Instead, it offered an intimate elegance. Its architecture reflected the modernist spirit of the era: clean lines, large panoramic windows, and terraces that framed the snowcapped peaks above and the city lights below. Inside, the décor mixed Western sophistication with craftsmanship — handwoven carpets, carved wooden details, and brass lamps that cast a warm glow on the stone walls. Guests could dine on the hotel’s terrace, where mountain breezes carried the scent of grilled kebabs and blooming wildflowers.
The restaurant was known for its chelo kebab, mirza ghasemi, and local trout, freshly caught from nearby streams. On weekends, Tehran’s upper class and foreign visitors filled the tables, sipping tea or coffee while the sound of traditional Persian music floated through the evening air. Before the Revolution, Darband was more than just a picnic spot — it was a gathering place for the city’s creative and cosmopolitan community. The Darband Hotel often hosted artists, writers, diplomats, and travelers who came to experience a more relaxed side of Tehran life.
