Ayoun Homestays

    Jordan

    The Al Ayoun Society is a local community-tourism initiative that can arrange homestays in the lovely rural village of Orjan near Ajloun, where a stream,…

  • Hosh Al Syrian Guesthouse

    Bethlehem

    Every now and then a hotel comes along and raises the game, and Fadi Kattan's beautiful Hosh Al Syrian Guesthouse has done just that. Tucked away in the…

  • 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…

  • Kempinski Hotel

    Aqaba

    Lavish, multilayered swimming pools, six restaurants and bars (including the renowned Fish Inn and Black Pearl) and a spa make this super-luxury hotel…

  • Azraq Lodge

    Jordan

    This former British 1940s military hospital in south Azraq has been atmospherically renovated by the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN)…

  • Abraham Hostel

    Jerusalem

    Lively Abraham Hostel has earned its popularity. Its friendly crew easily covers traveller essentials – 24-hour reception, laundry (12NIS), shared kitchen…

  • Dunes by Al Nahda

    Oman

    Many residents of Muscat are unaware that there are sand dunes just 45 minutes west of the capital, and this luxury camp has made the best of their hidden…

  • Bait Ali Lodge

    Wadi Rum

    If you want to stay in the desert but are not wild about roughing it, Bait Ali is a recommended compromise. Tucked behind a hill, with a fine view of the…

  • Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa

    Dubai

    It may only be 65km southeast of Dubai, but Al Maha feels like an entirely different universe. Gone are the skyscrapers, traffic and go-go attitude. At…

  • Ritz Carlton Abu Dhabi Grand Canal

    Sheikh Zayed Mosque Area

    This mammoth hotel, with one of the biggest pools we've seen in the UAE, a slice of private beach and rooms which come with big balconies and marble-clad…

  • Banana Island Resort

    Doha

    Choose from a number of uber-luxury rooms at this excellent private island retreat, including sea-view rooms, junior suites or private villas on stilts…

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