Hotels

The Lotte Tashkent Hotel has risen above to achieve the top tier and is by right is now one of the best hotels in Tashkent. It is under new management since late 2013 and is now part of the Lotte chain. The hotel transformation is magnificent and new management has done an outstanding job.

The hotel's location is top, in the very city centre with several parks nearby. Opposite is the well-known Alisher Navoi Opera & Ballet Theatre and within 15 - 20 minute walk of decent restaurants (and the Irish Pub). The State Museum of History of Uzbekistan, Independence Square, city parks and squares are in walking distance. Tashkent International Airport is located 8 km from the hotel, which takes only 10 minutes to travel and hotel would be very convenient for both tourists and businessmen.

The hotel is well decorated inside and out and looks almost luxurious. The public areas are impressive though too many furnishings look like they belong in the Versailles palace in France instead of a historic Central Asian city that has fine cultural traditions of its own. The common areas resemble a plush luxury European hotel with a piano bar and everything looks elegant and stylish - even the huge arrangement in the glass enclosure in the lobby.

There are 232 comfortable rooms with a choice of the courtyard view (garden with the pool) or the Opera House view with a beautiful fountain in front of it. Rooms are good-sized, comfortable, elegantly decorated and spotlessly clean. Beds are very good, soft and are in line with the Western taste (if you are a frequent visitor to Uzbekistan you would know that in general all mattresses here are like slate boards). The linen is clean, fresh and crisp and the fluffy down comforter would be much appreciated. Toiletries and a hairdryer are provided in the en suite bathroom where you would also be delighted to see the plush soft fresh towels. Rooms also feature satellite TV and a work desk. The only drawback is that they always block doors to the balcony and the windows have no handles, so you cannot put fresh air to your room. Obviously they will open window if asked, but it is not usual practice. Also try to avoid rooms over the karaoke bar in the ground floor, they are rather noisy.

They have splendid buffet breakfast that is not to be missed. The hotel restaurant is hugely overpriced, with beverage prices nearly outrageous (wine - $90/bottle; Coca-Cola - $20/2-liter bottle; upscale teabag - $4) and must be paid in Uzbek currency at the current bank exchange rate. Guests can dine on the rooftop terrace or in the courtyard garden, and drinks are served in the piano bar. The panorama of the city is striking at night at the rooftop restaurant.

Lotte Tashkent has also a nice-sized swimming. There are sun beds and parasols by the poolside. You can order food and drinks from the pool bar. The health club features a decent gym, sauna, and guests can book beauty treatments and massages. The health club provides yoga and aerobics programs with classes held in groups or individually. You will also be pleasantly surprised by aqua-aerobics classes.

Staff is attentive, friendly, courteous, speak English and trying hard when the art of hospitality is not fully ingrained.

Top location, great service, utmost comfort and a very good value. Totally recommended.