Hilton Garden Inn Samarkand

We asked for a quiet room facing the backyard because I was concerned about traffic noise from the main road across from the hotel. We didn’t hear the road at all. The room AC was loud, especially the toilet exhaust fan, and the hair dryer seemed partly broken because it kept folding shut while I used it. We asked for another one but were brought the same dryer, so we gave up. I can’t say whether these problems affect all rooms. Breakfast had local and international dishes. It was decent and worth having, though not a big feast compared with other hotels I’ve stayed at. The pancakes were delicious. At 10am they started taking the food away right then, so we rushed to choose what we wanted. When we asked, the staff were kind and served us extra portions. The staff were friendly and polite generally, and Ravshanbek was especially nice to talk with during checkout. He even gave us some Uzbek coins as a keepsake. At breakfast, Violetta kindly answered our questions and suggested local Uzbek foods to try. We had quite a nice stay.

The restaurant was good, and Avaz, our waiter, was attentive. He knew how to talk with guests and anticipate what they might need. I think staff like him are a real asset. The hotel itself was clean, nice, and comfortable, and seems suitable for families. Most employees were friendly and helpful. The rest helped too, though I got the sense they were doing it because they had to earn a living.

I’m writing this during my stay. I know this isn’t a five-star property, but basic courtesy and professionalism have been missing. At check-in, the disclaimer we had to sign was mistranslated. They also forgot to collect the tourist tax, then asked us to come to reception to pay it, although I’d seen card machines used for room service. We said we could pay the next morning on our way out, and they agreed. Breakfast each morning has had very few vegetarian options and has been messy and poorly managed. I’ve had to ask for water glasses to be restocked, and staff didn’t notice the waffle batter was nearly gone. Today, one of the few vegetarian dishes ran out during breakfast hours. They said they wouldn’t refill it and that we could eat it tomorrow. The breakfast manager is quite impolite. When I raised this at reception, the man there seemed to take it as a joke. Another receptionist said the restaurant was separate from the hotel and they couldn’t do anything, since it appears to be a franchise run by another company inside the hotel. But Hilton charged me for breakfast and presented it as a service. A manager later told me that it was their responsibility. I had to bring my laundry to reception because no one could explain over the phone how to hand it over. When I checked whether it was done, my underwear was in a standard transparent laundry bag. I asked for it to be sent to my room, but they said they couldn’t because the bellboy wasn’t there yet. I had to carry my undergarments back to the room across the corridor and lift. The AC also wasn’t working when we checked in, and a technician had to fix it. There were several other small issues, but we hadn’t complained until the breakfast and laundry problems. Later, someone I assume was the manager came to my room after again asking me to go down to reception. He noted all the problems and offered something complimentary as an apology, but we turned it down. We just want decent treatment and basic services. Other hotels in Uzbekistan have been fine, but I wouldn’t recommend this one. The hotel should describe its services more clearly and transparently. My booking is for two people from 25th to 28th December 2025.

Dining at Hilton Garden Inn Samarkand was memorable largely because of Shokhrukh, the head waiter. His careful, professional service made each meal feel special, and his warm manners made me feel personally welcome. He suggested a local meat dish with creamy mashed potatoes topped with saffron. The flavors and presentation were perfect, combining local cooking with the refined touch I’d expect from Hilton. That blend of genuine warmth and professionalism is rare. I highly recommend dining here, and asking Shokhrukh what he recommends.