Zarea Hotel

Very cheap, with a good location, and surprisingly clean. The rooms smell, the bathrooms are shared, there’s no card payment, and WiFi only works at reception. Still, it’s a reasonable place for anyone looking for an authentic USSR experience.

It felt like an authentic Soviet Brezhnev-era stay. We arrived late in the evening, cold, tired, and hungry, and the thoughtful staff gave us a couple of meals for free. The room was basic but had plenty of character, with its double entrance, wallpaper, wooden floor, mid-century furnishings, and high shower booth. Everything was clean and tidy, and the price was very cheap. It’s a 15-minute walk from the city center. Highly recommended.

I’d avoid this hotel and can’t recommend it. It smelled bad, was very dirty and worn out, and the old furniture didn’t work. You could hear every movement in the hallway, and the bathroom and toilet were in disastrous condition.

The building feels very old, and the furniture looks at least 30 years old. The toilet and shower aren't in the room, and the air conditioning didn't work. We only got one shower gel and shampoo for two nights. When I asked for more shampoo, I was told rooms are cleaned once every three days. It may be the cheapest hotel, but it was really bad and I wouldn't recommend it. The worst hotel I've stayed at abroad.