Tehran, Iran

The Azadi is the go-to address in the capital for visiting heads of state, A-list celebs and football teams. Located on the northern outskirts of the city in the lap of the Alborz Mountains, it’s a huge building spread over 28 floors with an elegant reception area and impressive facilities. Panoramic views are to be had from its higher-grade rooms on the upper storeys, and from the gourmet Persian restaurant, Parseh. As with most hotels in Iran, service sometimes lacks the personal touch, and the furnishings could do with a contemporary makeover, but the Azadi is widely regarded as the best the country has to offer.