Persian Gulf - Iran - page 418

Swimming
Kish is one of the very few places in Iran where swimming is actively encouraged. There
are sandy, uncrowded beaches around most of the coast, but women must use the Ladies'
Beach behind the Kish Free Trade Organization Building; there's also a women's swim-
ming pool in Karaneh St behind the Goldis hotel. The official Gentlemen's Beach and
Beach Volleyball Sports Complex is near Twins Park, though in reality men can swim
anywhere other than at the Ladies' Beach. The men's swimming pool is in the Olympic
Sport Complex.

Sleeping
There is a huge array of hotels and holiday apartments to choose from on Kish. Prices are
significantly higher than elsewhere in Iran, though still reasonable by Western standards,
but can vary wildly by season; whatever you do, avoid visiting during No Ruz, when rates
skyrocket. At nonpeak times the hotel desk at the airport offers good midrange deals.
Airport or port transfers are included in most midrange and top-end accommodation
packages, and many of the hotels offer their guests discounts at in-house restaurants.
The only budget beds on the island are in the hostels packed full of migrant workers
from the UAE who are in Kish renewing their visas; the Farabi is the best of these.

HOTEL

Shayan Hotel$$
( 442 2771; [e-mail]; Sahel Sq; d/tr US$134/161; ) 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 architecture, perspex furniture and sprayed
concrete detailing are certainly retro cool. Rooms, most with balcony, are comfortable and
have excellent bathrooms. When we last visited, a new annexe was being built - let's hope
that the new rooms are endowed with the same generous sizing and funky decor. The res-
taurant here is also good (meals US$7 to US$18) and staff members are extremely help-
ful, although with limited English skills.

Farabi Hotel$
( 445 5746; Sanaee Sq; [e-mail]; dm incl breakfast US$12; )
This sprawling place is operated by Kish Airlines, which has its office next door. Female
dorms sleep seven, male dorms sleep five; all are clean, have satellite TV and a bathroom.
There's free wi-fi in the coffee shop. It's always packed, so book ahead.

HOSTEL