Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Mosaferkhanehs & Mehmanpazirs
Iran's most basic accommodation is in male-dominated mosaferkhanehs (literally 'travel-
lers' houses'), a dorm or basic hotel, and similar mehmanpazirs . Standards in these places
vary but expect shared bathrooms, squat toilets and no spoken English. Some bottom- end
places won't even have a communal shower. Prices start at around US$6 per bed in a
noisy, grotty, male-only dorm. Simple, private rooms, perhaps with a sink, start at about
twice that. Pack a towel, toilet paper and sleep sheet, as bedding can sometimes be semi-
clean and/or stained.
In a growing number of cities some mosaferkhanehs are not allowed to accept foreign-
ers, or require written permission from the police. That's easy to organise through a
10-minute visit to the local Amaken - an arm of the police - assuming you arrive in busi-
ness hours.
Hotels
BUDGET
Basic one- and two-star hotels, noted in this guide as 'budget hotels', normally have an at-
tached bathroom with at least a hot shower, plus air-con, heating, TV (Iranian channels),
fridge and maybe a phone. Prices start at about US$12/18 for a single/double and go up to
about US$35/45. Double beds are rare, breakfast will often cost extra, and cleanliness can
be questionable - don't be afraid to ask for fresh sheets.
THE SEASONAL SWING
There are two clear tourist seasons in Iran. Low season starts in October and continues through winter until shortly
before No Ruz (Iranian New Year, on 21 March) and the beginning of spring. From a few days before No Ruz, ho-
tels in popular holiday destinations, such as Kish Island, Esfahan, the Caspian Sea coast, Shiraz and Yazd, are
packed, and prices are at their highest.
No Ruz marks the beginning of daylight saving, longer opening hours and annual government-approved price in-
creases across the economy, including hotels. After the 13-day holiday period is over you'll find room prices usually
rise by about 20% from the winter (low season) rate, and stay that way until October, when they fall back a bit or
can be (slightly) more easily haggled down. The whole cycle then begins again next No Ruz. There are a few excep-
tions. In summer prices along the Caspian Sea coast can skyrocket, while in hot places like Yazd and Kerman prices
can fall with demand.
Search WWH ::




Custom Search