How to Find Luxury Hotels in Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan is a country in central Asia, divided into seven states. Travel into Uzbekistan is steadily becoming more difficult. Tour agencies may be able to simplify the process for tourists. Read on to learn how to find luxury accommodations in Uzbekistan.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer with Internet access
• Passport
• Visa

Choose Luxury Accommodations

1. Stay in luxury accommodations in the city center of Tashkent. Hotel offerings include suites with dining rooms, Internet access and business facilities.
2. Book a room at the InterContinental Tashkent Hotel. You'll experience five-star luxury at budget rates. Call [phone] to book a room or use the online booking service on the hotel Web site. See the Resources section below for a link.
3. Relax in luxury accommodations a few minutes away from the Tashkent airport. Hotel amenities meet five-star expectations for executive guests and tourists.
4. Spend a night in the extremely well-preserved city of Khiva, a relic from the Soviet Conservation Program of the 1970s. While it is hard to find luxury accommodations here, area bed and breakfasts will pamper you according to local customs.
5. See Moynaq, the city that was once a fishing port. The recessed waters are now eight hours away from what used to be the water's edge. Accommodations, however, are extremely limited, so book your stay well in advance.
6. Make reservations at a hotel in Bukhara or Samakhand to marvel at the beautiful architecture of these cities. Spend very little for decent accommodations that feature standard Western amenities.

Prepare for Your Hotel Stay

7. Check for entry requirements. Citizens of countries that are not members of the CIS will need entry visas and, possibly, a letter of invitation.
8. Fly into the international airport in Tashkent or arrive by train from Turkmenistan or Kazakhstan. You can also arrive by car or bus.
9. Explore the country by use of taxis or buses. Private citizens sometimes use their cars as taxis.

Know Your Destination

10. Consider purchasing a phrase book. Uzbek is the official language of Uzbekistan. Russian and Tajik are also spoken.
11. Exchange your currency for the Uzbekistani Sum.

Tips & Warnings

• There is no official booking Web site for the country of Uzbekistan. Some hotels, however, do have Web sites that offer online booking.
• There are no meters in the taxis. If you plan on taking a taxi or using a citizen's private car, agree on the price first before you get in.
• Watch out for corrupt officials and bad service at the airport.
• Travel by bus is neither efficient nor comfortable.
• Check for open borders first if you are planning to get to Uzbekistan by car or bus. Currently, almost all the borders are closed.
• Be concerned about land mines also, especially if you plan on arriving by car or bus. Some of the borders are laced with land mines.
• Do not drink water from the tap. Only drink bottled or distilled water.

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