Where to Stay

Kuwait City— the capital of the world's largest exporter of oil—sees a busy swarm of visitors through the year. The city has undergone many radical changes in the years following the Gulf War and its devastating effects. The post-war makeover involved a lengthy and painstaking restoration process, running into billions of dollars. Gone is the wretched city with oil wells afire and the smell of death in the air—today, Kuwait stands out as a beautiful metropolis of tall towers and scenic parks. The tourism industry is beginning to pick up, and the demand for visitors' accomodations has increased.

In keeping with the spirit of its newfound status as a tourist destination, the hotel industry of Kuwait has stepped up to create a favorable impression on world-travellers. Several ultra-modern structures are cropping up to dot the skyline, and the booming economy is welcoming the entry of competing international hotel chains. Looking to outdo each other in every respect, they offer the best of amenities and set up shop in the most favourable locations, offering guests breathtaking views of the Persian Gulf, or of carefully cultivated gardens. In fact, given the opulence of these establishments and their accompanying rates, it can be difficult to find budget accomodations in the city. If you have no dearth of funds, on the other hand, rest assured the sky’s the limit! One thing is for sure, however—regardless of whether you are on a business trip, on holiday, are putting up at the plushest five-star in the city, or in a humble hostel in a remote quarter—the Arabian hospitality you are greeted with will not fail to make you feel at home.

If you are the kind who likes to wallow in the lap of luxury, there are several five-star establishments in the city that will take care of your every whim. The Starwood Group’s Le Meridien is located in the city centre, and provides guests with complimentary access to the nearby Kuwait Sports Club. The sleek Hilton Kuwait Resort is 15 kilometres from the heart of Kuwait City, but offers you the chance to utilize its private beach. In the heart of the Free Trade Zone in Safat, you will find the deluxe Radisson SAS Hotel and the luxurious Sheraton Kuwait; the Mövenpick Hotel near the Villa Moda shopping centre and the Safar Palace Riggae Hotel also fall in the same area. Nearby attractions include the 187-metre-high Kuwait Tower—the most popular landmark in the city—and the Kuwait Waterfront. Room rates in the above-mentioned hotels are sky-high, but the rooms come with every luxury and amenity imaginable.

If you are looking for a comfortable stay without quite so many frills, you can opt for such accomodations as provided by The Four Points Sheraton Kuwait. This four star hotel is located in the neighborhood of Safat, and is connected to the Al Salhiya shopping mall. Also in the same area, and just 15 minutes from the airport is the recently-renovated Carlton Tower. Another reputed hotel is the Crowne Plaza in Farwaniya; it is particularly recommended for those looking at a long stay, as additional benefits are provided for an extended visit of a month or more.

A short way from Safir International Airport, you will find the first boutique hotel of Kuwait—the Safir Al Bastaki Suites. The more modern Courtyard Kuwait City has the added benefit of being located near the Arraya Mall and the Kuwait Towers. Ritz Sharq is another small boutique hotel nestled in the heart of Sharq.

If you are on a shoe-string budget, you may find it a tad difficult to find inexpensive accomodations—you can try the centrally-situated Oasis , facing the junction of Ahmad Al-Jaber and Mubarak Al-Kabeer Streets. The Dreamhouse in Bneid Al Gar also offers budget accommodations. On the outskirts of the city, you will find several good accommodations nestled amidst cinemas and shopping malls. A few kilometers southeast of Kuwait City is the Mirage Hotel, located in the fashionable Salmiya shopping district; the Scientific Centre is a few minutes away. Motel Burgan in Fahaheel also figures among the best in the budget category.

A major drawback is that Kuwait City does not have any bed-and-breakfast accommodations. Despite this shortcoming, it is unlikely that you will not find a place that suits your tastes and your pocket. As mentioned earlier, you can expect to feel welcome and at home—Arabian hospitality is beyond reproach.

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