Whilst tour groups stay at the larger hotels outside the walls of Uzbekistan’s Silk Road city, Khiva, we enjoyed two nights at the Shaherezada Boutique Hotel, situated within the Ichan Kala or Inner City.
Check-in wasn’t the slickest with it taking some time to locate our booking and an introduction to the hotel facilities was sadly missing. There are just 12 rooms and 205 was relatively large with two comfortable single beds and although they offered to convert them into a double, we declined. The duvets were a little thick when outside temperatures were 30+ degrees, so it was good that the AC worked well, as did the complimentary WiFi. Apart from a highly ornately painted ceiling, the room was simply furnished with a long desk and cupboard, central bedside table and lights, wall mounted TV, wardrobe and two chairs. Bottled water was provided on request, and although there were no tea and coffee making facilities in the room, we later accidentally discovered they were available throughout the day in the dining room along with a selection of nuts and raisins.
The bathroom was light and bright with a shower over the bath. However, whilst there was a rail and hooks, the shower curtain was missing and water sprayed everywhere, which meant mopping down the floor afterwards. But there was a good hairdryer and mirror combination, a limited range of complimentary toiletries, and plenty of hanging space for towels.
The roof top terrace was literally a large open space and whilst there were good views, there was no shade and only a single tapchan – this is like a double bed where up to eight people can sit at a table to eat whilst sat cross legged or lounging! Although the receptionist suggested having a beer there, there was no obvious way to get drinks, as there was no bar.
The ground floor breakfast room was beautiful with ornate wooden sideboards: the hotel is owned and run by seven brothers who have been carpenters for generations and all the furniture, doors, ceilings, and stairs have been carved by them. With chairs covered in blue velvet and blue and white china, it was very elegant, and we were able to make a pot of green tea with lemon before serving ourselves from the buffet of juice, fruit, yoghurt, cold meats and cheese, salads and bread, with eggs being cooked to order on request.
The hotel is located on two floors and as there is no lift, you may want to request a ground floor room: although help with our bags was offered, we waited so long, we managed ourselves.
Whilst the hotel does not serve evening meals, there were plenty of restaurants within a short walk and the location of the hotel was perfect.
