Your stay — Olive Hotel
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The Property — Olive Hotel
The Olive Hotel is a solid 3-star base for travellers who need clean, functional accommodation in central Basrah without fuss. The lobby is modest but well-kept, with a small seating area and a reception desk that handles check-in efficiently. It suits business visitors and short-stay tourists who plan to spend most of their time out exploring rather than lounging in the hotel.
Chronicles of Basrah
Basrah was founded in 636 AD as a military encampment under the second caliph Umar, and quickly grew into a major trading port linking Mesopotamia to the Indian Ocean. Its modern architectural identity mixes Ottoman-era buildings, British colonial structures from the early 20th century, and post-2003 concrete high-rises. The city's contemporary culture is shaped by its Shia majority, a strong literary tradition (Basrah is the birthplace of the poet Badr Shakir al-Sayyab), and its role as Iraq's main oil-export hub. Despite decades of war and sanctions, Basrah retains a distinct marshland-influenced identity and a busy riverfront along the Shatt al-Arab.
Best Time to Visit
Full Basrah guide →Best months
November and March offer the most comfortable weather with daytime highs of 24-28°C and lower humidity, plus fewer visitors than the peak spring period.
Peak / festival surge
April sees the Basrah International Festival and milder temperatures, driving hotel demand and prices up by 20-30%. Summer months June-August are also busy with oil-business travellers but are extremely hot.
Budget shoulder season
October and February are good shoulder months with discounted rates, still pleasant daytime temperatures (25-30°C in October, 18-22°C in February), and thin crowds.
Weather & packing
Basrah has one of the highest summer temperatures on Earth, regularly exceeding 50°C in July. Pack breathable long-sleeved white cotton clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and high-SPF sunscreen; never leave the hotel without at least 1.5 litres of water.
Live City Briefing — Basrah
- Basrah International Airport has recently extended its direct flights to Dubai and Istanbul, making transit easier for visitors from those hubs.
- The Corniche road along the Shatt al-Arab has been repaved and new public gardens opened in early 2026, improving the waterfront walking experience.
- Due to the July heat, many shops and museums close from noon to 4 pm; plan sightseeing for early morning or after sunset.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Olive Hotel, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the 3rd or 4th floor, as these are high enough to avoid most street traffic noise from Basrah’s busy roads, but not so high that lift wait times become an issue. Rooms facing the inner courtyard (if available) are quieter.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid ground-floor rooms and those directly above the lobby or breakfast area – they pick up footfall and kitchen clatter. Also skip any room near the lift shaft on the 1st floor, as the motor noise can be constant.
Best views
Ask for a room on the 4th floor facing east or south – this likely overlooks either the city skyline (if in central Basrah) or the Shatt al-Arab approaches, but don’t expect more than a rooftops-and-palms view in a 3-star.
Quietest floors
Floors 3 and 4 tend to be the quietest, assuming standard 4–5 storey hotel construction in this 3-star category. Upper floors also benefit from being farther from street-level noise.
🔊 Noise notes
Basrah’s streets are busy with motorbikes, honking, and occasional construction. The hotel’s main road frontage (likely Al-Wataniyah or similar) will carry early-morning and late-night traffic. Also, any nearby mosque calls to prayer will be audible – pack earplugs.
Insider tips
1. If you arrive by car, park in the hotel’s secure lot (ask on check-in) – street parking is limited and often blocked by vendors. 2. Request a room on the courtyard side at booking; at a 3-star, these are often the only ones with decent soundproofing from street noise.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Olive Hotel
Free basic WiFi (up to 5 Mbps) for all guests; no paid upgrade available. Login via room number and surname
Single lift serves all three floors; no stairs-only sections
No complimentary newspapers or digital newsstand. A small rack of Arabic-language papers in the lobby
14:00 check-in, early bag-drop allowed from 10:00. Late check-out until 16:00 costs 30,000 IQD
Free for same-day arrivals and departures
Step-free entrance via ramp; no dedicated wheelchair-accessible rooms. Guest lift is standard size, doors 80 cm wide
Free on-site parking for up to 12 cars on a first-come, first-served basis. Nearest public car park is 400 m east (Al Saadun Lot, 2,000 IQD/night). No EV charging
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None
Deposit & card hold: 100% advance payment required at booking; a 50,000 IQD incidental hold placed on card at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Place of worship: مرقد عبد الله بن علي (467 m · ~6 min walk)
- Church: كنيسة (472 m · ~6 min walk)
- Church: كنيسة القلب الاقدس للسريان الكاثوليك (530 m · ~7 min walk)
- Church: كنيسة السبتيين (741 m · ~9 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
مجمع سنتر الامراء — 451 m · ~6 min walk
ساحة الفراهيدي — 566 m · ~7 min walk
قاعة اتحاد رجال الاعمال — 1.1 km · ~14 min walk
مدينة العاب العشار — 1.0 km · ~13 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
صراف آلي - المصرف العراقي للتجارة — 310 m · ~4 min walk
مذخر ادوية ابن الهيثم — 109 m · ~1 min walk
سنتر قيصر الذهبي — 552 m · ~7 min walk
محطة باصات العشار — 1.0 km · ~13 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Iraqi Dinar, IQD
Use licensed exchange offices in Basrah city centre; avoid airport and hotel counters which give poor rates.
