Amir Hostel

The owner was very accommodating and gave me and the other guests tips on where to eat and how to get around the city. I enjoyed staying at this hostel and in Samarkand. It was clean, and the bed curtains offered a bit of privacy. Restaurants and sights were within walking distance, in my opinion. I didn’t like that they moved my bed after I’d settled in on the first day, but aside from that, I recommend the place. 😊

I expected a lot more after reading all the positive reviews. The place didn't seem well looked after: the toilets and showers weren't being cleaned, and the staff came across as uninterested. The bed curtains are nice, and there's AC, but the room still gets pretty warm. Sadly, it was a disappointment.

The location worked really well, close to Central Park, with a grocery store a few blocks away. Turn right as you leave, then right again and walk a few blocks to a mini market with vegetables, fruit, dairy, and snacks. They take major credit cards, but not contactless payments. The owner, Amir, and his family live next door and were very involved with guests, sharing food, chatting about different cultures, and suggesting places to visit. There’s a patio beside the kitchen with two large tables and room to park bikes. The kitchen has cutlery, plates, pots, pans, and a gas stove. I cooked chicken macaroni there, and my friend made Japanese curry. Upstairs are two bathrooms and a separate toilet between them. Each bed has a curtain, charging outlet, and reading light, and the AC worked perfectly at night. A microwave would be a nice addition. 9/10!

Being beside a nice park was a real plus, especially for morning runs, and the centre was an easy short walk away. It also gave us a chance to see a more everyday side of Samarkand instead of just the tourist areas. Amir and his family made us feel at home and were always ready with advice or a hand. The amenities were basic, but had everything we needed. We loved our stay at Amir Hostel.