We Found The Middle East’s Best New Hotel for 2025

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You know the feeling when you stumble across something truly remarkable and yet, it seems nobody else has heard about it yet? A secret spot you both want to shot about — but also selfishly gatekeep just a little? Well, that’s exactly how I felt every morning I opened the blinds at the Kurdistan Canyon View Hotel.

In a turbulent region, you’ll find one of the world’s best secrets. The autonomous region of Kurdistan, in the north of Iraq. After decades of criss-crossing the Middle East, there’s a good reason I keep returning to Iraqi Kurdistan. It’s extremely safe, highly developed and relatively liberal. You can walk around at night without a worry, wear whatever you like and still enjoy high-quality Internet and international cuisines. There’s a reason most embassies, NGOs and oil companies base their staff out of the region’s capital, Erbil.

Now the Kurdistan Canyon View Hotel isn’t for those seeking the region’s latest spa offerings or a custom pillow menu. This is a story about a small boutique hotel with million-dollar views, warm family hospitality, and the kind of experience which makes you rethink everything you thought you knew about travel in the Middle East. This is Kurdistan at its best.

Welcome to the Kurdistan Canyon View Hotel — a place I’m willing to bet is the best new hotel in the region for 2025, and the kind of place you’ll want to book before it becomes overrun by influencers and the hipsters of the internet.

Introducing the Kurdistan Canyon View Hotel

Let’s get one thing clear up front — this isn’t a five-star hotel. There’s no infinity pool (yet). There’s no concierge with white gloves. What it is, though, is a brand new, sparkling-clean hotel perched (and I mean literally perched) on the edge of one of the most dramatic canyons in the Middle East.

I first visited Rawanduz many years back. I stayed in some poorly kept motel and distintcly remember thinking: why hasn’t anyone taken advantage of this remarkable destination? As if all my dreams came true, this past year the Kurdistan Canyon View Hotel opened.

When I say the views are insane — I mean truly insane. I slept with the blinds open every night at this hotel. This way, I was awoken naturally, to see the sun rising over the green cliffs, spilling light down into the canyon as if some kind of divine spotlight. My balcony felt like it was hanging directly over the cliff’s edge, and I just stood there, coffee in hand, blinking at the view like I was in a movie. Some movement in the distance, a handful of cows, a small waterfall.

Due to its soft launch, this hotel is almost suspiciously affordable. The rooms are simple but modern, with large windows (to maximize views), crisp white sheets, strong showers, and all the essentials. The Wi-Fi works and the beds are comfy. What more could you need?

I honestly thought places like this didn’t exist anymore — at least not at this price.

But what sets the Kurdistan Canyon View Hotel apart isn’t just the location — it’s the people. The hotel is family-run, and the warmth is genuine. They greet you like an old friend, make sure you’re fed, caffeinated, and comfortable — and they have the kind of local knowledge which no guidebook could ever replace. Want to explore some secret trails in the Rawanduz Canyon? They’ll introduce you to their cousin’s best friend who’s been hiking here for decades. He’ll pick you up at 10 am.

Unique experiences at the Kurdistan Canyon View Hotel

What makes this stay extra special is that it’s not just a place to sleep. Yes, I strongly recommend every Kurdistan itinerary includes a few days of just relaxing at the Kurdistan Canyon View Hotel.

However, if there is anything (and I literally mean anything) you are curious to experience in Kurdistan. Your hosts here will make it happen. For example, the family has thoughtfully curated a number of unique experiences for guests which literally bring Kurdish culture to life:

• Kurdish clothing photoshoots: Yes, this might sound touristy. But you’re in Kurdistan. The odds are you probably won’t meet another foreigner all week. Dress up in vibrant Kurdish attire and snap photos against a backdrop of jagged peaks and cliffs. Better yet, go shopping in the bazaar of nearby Soran and pick up your own clothes to bring home!

