Best Hotels in Central Asia

After a couple of disastrous years in the tourism industry, 2023 was the year that reignited wanderlust, refueled the airports, and got heads back on hotel pillows.

In the first three months of 2023, Kazakhstan saw a staggering 300% increase in tourism, while Uzbekistan recorded a total of 6.6 million tourists, just shy of the peak of 6.7 million reached in 2019.

With increased tourism revenue in Central Asia, it’s fair to assume that competition between hotels is also on the rise as hoteliers compete for customers.

Top Rated Hotels in Central Asia: Results

Introducing the crème de la crème of Central Asia’s hospitality scene: the results of our exhaustive search for the region’s top-rated hotels.

It’s good news for small business owners. Of the top-rated hotels in Central Asia, only one was a 5 star hotel whilst the majority included independent, boutique and family-run hotels.

Best Rated Hotels by City

City	Hotel	Average Rating in 2023
Tashkent, Uzbekistan	Mirzo Boutique	9.78
Samarkand, Uzbekistan	Kosh Havuz Boutique Hotel	9.74
Bukhara, Uzbekistan	Caravan Castle Boutique Hotel	9.71
Khiva, Uzbekistan	Khiva Siyovush Hotel	9.69
Almaty, Kazakhstan	Qazaq Auyl Eco Hotel	9.12
Astana, Kazakhstan	The St. Regis Astana	9.47
Shymkent, Kazakhstan	Totem Hotel	9.50
Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan	Freedom Hotel	9.59
Osh, Kyrgyzstan	Level Hotel	9.0
Karakol, Kyrgyzstan	Hotel 78 Cafe	9.24
Dushanbe, Turkmenistan	Hotel Sharq	9.60

Tashkent

Mirzo Boutique, 9.78

Best known for its beautiful courtyard and location close to the bustling Chorsu Bazaar, Mirzo Boutique Hotel was not only the highest rated hotel in Tashkent but all of Central Asia for 2023.

“Beautiful peaceful oasis in the city. Gorgeous buildings. A great place to stay.”

Price for a Double Room: $60+

See More Hotels in Tashkent…

Samarkand

Kosh Havuz Boutique Hotel

Kosh Havuz is a new hotel in the center of Samarkand and just a 5 minute walk from the famous Bibi-Khanym Mosque. Popular for its blend of old and new Uzbek style and beautifully illuminated courtyard.

“Kosh Havus is a stunning hotel. Every bit of it was handcrafted and the end result is a gorgeous hotel.”

Price for a Double Room: $140+

See more hotels in Samarkand.

Bukhara

Caravan Castle Boutique Hotel

A surprise to the list, Caravan Castle Boutique Hotel was noted for its comfort and hospitality. Located in a quiet part of Bukhara just outside of the main city, this hotel was popular for its facilities such as sauna and massage.

“Stunning boutique hotel with no detail missed. Like living in a mini castle and friendly hosts made us feel part of the family.”

Price for a Double Room: $70+

See more hotels in Bukhara.

Khiva

Khiva Siyovush Hotel, 9.69

Located within the walls of UNESCO world heritage site of Itchan Kala, Siyovush Hotel is one of the hotels which braved the storm of the pandemic to flourish in 2023.

Like most Khiva hotels, it is a family hotel popular for its hospitality and location in the very heart of the city.

“Siyovush Hotel is a family-run hotel which gives you a warm feeling of being at home. It is located in the old city near all the main cultural sites.”

Price for a Double Room: $55+

See more hotels in Khiva.

Almaty

Qazaq Auyl Eco Hotel

Located just outside of Almaty by the popular Shymbulak Ski Resort in the Medeu Gorge, the Qazaq Auyl Eco Hotel boasts a sauna, heated floors and stunning terrace views of its mountainous surroundings.

The hotel consists of 16 secluded eco-houses and its location offers both skiing and hiking depending on the season.

“Beautiful cabin. Really comfy bed. All mod cons are high spec and in excellent condition. Stunning views. Spacious. Sauna was great!“

Price for a Double Room: $300+

Astana

The St. Regis Astana

The St. Regis Astana is the only 5 star hotel to make it on this list. Located on the Ishim river, just a few minutes away from Astana’s Central Park, the St. Regis Astana offers some of the best hotel facilities in Kazakhstan.

Guests have access to 5 star facilities including an indoor heated swimming pool, spa, fitness center, restaurants and bar.

“Exclusive place for ones who appeciate luxury comfort and service. Very professional staff and high level services.“

Price for a Double Room: $170+

Shymkent

Totem Hotel, 9.50

Totem hotel offers some of the best value for money in all of Central Asia. Despite being one of the cheapest hotels on this list, it offers an indoor pool, fitness center, and sauna.

“This is the best hotel I’ve ever seen in Kazakhstan. It is a better hotel than many 5 stars for a cheap price.”

Price for a Double Room: $30+

Bishkek

Freedom Hotel

An incredibly swanky brand new hotel located not far from Panfilov Park in central Bishkek. Noted for its modern comfort and friendly staff, its also great value for money considering its ratings.

“Everything about this hotel was amazing. We stayed here twice during our trip for a total of 10 days. This was one of the most comfortable hotels in Central Asia.”

Price for a Double Room: $50+

Dushanbe

Just a 5 minute drive to the Ayni Opera House, Hotel Sharq is a stylish and modern 4 star hotel in Tajikistan’s capital city. Another brand new Central Asian hotel, Hotel Sharq is particularly praised for its buffet breakfast.

Price for a Double Room: $70+

From beautiful mountain views and family-run boutique hotels to inner city 5 star hotels, we hope this review gives you some inspiration on where to stay in Central Asia.

If you’re planning a trip to Central Asia then why not begin with our tips on visiting Uzbekistan, the heart of the region and home to multiple UNESCO world heritage sites.

Sources: Astana Times, Stat.uz Official Telegram