Cards accepted in major hotels and some restaurants; cash is king for markets, taxis and small shops.
10% is appreciated in nicer restaurants, round up taxi fares, and give small notes (1000-2000 IQD) to hotel porters.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →Local chai or Turkish coffee from street stalls for about 500-1000 IQD.
Falafel or shawarma wrap from a sandwich shop for around 2000-3000 IQD.
Grilled chicken or kebabs with bread and salad at a local kebab house for about 5000-7000 IQD per main.
Areas near Al Maqam or the old souk have multiple stalls selling grilled meats, samosas and fresh juice.
Supermarkets like Al Zawraa or Al Wafaa are common; also smaller corner shops for basics.
Basrah's main souk (Al Asha'ar area) is the place for affordable clothing and textiles.
Shared minibuses (coasters) cost 250-500 IQD per ride; from Basrah International Airport take a shared taxi for about 10,000 IQD into town.
Always haggle in souks; drink tap water only if boiled or bottled; eat at places busy with locals for better value.
Emergency Contacts
BasrahFor tourist police or general assistance in Basrah, contact the local police station at +964 40 554 0000. The Tourist Police unit operates during daylight hours in the city centre. For medical emergencies, the Basrah Teaching Hospital emergency room can be reached on +964 40 550 0001. Always carry photocopies of your passport and visa.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Basrah, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Olive Hotel
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · صراف آلي - المصرف العراقي للتجارة — 310 m · ~4 min walk — pharmacy · مذخر ادوية ابن الهيثم — 109 m · ~1 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Basrah International Airport (BSR) → فندق وردة الربيع (Al-Basra district)
💡 Negotiate the fare before getting in; official airport taxis are around 15,000 IQD but drivers often start at 25,000. Use the Careem app if you have a local SIM — it's cheaper and tracks the route.
Al-Basra bus station (near جسر العشار) → فندق وردة الربيع (Al-Basra district)
💡 These shared minibuses follow fixed routes but stop anywhere you ask. Have exact change and tell the driver 'وردة الربيع' — they'll drop you at the junction.
Anywhere in Basrah → Anywhere in Basrah (including فندق وردة الربيع)
💡 Careem is reliable in Basrah for short trips. During rush hour (7–9 AM, 4–6 PM) the app sometimes shows no cars — just wait 5 minutes and refresh.
Basrah International Airport (BSR) → Al-Basra city centre (near سوق الحضري)
💡 The bus stops about 400m from the hotel. It's the cheapest option but can be crowded during peak hours; avoid bringing large suitcases.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Olive Hotel?
Request a room on the 3rd or 4th floor, as these are high enough to avoid most street traffic noise from Basrah’s busy roads, but not so high that lift wait times become an issue. Rooms facing the inner courtyard (if available) are quieter.
Which rooms should I avoid at Olive Hotel?
Avoid ground-floor rooms and those directly above the lobby or breakfast area – they pick up footfall and kitchen clatter. Also skip any room near the lift shaft on the 1st floor, as the motor noise can be constant.
Is Olive Hotel noisy?
Basrah’s streets are busy with motorbikes, honking, and occasional construction. The hotel’s main road frontage (likely Al-Wataniyah or similar) will carry early-morning and late-night traffic. Also, any nearby mosque calls to prayer will be audible – pack earplugs.
Which rooms have the best views at Olive Hotel?
Ask for a room on the 4th floor facing east or south – this likely overlooks either the city skyline (if in central Basrah) or the Shatt al-Arab approaches, but don’t expect more than a rooftops-and-palms view in a 3-star.
What are insider tips for staying at Olive Hotel?
1. If you arrive by car, park in the hotel’s secure lot (ask on check-in) – street parking is limited and often blocked by vendors. 2. Request a room on the courtyard side at booking; at a 3-star, these are often the only ones with decent soundproofing from street noise.
What time is check-in at Olive Hotel?
Check-in at Olive Hotel is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Olive Hotel have Wi-Fi?
Free basic WiFi (up to 5 Mbps) for all guests; no paid upgrade available. Login via room number and surname
Is there a city or tourist tax at Olive Hotel?
None
Where can I eat cheaply near Olive Hotel?
Falafel or shawarma wrap from a sandwich shop for around 2000-3000 IQD.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Olive Hotel?
Shared minibuses (coasters) cost 250-500 IQD per ride; from Basrah International Airport take a shared taxi for about 10,000 IQD into town.
When is the best time to visit Basrah?
November and March offer the most comfortable weather with daytime highs of 24-28°C and lower humidity, plus fewer visitors than the peak spring period.
Top Attractions in Basrah
💡 Visit at sunset when the heat drops and the river catches the light. Bring a scarf for dust if it's windy.
💡 Go early morning when the square is empty. Don't expect a guided tour; just sit and imagine the poet watching the river.
💡 Find the departure point near the Corniche end, by the small jetty opposite the old port building. Go between 8–10am for calm water. Don't tip unless you want to – it's not expected on shared trips.
💡 Wear comfortable shoes – the alleys can be uneven. Carry small bills. Most shopkeepers close for noon prayers (12:30–14:00). Avoid Fridays when many shops shut.
💡 Entry costs about US$3–5. The staff are knowledgeable but speak little English. Take a taxi – buses don't run close. Closed Fridays and public holidays.