Iran

A city institution since it opened nearly thirty years ago, the Ferdowsi Grand is a plush four-star located in a prime position close to the museums, not far from the Golestan Palace on the south side of the centre. It has a rather dated feel, which we rather enjoy, though everything is well maintained and the staff unfailingly courteous and helpful. Downstairs, the lobby café and restaurant are popular haunts for local media and business types. Being Tehrani owned and run, rather than part of an international chain, it has a distinctively Iranian style, with Persian rugs on the floors and some lovely stone bas reliefs on the walls.