Must-see hotels in Middle East
Jerusalem
Close to Jaffa Gate, this Arab-run hostel opposite the Tower of David is a love-or-loathe place – it depends on whether you value friendliness and…
Qatar
Given Qatar's picturesque northeastern coastline, it’s surprising there aren't more resorts on it. This one could be beautiful, but it needs a big…
Iran
On the ring road out of the centre, the Amir's better upstairs rooms were being rebuilt when we visited and will likely be en suite and more expensive…
North Coast
If you’re feeling bold, stay the night in one of the rough-hewn rooms within the self-proclaimed micronation of Akhzivland. Lodgings are simple, but you…
Jerusalem
While the New Petra's former patrons include Mark Twain, antiquated charm counts for little when you're faced with hot, stuffy and grubby rooms and dorms…
Iran
Run buy 'Mr Honesty', this bare-bones mosaferkhaneh has changed little in 40 years. Expect a shared squat toilet, ill-fitting carpets, '80s-style blinds…
Bethlehem
The closest you’ll get to sleeping in the manger itself, this perennially popular place offers reasonable rooms and a buzzing atmosphere, particularly…
Tel Aviv
Though it has dated decor, the Embassy's location – directly opposite the beach – means that this small hotel will please summer style-meisters whose…
Tel Aviv
If self-catering is your thing, then Ben Yehuda Apartments is a safe bet. Set in two large buildings (one red, one grey) it offers a range of different…
Iran
Somewhat bleak accommodation is on offer amid trees on the slight rise that directly overlooks the access stairway to Alamut Castle. The ‘rooms’ share a…
Tel Aviv
On first view, the less-than-picturesque district this hostel is located in can be off-putting. However, it doesn't take backpackers long to appreciate…
Southeastern Iran
Some 2.4km north of the bazaar, local guide Jalal Mehdizadeh rents rooms in a suburban home when there's no room left at the co-owned Khane Pedari…
Southeastern Iran
If you want to stay near Meymand but need a room with en suite facilities, this rather tired place in central Shahr-e Babak is the closest you'll find.
Tel Aviv
Just a stone’s throw from Old Jaffa, the entrance to this basic but friendly hostel can be found at the side of an old restored stone building on Salame…
Iran
Somewhat inconveniently located, this passable hotel has front-facing en suite twins with central air-con that suffer somewhat from road noise and have…
Southeastern Iran
The box rooms are a little tatty, with rusty fittings and peeling paint, and the shared squat toilets don't necessarily have flush mechanisms, but it's…
Esfahan
This hotel looks as though it should be better than it is with half the 35 rooms sporting balconies overlooking the Si-o-Seh Pol and offering satellite TV…
Iran
Esfarayen's once-impressive hotel comprises mostly huge suites that appear to have been indulgently luxurious when built – but maintenance seems to have…
Al Wusta
Smelling of disinfectant and marooned in the middle of a no man's land now that the new highway has taken a slightly different course, this fort-like…
Tel Aviv
The beachside location is the only reason to stay at this rather rundown hostel opposite Jerusalem Beach. It has an array of dorms and rooms – some with…
Shiraz
Located on noisy Zand Blvd over Haji Baba Restaurant, the budget prices of this basic hotel make it worth a mention. Most rooms have kitchenettes, hard…
Tel Aviv
Just two blocks from the beach, this yellow-and-blue painted hostel has decent facilities including a communal kitchen, rooftop terrace and lounge with…
West Bank
The high-end option in Jenin, North Gate has a pool and clean modern rooms, but its location, a 20-minute walk from the Old City and amidst half a dozen…
Madaba
This once-popular travellers' haunt has seen better days. The rooms are extremely basic, but they're clean, and two have balconies onto the street – fun…
Doha
With an excellent location close to Souq Waqif, this basic (and shabby round the edges) hotel has mirrored ceilings in the corridors and large rooms with…
North Coast
The 200-room Carlton has a clinical feel but the basics are all there: rooms are pretty clean and feature coffee-making stations and safety deposit boxes,…
Jerusalem
Worth considering at a pinch, the Armenian Guesthouse has unembellished though fairly spacious rooms. There's no garden and no atmospheric common areas …
Iran
Other than its central location almost opposite the town's main sight, the Sheikh Safi tomb, the once grand Sabalan hasn't got a lot to offer. The small,…
Kuwait City
Rooms are musty, and the decor is long overdue a makeover, but you can't argue with the price. Most rooms come with a marble-topped kitchenette, balcony…
Aqaba
Near the fort, this budget option is long past its best. Most rooms have sea views, though the faded furnishings and dodgy decor won’t be to everyone’s…
Iran
Bojnurd's cheapest option for en suite rooms is mostly aimed at army folk; rooms are mostly windowless and a little ragged.
Esfahan
The best part of this dingy hotel is the poster of Niasar waterfall in the otherwise miserable foyer. It’s listed here, however, as it is one of the few…
