Aq-Saray Palace

Location of the hotel was one of the reasons we chose this hotel. Rooms were reasonable clean, but everything in this hotel slowly falls apart. Beds were were uncomfortable, and every time I turned I felt like I was falling down. Small window in bathroom wouldn't close and birds would poop inside, leaving bathroom smelling horrible. Breakfast was passable. Pool in pictures looked nice, but in reality is very small. Spa takes forever to heat up, planks are uneven and have nails sticking out. Jacuzzi doesn't work. I would never again choose this hotel.

I had a very disappointing experience at the Continental Hotel in Samarkand during checkout. My sister unfortunately lost her room key card, and the receptionist immediately told us we had to pay a $30 fine. I asked him to show me the hotel policy or any written terms stating that a lost card carries a $30 charge. He could not provide anything. When I questioned the charge, his behaviour became increasingly aggressive. I asked to speak to the manager so we could resolve the matter properly, but he refused. He then began shouting at me. I explained that I had a taxi waiting outside and a train to catch, but instead of trying to resolve the issue professionally, he continued to argue. What was particularly concerning was that the amount suddenly changed. The original demand was $30, then it was reduced to $20, and eventually to $15 after I continued refusing to pay a charge that had not been supported by any policy he could show me. I eventually paid the $15 reluctantly because I was under severe time pressure and did not want to miss my train. I paid because of the circumstances, not because I accepted that the charge was justified. The issue is not really the $15. It is the way the situation was handled: an unexplained “fine,” no policy provided, refusal to let me speak with a manager, a repeatedly changing amount, and aggressive behaviour towards a guest who was trying to leave. My advice to future guests is to avoid this place at all cost. It’s run by gangsters.