• Cooking classes: Learn to prepare Kurdish briyani or dolma, rice-stuffed vegetables or a warm stew packed with local herbs. The day begins with an early morning visit to Rawanduz market, where you’ll learn about the unique plants and spices of the region. You’ll then return to the family’s private kitchen, where they will share recipes which have been passed down for generations. For more inspiration, don’t miss our ultimate guide to the traditional foods of Iraq every traveler must try.

• Organic Kurdish Breakfast: I realize a hotel breakfast is rarely described as a unique experience. But whatever you do, make sure you are eating breakfast at the hotel. The breakfast spread changes slightly day-to-day, but you can expect fresh bread, pickled olives from Mosul, local Kurdish cheeses, honey straight from the comb, tahini from a small Yazidi village near Marr Mattai and fresh eggs. The ingredients are sourced from all over Iraq and are completely organic. And don’t worry, there are endless cups of tea and freshly ground coffee on offer too. There’s a reason Iraqi breakfast is world famous…

• Hikes & Day trips with local guides: Whether it’s a short canyon-side hike or a full-day adventure deep into the mountains of Kurdistan, the family can arrange everything — often with their own network of local guides. Better yet, email them in advance to arrange a longer Kurdistan tour.

Getting to Rawanduz

Despite feeling like a world away from anything, Rawanduz is surprisingly accessible. Generally speaking, you can access Rawanduz from most of Kurdistan. My general advice would be to try to find transport to Soran, a larger city about 15 minutes from Rawanduz. From Soran, you can then get a quick taxi over to Rawanduz.

From Erbil

Erbil, the surprisingly international capital of the Iraqi Kurdistan Region, is just 105 km away. The drive to Rawanduz takes about 1.5 hours, winding into dramatic mountain passes and lush valleys. Rent a car if you’re feeling adventurous (the roads are excellent), or organise a private transfer through the hotel.

The views on the way make it well worth it — and the last stretch into Rawanduz is nothing short of spectacular. Keep your eyes peeled for waterfalls.

You can also find shared taxis and minibuses which run from Erbil to Soran at the Erbil terminal.

From Sulaymaniyah

The journey from Sulaymaniyah is longer — around 200 km — and takes roughly 3.5 to 4 hours by car. This route is ideal if you want are beginning (or ending) your Kurdistan adventures in Sulaymaniyah – the cultural capital or Kurdistan. You’ll drive through rolling green hills and sleepy villages before reaching the canyon zone.

Day trips around Rawanduz

Most travelers glide through Rawanduz for a quick photo, or stay for one night. I’m here to convince you that the opening of the Kurdistan Canyon View Hotel warrants spending a few days in this region. In fact, I’d argue this is one of the best bases to explore the magnificent nature of Kurdistan.

Rawanduz Canyon

In case it isn’t yet obvious, the Rawanduz Canyon is the crown jewel of Kurdistan’s nature scene. Unofficial hiking trails run along the canyon rim, but I would always recommend checking with the staff before venturing inside the canyon. The views are sublime — especially at sunrise, golden hour or during a big downpour. Whether you’re hiking or just taking photos, I can assure you: Rawanduz will stay with you.

Waterfalls near Rawanduz

The Rawanduz region is blessed with some of the most picturesque waterfalls in all of Iraq. Just a short drive from the hotel, you’ll find Gali Ali Beg Waterfall, a popular scenic stop with dramatic cascades nestled between steep cliffs. It’s especially striking in spring when the melting snow means more gushing water. If it looks familiar, take out your wallet. Gali Ali Beg feautres on the 5000 Iraqi dinar note.

For something quieter, Bekhal Waterfall offers a serene escape, with water tumbling through lush greenery — and local vendors selling tea, snacks, and fresh fruit. Both make for refreshing stops as you explore the Rawanduz region. The government is currently planning a small redevelopment of the tourism infrastructure, so watch this space.

Hamilton Road

An engineering marvel carved into the mountains during the 1930s by New Zealander Archibald Hamilton, this road snakes through tunnels and over ravines. Hamilton Road was built to connect Erbil with Iran, and parts of the original road are still in use today.

Akre

About 90 minutes from Rawanduz, Akre is one of the prettiest towns in Kurdistan. And I say this having visited almost every town in Kurdistan. With stone houses climbing the hills and dramatic mountains all around, Akre is made for Instagram.

Akre is especially famous during Nowruz (Kurdish New Year), when locals light torches and hike up the mountainside in a breathtaking fire-lit parade. Even outside the festival, Akre’s charm, views, and old-town atmosphere make it an ideal day trip from Rawanduz.

Barzan Valley

Less than an hour from Rawanduz, Barzan is historically important to the Kurdish people and absolutely stunning in spring. Think lush valleys, fast-moving rivers, and picnic-perfect grassy banks. In April, the wildflowers go wild, and you’ll spot local families setting up picnics. Bring a blanket and some snacks — or better yet, ask your hotel to pack a Kurdish picnic for you.

History nerds will want to experience the Barzani National Memorial, a small museum and monument to Mustafa Barzani, often called the father of Kurdish nationalism.

Shanidar Cave

Shanidar Cave is one of the most significant archaeological sites in the Middle East. This vast cavern in the Baradost Mountains, was once home to Neanderthals — with a number of remains here dating back over 50,000 years. The discoveries here, including signs of early burial rituals, continue to shape scientific understandings of prehistoric humanity. The climb up to the cave takes about 25 minutes and offers absolutely stunning views.

Beyond Rawanduz

While you could easily spend a week just soaking in the canyon views and enjoying Rawanduz, Kurdistan has plenty more to explore.

Erbil

You’ll likely start or end your trip in Erbil, one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. The Erbil Citadel is a UNESCO World Heritage site and gives you a perfect sense of the region’s layered history — from the Assyrians to the Ottomans. Erbil is also one of the best places to stock up on souvenirs, so you’ll want to spend some time wandering the atmospheric alleyways of the bazaar below the citadel. With everything from Aleppo soap to Iranian fruit leathers and unique Kurdish spices, you’ll quickly get an idea how Kurdistan stands at the crossroads of empires.

Keep your eyes open for the iconic moneychangers of Erbil, famous for leaving thousands of dollars just sitting out on the counter. When they tell you Kurdistan has extremely low crime rates, they mean it!

Lalish

Just a couple of hours from Rawanduz, Lalish is the spiritual heartland of the Yazidi people. The temple complex is peaceful and otherworldly, tucked in a quiet valley where everyone is required to walk barefoot. The Yazidi people hold the natural forces as sacred: earth, fire, wind and water. As such, the temple complex is a place of deep spiritual energy and worth the trip for anyone interested in minority religions or unique cultural experiences.

Alqosh

Northwest of Erbil, Alqosh is home to the Rabban Hormizd Monastery, one of our favorite Christian sites in Iraq. Alqosh is a powerful place, perched high above the Nineveh plains, with sweeping views and haunting silence. This town also has deep Christian roots and is one of the last holdouts of Chaldean Catholic heritage in Iraq, famously resisting ISIS during the 2010s. The town is also home to the tomb of Nahum, one of the most famous biblical tombs in Iraq.

Sulaymaniyah

If Erbil is the political and economic heart of Kurdistan, then Sulaymaniyah (or Suli) is the cultural and intellectual capital. With its contemporary art galleries and cafés, in Sulaymaniyah you can really feel the confidence of modern Kurdistan. Don’t miss the powerful Red Prison, a modern museum which documents Saddam Hussein’s Anfal campaign against the Kurds and the war against ISIS. While incredibly sobering, it’s an essential stop on any trip through the region.

Rawanduz: The Middle East’s best kept secret

The Kurdistan Canyon View Hotel may not have a doorman or a spa menu, but it has something infinitely rarer: soul, jaw-dropping beauty, and the kind of local charm which stays with you long after you leave.

I may have visited every country in the world, but waking up above Rawanduz Canyon, sipping Kurdish tea while the early morning sunlight danced across the cliffs — well, that truly is something else. As I plan my next visit, I’m not too worried about having to share the canyon. Luckily for me, the Kurdistan Canyon View Hotel is still a secret. For now.

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