Must-see hotels in Persian Gulf

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…

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…

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…

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…

The professionally run Atilar is a great place to drop anchor in the centre. Expect efficient service, spacious rooms, excellent bedding, sparkling…

No language barrier at this quirky venture: it's run by Annelie, from Germany, and her husband, Ali Reza, who both speak fluent English and go to great…

When it opened as the shah’s beachfront casino-hotel in 1973, this was the most glamorous shack on the gulf. It hasn’t changed much, and the angular…

Distinctly unimpressive for the price, this hulk near the seafront isn't quite the five-star heavyweight it thinks it is, but the rooms have the requisite…

This Achaemenid-inspired monument in marble is often described as Iran’s best hotel, though its Vegas-style ostentation won’t please everyone. Rooms are…

Secreted at the end of Haleh Alley, off Imam Khomeini St (and therefore quiet), this discreet number is a solid middle-of-the-road option with efficient…

Opened in early 2017, this impeccably maintained hotel has a flashy lobby and carpeted rooms that are far classier than you usually get for this price in…

Right on an appealing beach (with a women's section) about 15km southwest of Qeshm Town, this low-key but well-kept resort with a family atmosphere is a…

Set back from 17 Shahrivar St behind a car park, the Darya is probably the pick of the town’s budget places. Though they don’t live up to the promise of…

Conveniently located near the centre and the jetty, this old favourite has been given a thorough makeover and now flaunts bright rooms with scrupulously…

An attractive, low-slung building in a quiet area, Jam-e-Jam is one of Kish’s best-value hotels. There’s no great luxury involved and some of the…

This genteel hotel with a boutique feel has an atmosphere and class of its own, partly engendered by the plush interior and top-quality restaurant. Retire…

Overlooking the gulf, this white building is 1.8km west of town down a lonely side road. The clean rooms have sea views and bathrooms with Western toilets…