How to Find Luxury Hotels in Kabul, Afghanistan

The capital city of Afghanistan, Kabul is situated near the mountain pass which acts as the border to Pakistan. The city has been in the center of numerous military actions since 1979, there are beautiful gardens, mausoleums and bazaars to visit in this historical city.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Credit card
• Computer with Internet access
• Passport
• Telephone

Find Accommodations

1. Stay at the five-star the Serena Hotel, where tourists can immerse themselves in the local culture. Built in 1945 and recently remodeled, the hotel features landscaped gardens, well-appointed guest rooms and suites, a restaurant and conference facilities. Rates are moderate to expensive, depending on room choice. Book online at the hotel's Web site (see Resources below) or by phone at 011 ([phone].

2. Call the Afghan Tourist Organization at 011 ([phone] for assistance with booking accommodations.

3. Book a room at one of Kabul's many large or chain hotels in more habitable parts of the city for reliable lodging.

4. Stay at authentic, traditional inns to become better acquainted with Afghan culture.

5. Set out for one of the many guest houses available in Kabul, where one can lay aside all vestiges of everyday life.

6. Check out high-security, Western-run Afghanistan adventure tours which cover lodging. Tours usually run approximately 10 days and take visitors through Kabul and surrounding areas.

Explore Your Surroundings

7. Wander the Kabul City Center, which boasts the city's most fascinating bazaars and street markets.

8. Buy traditional and modern souvenirs at Kabul's first shopping mall, enclosed within the Center.

Tips & Warnings

• 011 is the dialing prefix used for telephoning abroad from the United States. If you're calling from another country, check which international dialing prefix to use. All country codes are within parentheses and begin with a “+” sign.
• No official accommodations booking Web site is available for Afghanistan.
• Visit the State Department Web site (see Resources below) to find out how to obtain appropriate government papers, such as visas and passports, as well as check for safety advisories.
• Some small hotels will not accept Americans, as they pose a threat to security.
• Many dwellings that offer accommodations also enforce a curfew and an overnight-stay rule.
• Avoid communal rooms in traditional Kabul hotels if you're a woman traveling alone.
• Be aware that the exchange rate on dollars to afghani (the local currency) may fluctuate often. The entire economy is in constant flux, so don't be caught off guard with too little.
• Kabul is surrounded by a mountain range which borders cities involved in a conflict with the United States. Travel there with extreme caution.