Orient Star Khiva

I’m glad I ignored the negative reviews, because I don’t know what they’re talking about. It costs a bit more, but you’re paying for the experience of staying in an old madrasa inside the walled city, not just a room. The rooms are basic but good. I was there in June, and the stone building kept mine cool without AC. I had to turn it off or the room got cold. The water was hot, and even on a Saturday there weren’t many people coming and going. It was quiet, and my room looked onto the courtyard. This place is cool. You won’t regret booking it.

We stayed for two nights, and the convenient location made our visit easy. Tokhir and Shakhruza at the front desk were professional, kind, and very willing to help sort out any issues. Every morning there was a fresh, varied selection of local food at breakfast, which was a highlight. The whole hotel felt comfortable, and with the service and amenities, it was good value. We were really impressed and highly recommend staying here.

I stayed two nights. The room was okay, and so was breakfast. On arrival, the reception manager asked an employee to carry my big backpack up the steep stairs. He was grumpy and left it at the bottom, so one of the cleaning ladies ended up carrying it. The same thing happened when I was leaving. I asked the receptionist for help, but nobody came. After 10 minutes, I carried it myself. I think the rooms are overpriced. There are other nice hotels and guesthouses around the old city for less.

Breakfast is served in a nearby historic building, with a wide choice and everything I tried was excellent. The hotel itself is beautiful, in a former Madrasa, and well placed for sightseeing. One downside is that it sits on the tour guides’ route. People come into the courtyard and go upstairs to take photos, sometimes making noise outside the rooms and disturbing guests.