UB Guesthouse

UB guesthouse is small, cozy, and very clean, a comfortable base for setting off around Mongolia. The tours took us to authentic places away from mass tourism, and both drivers were kind, professional, and fun. We showed up without a plan, and within a few hours Bobbi had put together a full seven-day itinerary through her impressive network of contacts. I design tours for work, and Bobbi is one of the most talented fixers I've met. If you're unsure how to plan your trip, she can take care of it.

Bobby is the real highlight here. She's always helpful and organizes lots of tours at very good prices, even for people who aren't staying at her guesthouse. I did the Gobi tour and Terelj national park, and Bobby also arranged our Tsaatan tour in the north, though another guesthouse runs that one. If you're in UB for tours, I highly recommend the place. I stayed in a six-person shared dorm. The beds were fine, but there were no curtains, and doors to other rooms open into the dorm, so earplugs are a good idea. There are no lockers, though the owner will store your things for a small fee. Laundry is available for a price. The separate men's and women's toilets and showers were very clean, but sometimes there was no hot water, and once there was no cold water, only very hot. Maybe that was due to the city's facilities. There's no breakfast, but the bakery around the corner has really good breakfast and coffee.

The guesthouse was very clean and quiet while I was there. Travelers do arrive at unusual hours, of course, but that's to be expected. People I met there also thought it was better than other nearby options. Bobby and her team made everything easy and pleasant. You can book from a selection of ready-made tours, or join upcoming trips with other travelers. Bobby also helped me build a custom trip and knows a lot about places to visit across the country. I'd highly recommend staying here while exploring Mongolia.

I didn't stay at the guesthouse, but Bobby organized a three-day trip for me, my two daughters, and their partners, with a guide and an itinerary tailored to our needs. It was simple, no-frills travel, but a genuine experience with beautiful people. They took care of what we needed while still giving us room to explore Mongolia on horseback. Their kindness and hospitality toward my family meant a lot. I hope to return and will definitely book a longer tour next time. A+.