Shams Art Hotel

We waited two hours to check in because we arrived early. When they finally gave us a room, there was just one blanket and no towels. We asked for towels and then waited more than two hours for them. They knew we'd arrived early and their system showed our booking, but they still hadn't prepared things in advance. The staff in the lobby and reception were also very loud with their friends. A very bad experience.

The rooms and location were good, though breakfast was average. Kamran at reception was extremely helpful. Water dispensers at the reception would be a nice addition.

After a 17-hour train ride, I arrived for the double room I'd booked on Booking com and was told they had no record of it. I showed them the booking and even proved they'd messaged me after I asked a question. The young receptionist tried to say it was my fault, told me to call Booking, and refused to get the owner or manager. They paid for a taxi to another "art' hotel, about 20 minutes away. That place had a single bed and cost a bit more. Thankfully it was okay, but the customer service and experience should have been better. Sham by name and sham by nature.

Getting there was easy by Yandex taxi, or it's a 10-minute walk from the nearest metro station. The staff were kind and polite, and the stay was comfortable. Breakfast had lots of tasty options. They also provided as much free bottled water as we needed, a real blessing in the Uzbek summer heat.