Hotel Tips

For a good night's sleep, ask for a room at the back or on one of the upper floors. The front rooms face 100 Meter Road, with heavy truck and car traffic all night long. Yes, the views are better from the front-but so is the noise penalty! Also, specifically inquire if there happen to be any weddings during your stay. Kurdish weddings are large noisy affairs that last until late in the night-if there is a wedding, demand a room as far away from the banquet hall as possible (usually on the highest floors).

Financial logistics in Erbil are particular. The economy is a cash economy. While Banoj Hotel probably accepts credit cards (Visa/Mastercard) for the room bill, card machines in Iraq can frequently be "offline" because of connection issues. Always carry a large amount of US Dollars (USD) or Iraqi Dinar (IQD). The hotel reception can usually change money, but you get better rates at exchange offices in the Bazaar or Ankawa. Note that only crispy, new $100 bills are accepted; old or torn notes will most likely be rejected.

And be prepared for the power infrastructure. Like most of Iraq, Erbil runs on a double grid (city power and private generators). When city power goes off there is a brief moment (seconds) before the huge generators of the hotel kick in. This is normal. Generally, air conditioning will be very strong but during the peak of summer (July/August) even best systems struggle so keep your curtains closed during daytime to keep room cool. Drink only bottled water (plentifully provided by housekeeping) and enjoy the tea-it is a staple of Kurdish hospitality and will be offered to you constantly.