Persian Gulf - Iran - page 428

( 334 2201-5; http://hormozhotel.com/en ; Enqelab Sq; s/d/ste US$95/150/280;
) This hulk near the sports stadium has the reputation as being Bandar's best
hotel, but we're not convinced. Rooms are comfortable but worn, service is desultory, the
location isn't great and the restaurants are overpriced. No discounts in the low season,
either.

Bolvar Inn$
( 222 2625; Abuzar St; r without bathroom US$17; ) The wheeze of old air-con
units greets guests when they enter the central courtyard of this ultrabasic place. Rooms
are clean, but the beds are dreadfully uncomfortable and the shared bathroom facilities are
inadequate (a couple of squat toilets and only one shower). No breakfast and no English
spoken.

HOTEL

Eating
Fast food and kababis (kabab shops) can be found on Imam Khomeini St around Abuzar
Sq, along the waterfront and on Sayyadan St west of the centre. For an upmarket meal,
head to the Hormoz Hotel.

Strawberry Restaurant$$
(Sayyadan St; meals US$6-12; noon-8pm Sat-Thu) Seafood is the main event here,
which is appropriate considering the restaurant's location close to Bandar's bustling fish
market. The sleek modern interior is always full of locals, who are particularly enamoured
of the fried fish with a slightly spicy dipping sauce.

TRADITIONAL IRANIAN

Fast Food Kavooki$
(next to 15 Moj Alley, Taleghani Blvd; meals US$8; 5.30-11pm) A great location on
the seaside promenade and offerings that are a cut above the competition make this wildly
popular place worth a visit. The hamburgers and fried chicken are tasty and the fries are
hot (something that can't be said about most Iranian fast-food joints). Eat inside the
castlelike building or claim a table on the outdoor terrace, which overlooks the sea.

FAST FOOD

Information
The arcade in the Setareh-e Jonub Shopping Centre on Taleqani Blvd has several coffeen-
ets (internet cafes).