Qazvin Guest Houses During Qajar Era

Qazvin was the closest city to the capital during the Qajar era, and ambassadors, tourists, and government officials usually stayed there for a while on their way to Tehran. They mostly resided in these luxurious buildings which reflect the evolution of the old concept of guest houses over a period of 150 years.

Saadolsaltaneh Caravanserai

Saadolsaltaneh Caravanserai, close to Tehran gate, is a supreme example of an inter-city caravanserai which was constructed in the middle of the Qajar era with more than 32 chambers and a courtyard measuring approximately 45 by 45 meters. It was the last and the most important caravanserai built within the boundaries of a city. Currently, its major section is demolished due to street development.

The Qazvin Guest House

The Qazvin Guest House, described in Mirza Jani Donboli account, was built in 1298 AH during the Naser al-Din Shah period and actually is some type in between traditional caravanserais and hotels. It does not have today regular hotel plans. In fact it is designed after the Iranian mansion style, with certain alterations. This guest house has been demolished.

Grand Hotel

Grand Hotel, built by one of Qazvin Zoroastrian merchants named Arbab Keikhosro Shahrokh, has a facade whose architectural pattern is completely European. The structure, viewed from the street, is a two-story building and has a wooden balcony, while the facade is in brick. It has a galvanized pitched roof with Lombardic eaves, water passages, and decorative staves that serve as an architectural reminder of the late Qajar and early Pahlavi era. This style later appeared in several buildings built during the Reza Shah period in other cities.

This hotel is still one of the beautiful buildings in Qazvin. In spite of all damages, now its conservation and renovation process is starting by the Cultural Heritage Organization of Iran.