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(CNN) Flick through almost any travel magazine these days and you're bound to come across an article hailing Iran as the next big destination. Iran's its tourism industry in the face of increasing visitor numbers -- 5.2 million came in 2016 and more are expected in 2017 -- its more traditional offerings still have the potential to charm. Abbasi Hotel, an opulent if careworn establishment located in the ancient city of Esfahan.
Fri March 3, 2017
Esfahan has its fair share of historical wonders (some which are UNESCO World Heritage sites), but in many ways the Abbasi has become a tourist attraction in its own right.
Built around 300 years ago, under the Safavid dynasty reign of Shah Sultan Husayn, it was originally used as a pit stop for merchants traveling the ancient Silk Road.
In a globalized and franchise-dominated world, the Abbasi is unique. This hotel is all about atmosphere. Moreover, it's uniquely Persian.
Hallways are lined with authentic miniature paintings, the ceiling of the lobby is finely detailed and the dining areas adorned with beautiful mirror work, glittering chandeliers, and exquisite colorful wall motifs often associated with romantic notions of "the orient."
An array of emerald greens, jasmine blues and deep golds inevitably make visitors reach for their cameras as soon as they walk in.
The hotel has around 225 rooms, including 23 suites, and is divided between the hotel's old wing and new wing. Built in the 1970s, the rooms in the new wing are rather characterless -- it seems that the re-creation of the hotel's original look and feel was not a priority at the time of construction and the rooms are bland in color and nondescript.
Guests who get to stay in the old wing, especially the Qajar and Safavid suites, are in for a treat. These rooms have been superbly restored and are decorated in an elegant traditional style without being overloaded. At about $350 a night, they're relatively pricey.
Qajari Suit
Safavid Suit
http://www.cnn.com/2017/03/03/hotels/iran-abbasi-hotel-esfahan/
Fri March 3, 2017
Esfahan has its fair share of historical wonders (some which are UNESCO World Heritage sites), but in many ways the Abbasi has become a tourist attraction in its own right.
Built around 300 years ago, under the Safavid dynasty reign of Shah Sultan Husayn, it was originally used as a pit stop for merchants traveling the ancient Silk Road.
In a globalized and franchise-dominated world, the Abbasi is unique. This hotel is all about atmosphere. Moreover, it's uniquely Persian.
Hallways are lined with authentic miniature paintings, the ceiling of the lobby is finely detailed and the dining areas adorned with beautiful mirror work, glittering chandeliers, and exquisite colorful wall motifs often associated with romantic notions of "the orient."
An array of emerald greens, jasmine blues and deep golds inevitably make visitors reach for their cameras as soon as they walk in.
The hotel has around 225 rooms, including 23 suites, and is divided between the hotel's old wing and new wing. Built in the 1970s, the rooms in the new wing are rather characterless -- it seems that the re-creation of the hotel's original look and feel was not a priority at the time of construction and the rooms are bland in color and nondescript.
Guests who get to stay in the old wing, especially the Qajar and Safavid suites, are in for a treat. These rooms have been superbly restored and are decorated in an elegant traditional style without being overloaded. At about $350 a night, they're relatively pricey.
Qajari Suit
Safavid Suit
http://www.cnn.com/2017/03/03/hotels/iran-abbasi-hotel-esfahan/
