Shanashel Palace Hotel

The hotel is about a five-minute ride from the Maqām, which made it convenient for my one-night visit to the holy sites, especially Shaykh Abdul Qadir al-Jilani (q). The price was fair, the included breakfast was really nice, and the rooms, bathrooms, and showers were clean. Staff were kind and accommodating. If I’m blessed to return to the city, I’d stay here again without hesitation.

It’s a great place, but the crew don’t listen. We ask for one thing and they bring something else, then charge us for it. I don’t understand this place.

I stayed for two nights. The setting was calm and well located, and I didn’t hear the generator noise that you hear at most Baghdad hotels. The staff were very polite, and the free breakfast was perfect. Lunch was good too, at a reasonable price. They call it a four-star hotel, but based on the rooms and cleanliness, I’d give it three. The bathrooms are old and need renovating, though Wi-Fi was free. The price also felt somewhat high.

The neighborhood isn’t especially pretty, though the location itself is good. It’s a nice hotel, with large rooms and suites that have a sofa and extra bed. Breakfast at the restaurant is good, and the staff are friendly and helpful.