For some travelers, the best part of Iran traveling is tasting the cultural elements of the destinations; something like Iran historical hotels or traditional houses, the delicious local cuisine, staying with the locals to learn more about the culture, or simply spending a few nights in a place brimming with history and old stories. If you are one of those people, carry on reading.
With an increase in tourism in Iran, many of the historical mansions and houses have been turned into cute boutiques and historical hotels, offering visitors the chance to spend the night immersed in history.
As one of the world’s civilization origins, Iran is full of stories and ancient traditions. Located in the middle of the historic Silk Road, Iran and its people have always had to cater to the needs of weary travelers, so buildings were erected to accommodate the visitors. What follows is a shortlist of top historical hotels in Iran and lodging facilities.
Darb-e Shazdeh Boutique Hotel, Shiraz
Darb-e shazdeh Hotel is a boutique hotel, dates back to the Qajar Era in the heart of the Zand Royal District of Shiraz. Darb-e shazdeh Hotel is a relaxing and stylish city sanctuary that reflects Shiraz’s rich cultural heritage while demonstrating a seasoned eye for contemporary art and design.
Qajar in style, the hotel is composed of nine rooms, each different in style and mood, with high ceiling and hand-painted tiles and paintings on the ceiling, plenty of natural light, overlooking both mountain and interior courtyard which is essentially the heart of the hotel and a refuge from the afternoon sun. Rooms and suites include Mirror room (double), Houz Khane (1double +1extra bed), Shazde double garden (1double), Shazdeh Koochik (1 double), Shazde double Balakhaneh (1double), Owrssi Suite (1 double+2 single), Pahlavi room (1double+1 single), Haftdari (2 double) and Panjdari (1double+ 1single).
House Of Elephent, Shiraz
The Elephant Boutique hotel, with its 260-year antiquity located in the center of the historical, cultural, and artistic city of Shiraz. The house gets back to the 19th century and registered in cultural heritage. It’s quite clear that the creator of the house has paid special attention to all the details of design and comfort. However, all parts of the house have been renovated to become a magnificent symbol of the area again.
The house consists of 10 furnished rooms decorated with handcrafted furniture, antiques, hand-woven Persian carpets, & original paintings, also equipped with queen or king-size beds, an enchanting bathtub, minibar, complimentary Wi-Fi and it has provided a memorable experience for the guests.
Bekhradi’s Historical House, Isfahan
The Bekhradi’s Historical House is the only 17th century Safavid historical house that has been restored and used as a traditional hotel. The house is comprised of two constructions. One of the buildings, with the style of the Qajar era (1789-1925), and another one with Safavid architectural construction. Hence, Bekhradi’s Historical House is a manifestation of the magnificent architecture of the two historical periods; Safavid and Qajar.
The Bekhradi’s Historical House, which was restored from 2017 to 2019, is registered on the Iran National Heritage List. The house is located in Sonbolestan, one of the oldest neighborhoods in northeast Isfahan.
Kianpour Historical House, Isfahan
Some traditional houses in Isfahan are so rich in Iranian architecture and culture that they are tourist destinations by themselves. Kianpour Historical House is one of these places, which is a 4-star hotel that date back to the Qajar era (1789- 1925). The renovated rooms with traditional decoration and modern facilities provide a comfortable space to stay and make an unforgettable trip to Iran. During the restoration, to preserve the originality of the building, experts used the original materials like wood, glass, and colors.
Kianpour’s historical house consists of six suites, each of which reflects the history, art, and architecture of the Qajar and the Pahlavi era (1925–1979), and its southern room and eastern rooms have more of Qajari spirit. As we look at western rooms, Pahlavi’s architectural style dominates in comparison to Qajari one. The hotel’s suites names are Faraghatkhaneh (Double/Twin), Vosaq (Double/Twin), Konj (Twin), Khabestan (Imperial Suite), Khabkhaneh (Imperial Suite), and Khoftanja (Deluxe Suite).
