The Abbasi Hotel

 

The caravanserai and the mosque as they were 4 or 5 centuries ago.

 

An old caravanserai in the centre of Esfahan : the Abbasi Hotel
Have you ever imagined what it would be like to stay in an old caravanserai ? The caravans of ancient times, looking for respite from the harsh conditions of the desert would stop for water and rest in these "motels" of many centuries ago. After nearly 2 weeks of camping and driving through Southern Iran, this is what was expecting us in the city of Esfahan. 

 

A view of the inner courtyard of the caravanserai as night falls and the Muezzin calls Muslims to prayer

 
The caravanserai was built some 300 years ago under the rule of Shah Sultan Hossein, the last king of the so-called safavid dynasty. In the 1960's, in a state of ruin, it was purchased by the Iran Insurance Company that totally restored this old hotel. Today, it is a haven of peace right in the centre of Esfahan. This is where we were meant to stay with Kathleen's parents during their intended visit to Iran. Without the advantage of being a paying customer, we approached the management of the Abbasi Hotel that, in typical Iranian hospitality, generously accepted to welcome us during our stay in Esfahan.

 

Mr. Foroughi, the holder of all the keys to the caravanserai !

 
The Abbasi Hotel has 227 well-equipped rooms. The most interesting ones are of course those that are located within the walls of the old caravanserai. The rooms overlooking the lush courtyard might make you want to stay on your terrace all day just to watch the sun illuminate this stunning space. The more sophisticated suites cannot compare with any hotel rooms or suites we have ever seen. They are dreamy places with decorated vaults, painted walls. The style is old but, unlike some historic hotels we have stayed in before, the decoration is fresh. 

 

The Safavid and Qagar suites are the most amazing of all rooms in the Abbasi Hotel

 
With the windows open on the courtyard, the atmosphere is rich with sounds and smells of the garden as well as of the city - guests drinking tea and gently smoking "hubble-bubble" pipes around the courtyard's many fountains. "Allah akbar" or Allah is great, being sung by the Muezzin from the top of Esfahan's many minarets to call believers to prayer.

 

 
The Abbasi Hotel also boasts the most stunning restaurant in Iran and all the amenities you might expect from a 5-star hotel. Several restaurants and teahouses, an indoor pool (with swimming hours for men and swimming hours for women), a gym, meeting and conference halls with a capacity of up to 500 (we shook hands with the Iranian Minister of Tourism whilst participating in a conference on tourism !), satellite TV etc.

 

Table at the Ali-Quapou Hall (left), the Abbasi's Chehelsotun Restaurant (centre) and the hotel's teahouse

 
Here is a list of the room amenities of the Abbasi Hotel :
  • Air conditioning
  • Heating 
  • Minibars
  • Satellite TV
  • IDD phones

The services of the caravanserai include : 

  • Covered swimming pool
  • Gym
  • Lecture Hall with a capacity of 500
  • Several smaller conference halls
  • Laundry
  • Safe deposit boxes
  • Travel desk
  • Money exchange counter
  • Gift shop
  • Bookshop
  • Business centre
  • A beautiful Quran museum

 

 
For reservations or further information, contact : 
ABBASI HOTEL
Amadegah Street, Chaharbagh Avenue, Isfahan, Iran
Telephone : +98 311 222 6010 to 6019, Fax +98 311 222 6008
E-mail : info@abbasihotel.com
WWW : http://www.abbasihotel.com

 

 

Thank you !

 
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