Shah Palace

The hotel is close to the city center, with spacious, luxurious rooms at a reasonable price. I left generally satisfied, though there were a number of frustrating details. As is the rule across Kyrgyzstan, toilet paper can’t be flushed. We had booked a twin room but were given a double. We asked for an extra blanket, but the room wasn’t cleaned on the first day and the blanket still hadn’t arrived after two days. We eventually asked the cleaning staff ourselves and got one. Cleaning seemed random: the bin for toilet paper with fecal stains was never emptied during our three-night stay, and the kettle still had water and other solids in it, so we didn’t want to use it. Breakfast is a buffet with lots of options if you arrive early. Later on, the selection is limited and the table can be untidy. I wish they’d refill the water even late at night. There’s also a problem coming back late: the gate is closed, and the chime is broken, so you’re told to call reception. Many foreign visitors only have data SIM cards. We might have been locked out if our taxi driver hadn’t helped. I wish the hotel explained the rules for going out. When you bring an issue to someone with authority, they do try kindly to sort it out. Kyrgyzstan is developing quickly, and the people here seem not very used to tourists, in both good and bad ways. I didn’t get the sense there was bad intent, and I hope things keep developing well.

We stayed at Shah Palace twice and were very happy both times. The rooms and bathrooms were super clean and comfortable, and the buffet breakfast was fantastic. Front desk staff were helpful and accommodating. Parking out front worked well with our hire car, and the staff were happy for us to leave it there. It’s easy to get around, with many restaurants and cafes an easy walk away. Highly recommend!

The second room I was moved to on the second floor also had a broken phone. In the first room on the third floor, the phone didn’t work and there was no hot water. I told reception, but they didn’t even check the room before moving me. I’d seen bathrobes in the Google photos, so I asked for one, but apparently they don’t have any. I had to move my belongings without any help from staff. Worst service I’ve ever had at a three-star hotel. WORST!!

The reception was kind, and the morning buffet was great. Our bathroom was a bit old, though it was clean. There was a fishy smell in the room because someone had left fish food in the broken fridge, and you could still smell it.