Iran
A cut above the average travellers' inn, this Pahlavi-era hotel makes an overnight stay in Na'in rather inviting. There are eight split-level suites…
Must-see hotels in Middle East
Saudi Arabia
The Hilton appears to be craning its neck to get a look at the Prophet's Mosque, such is its design. This means some rooms have the view everyone craves,…
Dubai
The striking lobby is an overture to the full symphony of relaxed luxury awaiting in huge, amenity-laden rooms with arabesque design flourishes and a…
Jerusalem
A midrange gem in a pretty residential neighbourhood, Little House's 1929 stone building has plenty of character, and the staff is just as charming…
Mitzpe Ramon
Run mainly by volunteers, this 'creative space' – in a 1000-sq-metre hangar – hosts alternative festivals, events and workshops for up to 600 people and…
Mitzpe Ramon
Run with enthusiasm by keen hikers Lee and Yoash, this home-style hostel on the edge of town, with 24 beds, is the local backpacker hub. There's a tiny…
Tiberias
Built in the 1890s as a hospital, this sumptuously restored complex – still owned by the Church of Scotland – is graced by meticulously tended gardens,…
Upper Galilee & Golan
One of Israel’s most exclusive hotels, this plush hillside establishment is set in 15 hectares of gorgeous gardens, with 97 rooms and suites that are as…
Dubai
Shaped like a giant wave, this family-oriented resort on a 1km-long private beach is tailor-made for active types, with four pools, plenty of water sports…
Dead Sea
The new Hilton opened in 2017 and is an impressive addition to the area. Rooms are expansive, in several discrete blocks, looking down to the swish pool…
Jerusalem
Some large hotels resemble microcities, with enough leisure facilities and dining choices that you never need to leave. The 400-room David Citadel fits…
Iran
You'll never want to leave this exquisitely restored Qajar-era traditional house, right in the centre of the old town opposite the covered bazaar. The…
Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort
Jebel Akhdar
This exclusive address is positioned on the edge of the Jebel Akhdar crescent with eagle-eyed views of the mountain's famous terraces below. Accommodation…
Golan Heights
This mellow 18-bed place – run by super-friendly Alon and Daniel – has a chill-out lounge with bean-bag chairs, a full kitchen for self-caterers, dorm…
Qadisha Valley
If you plan to stay at the Cedars, this ivy-clad Alpine-style hotel is the most comfortable option. On the main street, well-run and with the popular Le…
Bur Dubai
This romantic B&B in a former private home beautifully captures the feeling of Old Dubai. The 11 smallish rooms are entered via heavy wooden doors and…
Jerash
Around 7km from Jerash on the road to Ajloun, this hilltop hotel is situated amid olive groves and pine trees. Refurbished rooms are neat and spacious,…
Upper Galilee & Golan
George Samaan (Saman), an internationally known oud, saz and violin player (you can see him on YouTube), and his wife Eva offer guests a warm, musical…
Yazd
This restored caravanserai attracts large crowds of travellers from around the country, congregating over chay from the samovar in the canvas-covered…
United Arab Emirates
With barasti (palm-leaf) detailing and private terraces opening onto the sand (many with private plunge-pool), this cluster of villas overlooking the sea…
Shiraz
This attractive hotel, run by an enterprising family who has renovated the surrounding lanes over the past five years, is located in a traditional house…
Wadi Rum
Wedged into a secluded bend of the rocks, well away from the other Diseh camps, this is a great establishment. Two professional chefs rustle up…
Bur Dubai
Opposite the Dubai Museum, this hotel is an excellent hub for city explorers. The Arabian theme extends from the turbaned lobby staff to the design…
Sea of Galilee
Israel's smallest kibbutz (just five families) runs a delightful hillside guesthouse, part of the ILH network, where hammocks swing amid tranquil,…
Sharqiya Sands
This pretty camp has stolen the march on its flashy neighbour, the Desert Nights Camp, by offering a welcoming, traveller-friendly service. Providing just…
Doha
An enormous metal oryx welcomes visitors to the St Regis, a hotel with fantastic eating establishments (including an indoor and outdoor weekend brunch in…
Downtown Dubai
Middle Eastern meets mid-century modern at this lifestyle hotel that draws global hipsters with high-tech touches, design cachet and thoughtful services…
Manama
This classy, low-slung place close to the heart of uber-cool Adliya is an excellent choice. Its four-star rooms are large, contemporary in style and…
Beirut
Helpful multilingual host Samir has done a great job of maintaining the essence of this characterful old house that's very handy for the boutiques and…
Amman
Straddling the boundary between midrange and top-end in terms of facilities if not price, is this smart hotel with large contemporary paintings making a…
Yazd
Two minutes’ walk from the Masjed-e Jameh, the Silk Road’s traditional courtyard setting, delicious Indian-style food and sociable atmosphere attracts a…
Muscat
An excellent hotel in terms of service and amenities, the affectionately known 'InterCon' is so close to the Opera House you can virtually hear the…
Amman
The Le Meridien is undoubtedly grand and stylish. While it primarily targets business travellers, the hotel is considerably more affordable than the…
Jordan
At the time of research, this small guesthouse overlooking the Pella site was due to open in late 2017. The property was once owned by artist-architect…
Manama
With distinctive style and character rare in international hotels, the Novotel is built like a qasr (castle) around elegant central courtyards and is…
Oman
While the grand staircase, marble lobby and five-star amenities (landscaped pools, rooftop bar and fine dining) are familiar prerequisites of most luxury…
Akko
Looking more like part of the old city walls than a modern hostel, this 76-room IYHA hostel runs like clockwork. The clean dorm and private rooms feel…
Yazd
Rooms at this 200-year-old mansion opposite the Amir Chakhmaq Mosque Complex are set around two large courtyards and retain their aged charm with stained…
Northern Coast
This attractively landscaped resort, tucked into a shallow sandy lagoon, offers rustic huts with private open-air showers and sea-view porches. You can…
Muscat
This hotel is pure kitsch. Allegedly designed by a Yemeni prince, the exterior owes much to Disney, while its stained-glass and marble interior is a cross…
