The sanctions may have been lifted, but businesses in Iran still struggle when trying to establish themselves online. Unlike the rest of the world, credit card reservations don’t apply in Iran and transactions go old-school, made through emails and confirmed through trust. You’ll quickly find that booking lodgings become a problem. Agoda and Booking.com no longer…
Tag: iran
ESFAHAN, IRAN – TINY POOL, BIG ASPIRATIONS (HOTEL REVIEW)
What led up to my booking at Howzak House is a tale unto itself. Having had no luck getting a budget accommodation in Esfahan for my trip, I was in a cafe trawling through the net when a friend who had just returned from Iran popped in. After exchanging greetings, I asked her for tips…
YAZD, IRAN – CURIOUS NAME BUT PURR-FECT STAY (HOTEL REVIEW)
You wouldn’t guess but behind one of Yazd’s old city mud walls is a very modern Jungle Hotel. I’m not sure what the owner was thinking of when naming the place, but when it came to the set-up, he’s got it down pat. A relatively new option, Mr Ghiyamat has fitted Jungle’s rooms with modern…
SHIRAZ, IRAN – FINDING YOUR HEART AT TAHA (HOTEL REVIEW)
Five minutes beyond the popular institution Niayesh, is this little gem of a business. When I went on a hunch to pick this over Niayesh, I was never prepared for how right it would be. Taha House is a traditional Iranian house recalibrated to give Shiraz visitors both private and dorm room options. The century-old…
IRAN – WHAT I WAS AFRAID OF WHEN I WAS IN IRAN
I admit. Iran was supposed to be a trophy destination. I wanted to be that admired intrepid traveler that could pepper my Instagram with hashtags like #liveauthentic, #yolo and #survivor. People whispered: Desert villages, religious fundamentalists, oppressed citizens, broken buildings, terrorist groups and hardworking camels. It’s a war-torn country, right? The truth is – I…
Welcome to my April
They say kings are born in April. Power I have little of – at least over a nation; But Iran is currently ruling my heart and state of being. I must have a magpie as a totem animal because I like collecting receipt stubs, local plants, odd packets and (as a mermaid once said) thingamabobs…
Salaam
For the price of a stay-cation at Marina Bay Sands, I can now fly to Tehran. Tough call – not. Thank you Thai Airways! ❤
MORGAN AWYONG 