A first visit to Iraq can feel daunting, but Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region, proved safe, welcoming and surprisingly well supplied with luxury hotels. Divan, the Turkish group known for its refined hospitality, is the standout.
At a glance
Location: Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
Stayed in: One Bedroom Suite
Best for: first-time visitors to Kurdistan and business travellers who value security
Reviewed: July 2017
9.1 out of 10
Setting and arrival
The hotel sits between the airport and the old town, which made a late-night arrival effortless. A chauffeur met me in arrivals, and in the back of the car he handed me a folder with my key card: check-in completed before reaching the hotel. Security at the gate is thorough but quick, with vehicle checks and a sniffer dog, and it adds to a reassuring sense of calm once inside.
The rooms
My One Bedroom Suite was sleek, spacious and extremely comfortable. The living room has a sofa facing the TV and a separate work area, while the bedroom has an unusual layout, with the basin set behind the bed beneath a large round mirror. The master bathroom is built around an enormous marble shower. Windows look out over Sami Abdul-Rahman Park, the largest park in Iraq, which borders the hotel and is ideal for a morning run.
Dining and drinks
Breakfast is an impressive buffet with attentive service. In the evening, Qi 21 serves excellent sushi and Asian dishes in an immaculate dining room, while Seasons covers kebabs, Turkish favourites and international cuisine. The bar is a stylish spot for a nightcap.
Service and exploring Erbil
The general manager personally welcomed me and helped plan my entire stay, introducing me to an English-speaking local guide. Over several days we explored the Citadel of Erbil, museums, bazaars, shrines and castles, and ended with a mountain hike to a hilltop shrine. The hotel’s care made it feel more like visiting friends than touring a new country.
The verdict
Divan Erbil combines international luxury standards with remarkably personal service. For a first trip to Kurdistan, it is the most comfortable and reassuring base I can imagine.
- Rooms: 9.0
- Service: 9.5
- Dining: 9.0
- Facilities: 8.5
- Location: 9.0
Divan Erbil, Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq.
David stayed as a guest of the hotel. Based on a stay in July 2017. Facilities, menus and prices may have changed since.
