Accommodation In Iraq

Once the epicenter of trade and business activity, the last fifty years of unrest has left Iraq shattered. Economy has suffered massive losses and for a long time, there was no growth to speak of. Things are looking up now, and revive in economy is expected to revive tourism as well.

Travel to Iraq is restricted and tourism at an all time low. It is not surprising, then that there are very few options for accommodation in Iraq. Most hotels are in the capital city of Baghdad. While in past, Baghdad had many five star accommodations available, there are none to speak of now.

Booking for all accommodation should be done well in advance, as there are not many hotels available and all of them require filling out certain security mandates before they can allot rooms. It is best to fulfill these in advance and reach the hotel without worrying about getting a room.

There are budget hotels to choose from too, but they too provide decent services. The security mandates exists for them too, and booking should be done in advance.

Most taxis travel to and fro from these hotels to the airport. The hotels also form the epicenter of travel within the city. Be it the tourist attractions around the city or a trip to the nearest bazaars or traditional markets, the hotel personnel should be able to guide you. On a rare occasion, you may also find a willing guide from the hotel to take you around the sights of the city. It helps to have a local with you in a strange city and this is especially true to Baghdad. The hotel personnel may even guide you on other important guidelines, like modest clothing and other social dictates of Arab society.

Many hotels also have varied cuisines as a part of their service, which should be mouth watering treat for the guests. Those who don't have their own restaurants may guide the tourists to special places that they would recommend having excellent food and drink.

These hotels do not have much more in terms of entertainment, other than an occasional restaurant, for nightlife is almost non existent in Iraq. Consumption of liquor has to be discreet. Strict mandates of the Arab society coupled with security reasons, there is little that one can do in the evening. If you do find the hotel of your choice, you can spend you evenings exploring the cuisine that it may offer, or socialize with co-guests.

It is without doubt that Iraq has a lot to offer. As and when Iraq becomes a stable and secure nation, it is expected to gain back its fame as a country of varied charm and history. Keeping this in mind, many hotels and other accommodation for tourists are planned for the major cities of Baghdad. With time, Iraq is hopeful in welcoming guests with open arms.