Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
neighbourhood 2km southeast of the shrine. Note that during religious festivals and on
Fridays Qom is packed - be sure to book ahead.
HOTEL
Qom International Hotel$$
( 783 1881;
www.qomhotel.com
;
Helal Ahmar St; s/d/tr US$55/95/125; )
The
best sleeping option in town is located just around the corner from Astane Sq. It offers
large and comfortable rooms, wi-fi in the lobby and a 15% discount if you stay midweek.
Etminan Hotel$
( 660 9640, 0912 251 1127; cnr 7th Alley & Imam Musa Sadr Blvd; d US$27; )
Some of the small but functional rooms offer fine views of the holy shrine, and double-
glazing keeps most of the noise out. There's a kitchen, and everything is very clean. It has
squat toilets and no English is spoken.
HOTEL
Olympic Hotel$$
( 783 1881; info@hotelolympic.ir; Mo'allem St; s/d/tr US$50/90/100; )
This rel-
atively new four-star hotel 2km southeast of the shrine is the sleeping option of choice for
visiting dignitaries and has a tendency to turn foreigners away if important clerics are
staying. Rooms are well set up and there's a restaurant and coffee shop in the foyer.
HOTEL
HOTEL
Negin Hotel$
( 663 0246, 0912 151 8575; neginhotel2006@yahoo.com; 7th Alley; s/d US$12/24;
)
Another good budget choice, with very similar amenities and service to the Etminan.
Eating
The dining options in Qom are extremely limited. Your best bet is to buy a felafel sand-
wich or a
sambusa
(deep-fried triangle of spicy meat or vegetables in pastry) from one of
the fast-food stands on busy Mar'ashi Najafi St. The best of these is on the corner of the
first alley down from the southwest corner of the shrine. There are a few simple restaur-
ants serving roast chicken along this street, too.
To source picnic supplies, head to the produce market located in the arc-shaped MH
Mirjafari Alley, opposite the shrine.
