Abbasi Hotel Isfahan

Things to Do, History, Nearby Attractions

Abbasi Hotel, Also known as the Shah Abbas Hotel, is one of the top attractions in Isfahan. Hotel Shah Abbasi used to be a caravanserai during the Safavid Dynasty. The antiquity of this caravanserai dates back to more than 300 years ago. King Sultan Husayn of Safavid ordered the construction of this majestic hotel. Interestingly, he gifted this caravanserai to his mother. That is why Abbasi Hotel is also famous as Mother Shah Complex. In this post, we will be talking about the things to see at Shah Abbas Hotel. Also, we will talk more about the history of this hotel and how to get there.

Why should I visit Abbasi Hotel?

Interestingly, today, Abbasi Hotel has actually been turned into a 5-star hotel. However, you don’t have to be a guest of this hotel to visit it. In other words, it is open to the public. The number one reason that takes everyone to see this hotel is its architecture. The plasterwork, wall paintings, and mirrorwork all over the Abbasi hotel are the most eye-catching things about it. Aside from this, it is a complete representation of how a prosperous caravanserai used to look in ancient times. Now, let’s get to the things that you can do and see at Abbasi hotel.

Abbasi Hotel Esfahan Iran

Things to do in Shah Abbas Hotel

First and foremost, you can get a tour of the hotel and its ancient corners and wall paintings that belonged to the Safavid era. There are a number of restaurants and cafés for breakfast, lunch, and dinner inside the hotel. Also, there is a teahouse where they have set tables in the garden of Abbasi Hotel. You can enjoy a cup of tea there or try the famous Abbasi Hotel Ash (Persian Porridge). The overall attractions and things to do and see at Abbasi Hotel are:

Collection of colorful paintings and designs around the hotel.
Safavid art in Green Safavid Suite.
Wall designs that represent the sky and the earth in the lobby of the hotel.
A mixture of Safavid and Qajar art in the Chehel Sotun Restaurant.
Fountains and gardens that represent Persian Gardens.
Islamic art in Zarin Hall.
Breakfast Hall that has been designed based on the Music Room of Ali Qapu Palace.

More into the History of the Hotel

Most of the attractions in Isfahan belong to the Safavid Dynasty. The main attractions of Isfahan were built during the time of Shah Abbas the first and Shah Abbas the second rule. However, Abbasi Hotel was not built during the time of any of these kings. Accordingly, Shah Sultan Hosayn, the last king of Safavid ordered the construction of this caravanserai. He built this caravanserai for travelers to take lodging in. Also, this Caravanserai was a gift from him to his mom. That is why, as we mentioned earlier, it is called the Madar Shah Complex. This translates as the King’s Mother Complex. In 1959, the complex was renovated by two famous architects. The architects were A. Mohit and the frrench architect, André Godard. Today, this 17^th-century caravanserai has turned into a renovated hotel. Interestingly, the 1974 film Ten Little Indians, starring Oliver Reed and Elke Sommer, was filmed here in Abbasi Hotel Isfahan.

Hotel Shah Abbasi Isfahan

How to get to Shah Abbas Hotel?

Abbasi Hotel is in the historic heart of the city of Isfahan. It is situated on one of the most famous streets in Isfahan. This street is the Chahar Bagh Street which also belongs to the Safavid era. You can get to the Chahar Bagh Street by car or by subway. From there, you can walk to Amadegah Steet where Assabi Hotel is located.

Opening Hours

It is open 24/7. However, to the public, it is only open from morning to afternoon.

There is a small fee to pay for entering the hotel. They will give you a tour of the hotel and its point of interest. Also, you can go to Abbasi hotel’s restaurant for breakfast, lunch, or dinner time.

Attractions Near Hotel

Almost all the famous attractions of Isfahan are close to the hotel. Chahar Bagh Street which is a 400-year-old pedestrian-only street is connected to Abbasi Hotel. Chahar Bagh Theology School which also belongs to the Safavid era is near the hotel. In fact, you can see its dome from the hotel. Other attractions near there are: