Tehran July 9-12

Firouzeh Hotel, room 208

Mr Mousavi, the manager, is the main reason to head for this downtown hotel, handy for the bazaar and downtown attractions. He's ridiculously helpful and works exceptionally hard to help tourists enjoy their stay. (He can also suggest and order delicious delivery food.)
Bathroom: private shower, but shared squat toilets in the corridor. These were generally clean and not too smelly.
View: Streetscape
Cost: 240,000R (approx 18 euros), including breakfast
Recommended? Absolutely
Contact details: http://www.firouzehotel.com/ Address: Dolat Abadi Alley, Amir Kabir St. Ph +98 21 3322 3508 email: info@firouzehhotel.com

Tabriz - Tehran overnight train, July 8

Carriage 6, berths 17 and 18
This was a comfortable and good value overnight trip, with the price of the train including dinner, along with cake and juice for breakfast. Pic shown is of the Tabriz station.
Bathroom: the usual grin and bear it overnight train deal – reasonably horrific by the morning
View: Varied
Cost: 300,000R for two
Recommended? Yes. More expensive, but vastly superior to an overnight bus for comfort.