Hotels

There are not many great choices of hotels in Tashkent and International Hotel Tashkent is among the better ones. This is supposed to be Tashkent's finest hotel. It has obviously seen its best days; today the hotel seems a bit old however it is reasonably maintained. It is a real 5 stars if we consider the lobby and the breakfast and the facilities on the first floor, but concerning the rooms one could rate them as 4 star at best. While the hotel is very clean, the furniture, carpets etc. needs replacement.

International Hotel is located in business area close to National Bank of Uzbekistan, Uzbek Expo-Center and shopping arcades. The whole area is a purpose built complex, which includes a business tower, this hotel, a lake and park - all are in walking distances. There is a Metro station right in front of the hotel. There are several small shops across the street who are used to dealing with foreigners for cigarettes, beer and other small items.

The location is not in area of interest for tourist but it is convenient for transiting to the major business areas. Since most of large scale international fairs and exhibitions are held in nearby Uzbek Expo-Center this hotel would be a first choice to stay in for events participants.

Hotel is located in one of the quietest places of Tashkent and is a real oasis of tranquillity. There is a lovely lake and peaceful Japanese Garden bordering the hotel at the rear for a pleasant post meal stroll. The lobby is attractive and sitting areas are well separated, so you can even have short business meetings there.
There is a heavy security aspect at the entrance to the hotel grounds (local police) they check bags, but tend to leave non Uzbeks alone.

There is free Wi-Fi but signal is available only in the lobby (this is unacceptable for a 5-star hotel, which they claim to be) with lots of comfortable chairs there. But in busy period sitting areas are mostly occupied and this is a nuisance. You can pay $20 a day for in room cable Internet, but the speed is no better.

There are 233 rooms in the hotel that are quite nice, spacious and comfortable. Rooms are spotless clean and provide great views to the city. The beds can be improved and TVs are still the old generation type and not the flat screen. But this is not affecting the atmosphere in the room. There is a good selection of channels, much as you would expect from most hotels. Bathrooms are spacious with lovely toiletry kits.

Try to get a room on the back side "Park side" as the front rooms can get very warm even with AC in the summer. The hotel is undergoing a renovation program with lower floors slowly being refurbished and upgraded to the real 5 star quality. Rooms at the top are old and in need of a refresh.

Another drawback is that windows have no handles and you need to make a special request to open them. They will ask you to sign a form that hotel bears no responsibility for you and security of your belongings, only after that they will open a window. Still will leave you no handle and to close window firmly one would need to make another request (and perhaps sign another form ;-).

The Standard Room is a modern room, decorated in light colors, with a comfortable king-size bed. Additionally the room has a spacious desk and an armchair to relax in. These rooms are large enough to accommodate two guests and are available for both smokers and non-smokers.
The Superior Room is a large room coming either with a king-size or twin beds. These rooms also have separate comfortable sitting area.
The Junior Suite consists of two rooms: bedroom with a king-size bed and a separate sitting area. And the living room furnished with a comfortable couch. Both rooms are very modern and could be separated by a door, which is quite convenient if you plan to use living room as a small meeting venue.
The Senior Suite is a two room suite equipped with luxury furniture and is located on the 9th floor of the hotel.
The Executive Suite located on the 10th floor offers magnificent view over Tashkent. The larger bedroom has king-size bed and individual bathroom with Jacuzzi and a separate shower.
The Presidential Suite offers its guest three luxury rooms on the top floor of the International Hotel Tashkent. The main room is to meet and welcome your visitors. The second room has a huge table for ten persons and can be used either to dine together or hold a business meeting. The bedroom comes with King-size bed and a comfortable armchair. Adjoining is the luxury bathroom with Jacuzzi and individual sauna. There is also a small kitchen and second bathroom for the guests in Presidential Suite.

Buffet breakfast is quite good with a varied selection of food. Omelettes made to order are great. Most guests confirm to have very pleasant experience with great selection of food, terrific fruits, salads, hot foods. The breakfast room is bright and airy, sitting at breakfast makes you feel like you are in a garden. There are even canaries singing. The restaurant food is excellent but expect to pay European prices for the quality.

Prices in the bar are just outrageous: bottle of local beer is $7-8, 40 gr of Chivas Regal whiskey is around $30. Assortment of beverages are very limited with just 2 sort of beers available in reality and don't be surprised if they say that they have only 1 bottle left.

Nice indoor swimming pool, gym and sauna/steam bath. SPA is nice and clean but open to the public (ie not only for the hotel guests)

The staff members are very helpful and respond to each request urgently and quick. Anywhere you go - you will be met with smile and ready to assist if it is needed.

The hotel is good but clearly not a five star by western standards. Still this is a better alternative compared to other places in Uzbekistan. Overall it is a reasonable property and given the fact that there are other genuine 5 star hotels in Tashkent (Hyatt Regency and more coming), it is a good choice for a few nights.