Silk Way Hostel

It’s a cozy, clean hostel with a friendly, relaxed feel. The staff were welcoming and helpful, and it’s a nice place to meet other travelers. My room stayed fairly comfortable even though the A/C wasn’t turned on. Finding the place can be tricky because it’s inside a courtyard without clear signs. There are only two toilets for the whole hostel, which gets inconvenient when it’s busy. Still, it’s a good budget option in Bishkek.

The staff were welcoming, and we met some really nice people here. But the common areas didn’t look clean enough for us to feel comfortable using them. Our double room was unbearably hot, even hotter than outside. I borrowed a fan, but it was still so stuffy that I could barely sleep. A dorm bed might be a better choice since it’s less hot. The price was attractive, so I’m giving it 3 stars. At least we can say we slept at the KGB headquarters.

The owner was incredibly nice and gave me a key fob, so I could come and go any time. The male dorm is in the living room, screened off with two sliding black curtains, while the female dorm is an actual room. There’s a kitchen with plenty of plates, cups, and bowls, plus a large dining room behind it. The main bathroom and two standing showers are right by the kitchen. Laundry costs 100 som. It’s a 15 minute walk downtown. A 24/7 grocery store is a few blocks away, and you can get water for 5 som per liter from a dispenser next to a somsa restaurant around the corner.

The 3 bed private room was tiny, with room for the beds but not enough space to open our suitcases. The kitchen was useful, with utensils, spices, and other basics. I arrived around 9am to check in and was told bluntly that check-in was at 1pm. The host didn’t say whether the room was empty or occupied. Messages on WhatsApp were seen but ignored, and I had to call to get a reply. For the price, the value earns 4 stars. Otherwise, I’d have given it 2 or 3 at most.