Moshir al-Mamalek Garden Hotel, Yazd
Moshir al-Mamalek Garden Hotel located at the entrance of Yazd city is one of the best 4-star hotels in the city. Originally a residential mansion, Mozaffar ad-Din Shah Qajar (1896-1907) ordered its construction and built by Moshir al-Mamalek, an influential figure at the time. Mesmerizes you with its traditional elegance, this hotel is on Iran National Heritage List.
Rooms are situated on both sides of the breathy garden. There are all types of rooms for everyone. Besides single, double, triple, and quadruple rooms, there are connected suites for those who travel with their families. We can name the following facilities for all rooms like free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, safety box, refrigerator, minibar, and flat-screen TV. So while you can have access to all kinds of facilities, still you feel like walking through a part of history.
Manouchehri House, Kashan – Iran historical hotels
With its unique architecture, Manouchehri Hotel is a tourist destination itself. The boutique hotel is situated in Kashan’s historical neighborhood (Mohtasham). The architecture of the hotel originates in the Safavid era (1501- 1736). It was rebuilt with the highest standards of historic preservation and is equipped with the latest modern amenities.
This complex consists of two buildings and 20 rooms and suites, single to six bedrooms, on the three floors: ground floor, basement, and upstairs. Big private guest rooms have unique architecture and stained-glass windows (orsi) that steer the light of the sun. Three sides of these rooms face a pleasant courtyard with a reflecting pool and garden of local fruits.
All of the rooms overlook the central courtyard with a view of the garden and waterfall. Delicate stuccowork, decorative mirrors, stained glass, and Khatai brick flooring remind the house’s former beauty.
Saraye Ameriha Boutique Hotel, Kashan – Iran historical hotels
Some of the historical houses in Kashan are precious in architecture, and manifest culture and art of a different era. These houses themselves are a tourist attraction due to their architectural masterpiece. One of these houses is Saraye Ameriha Boutique Hotel. This is the visualization of Iran’s history and past. The Ameriha is one of the largest and most magnificent historical buildings in Kashan, which was launched as a five-star hotel in June 2014 after the restoration. The unique architecture of this amazing building dates back to the Zand dynasty (1751– 1794).
The historic house boasts of the highest Badgir (wind catchers) in Kashan and its cheerful courtyards and luxurious spaces and rich decorations of the house. The hotel has 38 luxury rooms and suites fitted with original Iranian culture in three categories named Presidential, Royals, and Suites.
The rooms are spacious units with beautiful designs and carved ceilings, mirror decoration, plastering, and painting of walls, with a glimpse of the bygone era and equipped with exquisite carpets, comfortable furniture,24-room service, air conditioning, LCD televisions, private bathrooms, and toiletries in the bathroom.
Shahbaz Traditional Hotel, Kerman – Iran historical hotels
Shahbaz Traditional Hotel was founded in 2019 in the heart of Kerman city. Originally a traditional Iranian style house, it provides a cozy atmosphere with local features while offering modern facilities.
The premise consists of five rooms with different capacities. All rooms have en-suite bathrooms, Wi-Fi, cooling and heating system, and housekeeping services. Roofless parking is available for those traveling by automobile.
Breakfast is served in the house’s garden. There is also a teahouse with a traditional setting in the garden. Guests can order traditional sweets and witness their cooking process of sweets specific to this city. Homemade and local meals are prepared by request.
Razzaz House (Arian Hostel), Tehran – Iran historical hotels
Razzaz traditional house named after one of the ancient heroes during Pahlavi and Qajar era and it is one of the aristocratic houses of Qajar period, located at the heart of the city in Tehran. The house was renovated in 2016 and started to work as a first traditional house in Tehran.
As mentioned, it is one of the old aristocratic houses that indicate the original Iranian architecture. In fact, the guests will see all the pure and old culture of Tehran because the house has Shahneshin, Ab Anbar, Zaviyeh Room, Howz Khaneh, Matbakh (Kitchen) and Khazineh (traditional Bath).
