Shahryar International Hotel Tabriz

I had a deluxe room for one night, with the essential amenities. The food we ordered, though, wasn't as good as we'd expected.

For less than 50 USD a night, I had a pleasant stay, and the breakfast was mostly local food. It's a huge, grand place, but dated, like a retro hotel from the 1970s. The custom-made hand-knotted carpet in reception is very worn, though replacing something that large must be difficult. I've never seen corridors or lift foyers so wide. The washroom needs renovating right away.

The view from the upper floors was great, and customer service was good. For better value, though, I'd look at other options.

After taking a 5:00 am flight from Tehran, I arrived in Tabriz at 7:00 am. I'd been up since 3:00 am and had to reach the airport by 4:30. At the hotel they told me to come back for check-in at noon. I explained I'd booked the previous night so I wouldn't have to wait, but they weren't flexible or accommodating. When I returned at 12, they gave me a room that looked clean at first, but the whole third floor, including my room, smelled of raw meat. The toilet floor looked like it hadn't been mopped in ages. The free Wi-Fi was very slow. Staff seemed demotivated and uninterested, and although the hotel claimed to be international, only one or two people could communicate in English on a lucky day. Reception was slow at both check-in and checkout. One morning I was stuck in the elevator for ten minutes. The emergency button didn't work, and no one came when I rang the bell. I eventually called a colleague who was staying at the same hotel to come help. I didn't find the place welcoming or helpful, so I wouldn't recommend it.