How to Find Luxury Hotels In Iraq

Before the 1990s, the mention of Baghdad conjured images of opulence and history. Now the name stirs images of war and unrest. Currently tourist travel to Iraq is neither possible nor advisable, but don't count this country out in the long run. Hopefully someday soon you will hear the names Baghdad and Basra from your travel agent rather than a war correspondent.

Things You'll Need

• Computer With Internet Access

Instructions

Find Luxury Accommodations

1. Consider which sections of Iraq interest you most. Baghdad cannot be missed--especially since most international travel is routed through Baghdad. Basra is a cultured port city and the second-largest city in Iraq. For information on Iraq see the Resources section below for a link to the Iraq Development Program.

2. Look for luxury accommodations in Baghdad along Sadoun Street which stretches from Liberation Square to Masbah.

3. Take advantage of any opportunity to stay in one of Saddam Hussein's deposed palaces. Visitors working in Iraq can sometimes spend the night in one of Hussein's opulent homes. Though novel, the luxury aspect of the experience is now dimmed as neither electricity nor running water is supplied to the palaces.

4. Look for luxury accommodations near Al-Tahrir Square, which became the center of the new city of Sana'a.

5. Take a look at Zawra Park. Zawra Park was once part of a thriving section of Baghdad that included an amusement park.

6. Remember to locate the ancient cities of Babylon and Ur if you're looking for unique places to stay. Portions of Babylon actually remain in Baghdad.

Prepare for Your Stay

1. Enroll in a "hostile environment course", usually sponsored by companies or NGOs sending people overseas. These courses use role play to teach first aid, self-defense and weapons training.

2. Hire a bodyguard, or be prepared to pack items such as an emergency kit, a bulletproof vest, a camouflage passport and a weapon.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid exposing the bottoms of your bare feet outside of trusted company. Exposing the bottom of your feet to another person is considered disrespectful.

• Due to the exigencies of war, hotels, locations and attractions may go out of operation or even cease to exist. Find up-to-date information through the US Embassy in Baghdad.

• Iraq is a war zone. Unless you have a job defending, reporting on or rebuilding the country, do not attempt to visit. If you decide to ignore the travel warning issued by the United States, at least inform the U.S. Embassy of your presence, take responsibility for your personal security and avoid crowds.