Siyob Bazaar

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.