Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Hotel Pars Mashhad$$$
( 868 9201; fax 868 9200; Vakilabad Blvd; d/ste US$150/281; )
The main
draw of this sprawling, upmarket complex is the full-sized swimming pool (open Sunday
to Friday, women 8am to 1pm, men 3.30pm to 10pm), so avoid Saturdays when it's
closed. The location, some 8km west of the centre, is awful for the Holy Shrine but com-
paratively handy for visiting Kang.
LUXURY HOTEL
Eating
There are plenty of cheap eateries in the lanes off Imam Reza St and pleasant stream-side
restaurants can be found on rural roads around Torqabeh, Shandiz and Zoshk. Upmarket,
traditional dining options are limited because most visitors eat production-line hotel din-
ners provided as part of their tour package.
TEAHOUSE
Hezardestan Traditional Teahouse$$
( 222 2943; Jannat Mall; meals US$7-18; lunch & dinner)
Hezardestan is one of
Iran's most beautiful teahouse-restaurants. Carpets, samovars, antique qalyans, cushions
and wooden benches are surrounded by walls adorned with scenes from Ferdosi's
Shahnamah
. There's live music most nights, the manager speaks fluent English and the
food is pretty good including vegetarian possibilities. Just be prepared for hefty 'service'
and 'tea' charges that can double the bill.
Hafez Restaurant$$
( 754 0768; Imam Khomeini St; meals US$5-7; 11.30am-3pm & dusk-10pm Sat-
Thu)
With attractive wrought iron and copper-work, this newly decorated high-ceilinged
eatery is a fine choice in the consulate area. For a taste of Central Asia, try the
chelo est-
anboli
(US$2), virtually identical to
plov
(an archetypal if fatty Uzbek lamb-and-rice
dish).
TRADITIONAL IRANIAN
TRADITIONAL IRANIAN
Jahan Hotel Restaurant$
( 225 0085; top fl, Jahan Hotel, Hozeino Alley; meals US$3-6; 12.30-2.30pm &
7.30-9.30pm)
Kababs, schnitzels or trout (US$4) come with truly phenomenal views
across the Haram, making lunchtime dining here a must. Enter via the hotel, easily missed
beneath a Bank Mellat sign. Don't be late!
Vitamin Sara$
SWEETS
