Eastern Province
Housed in a beautiful historic building that shares architectural features with the nearby royal school, Al Koot's comfortable rooms are tastefully…
Must-see hotels in Middle East
Tel Aviv
Ofra Zimbalista's sculpture of choral singers on the exterior is but one of many whimsical features at this exemplary boutique hotel. Predating Tel Aviv's…
Akko
With the same proprietor as world-famous Uri Buri restaurant, it's no surprise this boutique hotel is the ultimate in Ottoman luxury. The Efendi inhabits…
Upper Galilee & Golan
Perched on a terraced hillside, these 14 wooden units come with a balcony or yard, spa bath, fully equipped kitchen and cable internet (rather than…
Ramallah
Area D is one of only a handful of international standard hostels in the West Bank and by far the best for visitors to Ramallah. Its spotless dorms and…
United Arab Emirates
This is easygoing luxury, from the soaring foyer, with a striking net-sculpture (nodding to Ajman's fishing heritage) hung from the dome, to the rooms,…
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…
Jerusalem
This 23-room hotel within a romantic 19th-century sandstone building occupies a placid spot on a residential street in the German Colony. Standard rooms…
Tiberias
Moshav Arbel is just 8km northwest of central Tiberias, but this tranquil B&B feels a world away when you’re lazing in a hammock by the 12.5m pool or…
Marina Breakwater
Now, that's a view. The Grand Hyatt swaggered onto the Abu Dhabi hotel scene in 2018, and its rooms, all with floor-to-ceiling glass doors and wrap-around…
Lower Galilee
Perched on a hilltop with clear-day views of Mt Carmel, Mt Hermon and the mountains of Gilead in Jordan, this welcoming guesthouse has both traditional…
Dead Sea Highway
Wild Jordan operates 15 stylish and modern en-suite chalets overlooking the Dead Sea. You need to book in advance, either by calling the chalet manager…
Jerusalem
On the 3rd floor of an old post office is this airy and well-run hostel. Bold red and navy decor and postal-themed murals pay homage to the building's…
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…
Deira
The mile-long driveway through a lush date-palm grove is the first hint that the Park Hyatt is no ordinary hotel – an impression quickly confirmed the…
Tyre
Beautiful tiles and comfortable mattresses give both style and substance to the excellent rooms at this enchanting hotel overlooking the water in the…
Bur Dubai
This riad-style boutique hotel occupies a century-old wind-tower house smack dab in the Al Fahidi Historic District, off Al Fahidi St. Its 15 compact…
Golan Heights
This is what a hostel is supposed to be. Amenities include great chill-out spaces for socialising, a spacious kitchen, a library of English books, laundry…
Al Zahiyah & Al Maryah Island
From Glo, its rooftop pool-bar, at the tip to snug wine-haunt La Cava secreted in its toe, the Rosewood is one sophisticated customer. Rooms exude…
Beirut
It's not often a hardened hotel reviewer catches their breath on entering a room, but that's what we did here with the sheer scope of the glorious wrap…
Bahrain
When the sun sets on the cascading pools of the inner courtyards, a wonderful calm descends on this slice of luxury in Bahrain's southern desert, where…
Doha
Occupying a prime position at the edge of the Corniche overlooking the Gulf, the Four Seasons has a regal feel. Rooms are classic (and slightly chintzy)…
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…
Sea of Galilee
Opened in 1889, this 72-room German Catholic guesthouse – geared to Christian pilgrims but open to all – is a tranquil place with glorious gardens, right…
Tel Aviv
Housed in two restored 1920s Bauhaus buildings, the Norman is awash in midcentury opulence and the most royal of Tel Aviv’s boutiques. No detail is…
Oman
The small but modern and stylish rooms of this low-key hotel are arranged in two tiers down a hillside, with views of the sea from each veranda. Deluxe…
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…
The Negev
Midbara offers 13 stylish, comfortable and well-spaced mud cabins scattered along a small wadi planted with fruit trees. All have kitchens, a few have…
Tel Aviv
A truly classy choice, the Montefiore occupies a heritage-listed 1920s villa in a tree-lined street off Allenby St. The 12 elegant rooms have high…
Israel
Within a buttercream-coloured building, this spotless guesthouse is ideally located for road-trippers exploring the Judean Hills: it's just over 30…
Wadi Musa
This hotel has undergone the most remarkable transformation from budget to boutique. The impressive makeover includes blue-lit ceilings, carved wooden…
Al Wusta
Beautifully landscaped, the Crowne Plaza Duqm offers 1st-class amenities. Rooms are large and comfortable and have balconies overlooking the sea. The deck…
Wadi Musa
Guests can’t get closer to the entrance to Petra without sleeping in a tomb – and indeed the hotel’s famous Cave Bar is located in one. Accommodation…
Saudi Arabia
The pick of the hotels near the Prophet's Mosque, Dar Al Taqwa is highly sought after during peak periods, when prices can double, so book well in advance…
Downtown Dubai
City explorers with a romantic streak will be utterly enchanted by this low-lying, luxe lakefront contender with its winning alchemy of old-world class…
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…
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…
Hajar Mountains
This attractive marble-clad hotel once hosted members of the royal family. Now it has a grand foyer decorated with enormous lanterns, Arabian Nights–style…
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,…
Tripoli
Utterly charming, this rambling, historic dwelling has been repurposed for guests without sacrificing any of its traditional feel. Artfully combined with…
