Islamic State Reopens Luxury Hotel - Reports
The five-star Ninawa Hotel in Mosul, which has more than 200 rooms, will apparently be used by the militant group's commanders.
Tuesday 05 May 2015
The hotel was closed down when IS seized Mosul last year
Islamic State has reopened a luxury hotel in Iraq for its commanders, according to reports.
Pictures published online apparently from the militant group's television channel appear to show the Ninawa Hotel in Mosul being readied for guests.
The hotel was called "one of the best" in Iraq in a TripAdvisor review
The hotel, which has 262 rooms spread over 11 floors, was closed down last year when IS seized large parts of the country.
People are seen cleaning windows, tending to a garden and painting, while the black flag of IS is seen being raised in the grounds of the hotel.
The Islamic State flag in the grounds of the hotel
Multi-coloured balloons are also released.
The five-star hotel has a number of positive reviews on TripAdvisor, all of which were posted before IS took over the city.
Images posted online show balloons being released at the hotel
One user called it "one of the best hotels in Iraq", where you can "enjoy the luxury life with (a) very affordable room rate".
Another wrote: "It's actually so comfortable and has a nice view with a large garden and a nice look to the river."
