Hotels in Yemen

During the past few years, the increase of tourism in Yemen has also had consequences for the hotel situation – especially in larger towns such as Sana’a, Aden and Taiz, new hotels have been built in cooperation with international chains. Middle class hotels have also been able to fill in gaps at various locations, thus providing a distinctly larger choice of accommodation. As in the past, there are still only simple and typical for the country hostels to be found at smaller remote locations such as Kaukaban and Manacha. In these places, the guests are accommodated mainly in shared rooms, sometimes in the form of rows of mattresses and with collective showers.

Two to three star hotels can be found in the province capital cities of Hodeida , Hadja, Taiz or Mukalla, and also in Seyun or Sanaa. They offer single, double, and shared rooms, mainly with their own bathroom, shower, and WC. These hotels like to try to offer European dishes, but generally one should only expect culinary highlights at the typical “cook shops” when out and about. Apart from barbequed chicken, one is also able to discover many tasty surprises. Hotels in the old part of Sanaa withdraw themselves from international standards: They can be found in typical tower houses of the historically listed town – with everything that belongs to them: Steep staircases with irregular steps, low doorways, simple collective bathrooms (mainly for two to three rooms), cloths-hooks instead of wardrobes, and sometimes there is even the odd power cut. To compensate for all of this, they offer the incomparable atmosphere of the dreamlike ancient town.

In general, the standard of hotels, even that of the hotels belonging to international chains, cannot be compared with European and American standards. In Yemen , there is a lack of trained personnel able to guarantee the usual smooth running procedure of a four or five star hotel. However, one does becomes aware that they will always look after you, and always respond to your desires. Just forgive the small deficiencies of a country that in some ways is still in its infancy when it comes to tourism, you will be well rewarded by the beauty and originality of Yemen.

The following is a small choice of hotels:

Holiday Inn, Mukalla – the hotel offers the best accommodation in the region and lies outside the town centre directly next to the beach. At the nearby diving centre, diving enthusiasts are able to book diving excursions to the underwater world.

Sofitel, Taiz – The Sofitel offers peace, quiet, and comfort, and is situated on top of a hill away from the lively town centre. Within a generous interior with shops, a lobby, and a cafeteria, the modern furnished rooms are grouped around various floors. A restaurant and pool round off the offer.

3 to 4 Star Hotels:

Al-Hawta Palace, between Schibam and Seyun – a typical palace in Hadramaut architectural style rebuilt as a traditional hotel. A garden, pool, and a restaurant belong to the facility, which has withdrawn itself from the standardised categorisation: The room furnishing has a Yemeni Hadramitish style, meaning for example, that wardrobes have been replaced by clothes-hooks, and the very low doorways require a bit of getting used to. However, many guests consider the al-Hawta as the most beautiful hotel in Yemen .

Al-Ahgaf Tourist Hotel, Seyun – This new hotel is situated close to the large palace of Seyun and the old and new markets. It offers simple but decent furnishing, a small garden with a small pool and a restaurant, which alternately serves European and Yemeni dishes.

Bilqis, Marib – The Bilqis, which is modelled on the outline of the ancient Awwam temple, offers the best accommodation on location. The large rooms have a bathroom/WC, television, and air conditioning; there is a pool within a protected inner courtyard. The service is friendly even though the quality does vary from time to time.

Taj Shamsan, Taiz – the friendly hotel lies only a short walking distance from the old town with its colourful bazaar alleys. The rooms have their own bathroom/WC, television, and air conditioning. During times of fine weather, one is able to eat meals on the roof terrace whilst enjoying the view.

Hotel information

Bilqis Hotel in Marib




Holiday Inn Hotel in Mukalla