Lonely Planet Review

White leather couches might not be your thing, but if you're prepared to forgive some of the interior design you'll find the Raamtin Residence an ideal upmarket stay. Fitted out for business people, including free wi-fi Internet, the location on Tehran's main commercial strip creates a good impression.

Add Bistango restaurant, where the chic design and international menu (and prices!) make it a hotbed of lunchtime dealmaking, and you start to see why this hotel is a favourite among businesspeople. With only 50 rooms over six floors it doesn't have the cachet of Tehran's roster of tired old ex-Hiltons and ex-Sheratons. But unlike those state-run places, service here is nimble and efficient. The rooms themselves are big and fairly modern, with DVD players and sizeable desks sharing space with the white leather. All windows are double-glazed, keeping them quiet despite the noise of Valiasr Ave outside. There's a gym and sauna, but no pool. If you're planning to enjoy the restaurants, cafes and other relatively luxurious offerings of North Tehran, the location is ideal. It is, however, a lengthy taxi trip to the main sights in the south of town.