A modern mid-range hotel in Basra offering comfortable rooms and good facilities. Features a restaurant serving local specialties, helpful staff, and convenient location for business and sightseeing. Good value in southern Iraq's commercial hub.
Basra Times Square Hotel is a mid-range property in the Al-Ashar district of Basra, Iraq's second city and the commercial heart of the country's oil-rich southern region. Al-Ashar is Basra's historic trading quarter, lying along a canal system that once linked the city to the broader Shatt al-Arab waterway. The hotel's location places guests within reach of the district's covered markets, riverside promenades, and the broader urban geography of a city undergoing significant infrastructure investment as Iraq's energy sector expands.
The hotel offers clean, contemporary rooms equipped with air conditioning, satellite television, free WiFi, and private bathrooms. The property has been designed to serve primarily a business clientele—oil sector professionals, logistics contractors, government officials, and traders who pass through Basra's commercial hub in significant numbers. The in-house restaurant serves Iraqi cuisine and international staples, with a menu sufficiently varied to accommodate guests on extended stays. Room service is available throughout the day.
A business centre provides workspace and printing facilities for corporate guests. The hotel's front desk is staffed around the clock and can assist with airport transfers to and from Basra International Airport, which is approximately 25 kilometres north of the city centre. Private parking is available on-site, which is a practical consideration in a busy commercial district with limited street parking.
Basra's attractions include the historic Basra Museum (housed in one of Uday Hussein's former palaces), the Sinbad Island recreational area on the Shatt al-Arab, and boat tours of the remaining marshland areas that form part of the Iraqi Marshes UNESCO World Heritage Site to the northwest. Room rates of $70 to $140 per night represent competitive mid-range pricing for Basra's business hotel market, where demand from the energy sector sustains year-round occupancy. The hotel is a practical and reliable base for professional travelers and curious visitors to Iraq's southern gateway.
Amenities
- restaurant
- free WiFi
- business center
- parking
- room service
- airport transfer
Location
Al-Ashar, Basra
30.5200, 47.8150 View on map
Highlights
- Mid-range accommodation in Basra's historic Al-Ashar trading district near the canal waterfront
- In-house restaurant and 24-hour room service supporting business travelers on extended stays
- Business centre with workspace and printing facilities serving Basra's oil sector professional clientele
- Airport transfer service to Basra International Airport, approximately 25 km north of the city centre
- Convenient base for visits to Basra Museum, Sinbad Island, and the UNESCO-listed Iraqi Marshes
Tips for visiting
- Confirm airport transfer arrangements 24 hours in advance—Basra traffic can be unpredictable, particularly during shift changes at major oil facilities.
- The Al-Ashar canal area is worth a morning walk, with traditional market activity busiest before midday.
- Basra summers are among the hottest in the world—plan outdoor sightseeing for early morning or late afternoon from May to September.
- Carry cash in Iraqi dinars for market shopping and local restaurants; card payments are not universally accepted in Basra's older commercial districts.
- The Iraqi Marshes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are accessible by road from Basra—day trips can be arranged through local tour operators.
Accessibility
The hotel is situated on a main road in the Al-Ashar commercial district. Standard accessibility features including elevator access are expected for a modern mid-range property; guests with specific mobility requirements should contact the hotel to confirm accessible room availability and ground-floor facilities.
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Frequently asked questions
How far is Basra Times Square Hotel from Basra International Airport?
Basra International Airport is approximately 25 kilometres north of the Al-Ashar district. The hotel offers pre-arranged airport transfers; guests should confirm pickup arrangements with the front desk when booking.
Is Basra suitable for leisure tourists as well as business travelers?
Basra has growing appeal for adventurous leisure tourists. Key attractions include the Basra Museum, boat tours on the Shatt al-Arab waterway, and access to the UNESCO-listed Iraqi Marshes. The city has improved in safety and services over recent years, though travelers should consult current government travel advisories.
Does the hotel cater specifically to oil industry professionals?
The hotel is well-equipped for business travelers, including those in Basra's dominant oil and energy sector. The business centre, reliable WiFi, room service, and airport transfer services align with the practical needs of professionals on short or extended work rotations.
What is the best way to visit the Iraqi Marshes from Basra?
The southern Iraqi Marshes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world's great wetland ecosystems, are accessible by road from Basra. Local tour operators and hotel staff can assist with arranging transportation and guides for half-day or full-day excursions to the marsh villages.