Hotel Markazi

The rooms were dirty, with ants and mosquitoes, and the old bed covers had holes and looked like they belonged in a homeless shelter. Breakfast was nothing like the photos on Booking: just stale bread and fried eggs. Calling this fraud and deception feels apt. I’m not joking about the insects and will post photos to show what I mean. I can’t recommend this hotel.

The street outside goes almost quiet after midnight, so my room was much more peaceful than rooms at other nearby hotels. Staff were welcoming and helpful, and there was free filtered water downstairs along with decent WiFi at no charge. My room was on the small side, but I could fit my luggage and move around comfortably. The safe was even fixed to the wall, which you don’t often see. Breakfast was basic and nearly gone by 9, though the room price was very attractive.

The staff were especially kind and useful beyond the stay itself: they helped us buy flight tickets and arranged a hotel in Shiraz. Our room was clean, and they left fresh bottled water each day. Breakfast offered plenty of choices, with staff coming around to offer more eggs and coffee. We only stayed briefly at hotel Markazi, but its location made it easy to walk to Golestan palace, the bazaar, National Jewelry Treasury and National Museum. We had a great time there.

Fatima got in touch before we arrived in Iran and offered help with visa arrangements. When we stayed at Markazi hotel on two occasions, Niusha was just as helpful. They also arranged a nature trip for us with Hamed as the driver, which I’d recommend if you have time. The breakfasts were nice, our rooms were clean, and everyone was ready to help with whatever came up. They were so lovely to deal with, and I’m very glad we stayed there.