Uncover Tashkent's Hidden Gem: OLD TASHKENT Hotel & Spa Luxury Awaits!
Tashkent's Treasure Chest: My Chaotic Love Affair with the OLD TASHKENT Hotel & Spa (Spoiler: It's Mostly Love!)
Alright, folks, buckle up. I've just wrestled my way through a stay at the Old Tashkent Hotel & Spa, and let me tell you, it was less a vacation and more a rollercoaster of opulent highs and… well, let's just say a few minor hiccups that ultimately made the whole experience wonderfully human. If you're after a picture-perfect, robotically flawless stay, maybe look elsewhere. But if you crave a genuine taste of Tashkent luxury with a side of charming imperfections, you've come to the right place.
First Impressions: Opulence and a Slight Sniff of… Newness?
Driving up, the Old Tashkent Hotel is stunning. It's all gleaming white facades, intricate carvings, and that "wow" factor that screams, "You're somewhere special." The lobby? Forget about it. Chandeliers that could bankrupt a small nation, plush seating that begs you to sink in, and a scent of fresh flowers mixed with… a hint of freshly-laid paint? (Okay, maybe they were still putting the finishing touches on some areas.) I'm a sucker for a lobby, and this one almost instantly won me over.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, But with Heart
Now, I have to be honest, this is where things got a little messy. My aunt uses a wheelchair, and while the hotel advertises facilities for disabled guests, the experience wasn't seamless. The main areas are largely accessible – the lobby, restaurants, and common spaces. The elevator was thankfully spacious and reliable. However, navigating some of the pathways within the spa and to the outdoor pool presented some challenges. (Accessibility, Facilities for disabled guests, Elevator).
The staff, though? Absolute stars. They were genuinely eager to help, always offering assistance and going the extra mile. One time, they even rerouted us through a slightly longer, but completely accessible path to the spa. That kind of dedication makes all the difference. It's a "work in progress," but with the staff's attitude, I have faith it'll get better, (Staff trained in safety protocol, Front desk [24-hour]).
The Room: My Sanctuary of Soundproofing and Slippers
Okay, let’s talk about the rooms. Pure bliss. (Air conditioning, Blackout curtains, Bathrobes, Slippers, Soundproof rooms, Wi-Fi [free]) Mine overlooked the internal courtyard, and it was a haven of peace. The blackout curtains were a godsend – I slept like a log (thanks, jet lag!). The bed? Heavenly. Seriously, I’m still dreaming about it. The bathroom? Perfectly equipped with all the essentials, including a rainfall showerhead that made every morning feel like a spa day. And the slippers. Oh, the slippers! I practically lived in them the entire time.
(Alarm clock, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Window that opens.) There were also those little touches, like complimentary tea and bottled water. Plus, a seriously-sized mirror that made even my puffy morning face almost acceptable.
Food, Glorious Food: From Buffet Bliss to Midnight Snacks
Right, the food. Let's be real, this is often the most important part of the hotel experience. And the Old Tashkent? They delivered.
The breakfast buffet (Breakfast [buffet], Asian breakfast, International cuisine in restaurant, Western breakfast, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant) was an absolute feast. Seriously, I almost missed my first spa appointment because I was too busy stuffing my face with fresh fruit, flaky pastries, and a truly incredible selection of cheeses. You could even order a room service breakfast (Breakfast in room, Room service [24-hour]) if you were feeling particularly decadent.
For other meals, there were a few restaurants to choose from: a couple of restaurants serving Asian and International cuisine. I spent way too much time at the poolside bar (Poolside bar, Bar), sampling their cocktails (Happy Hour was a lifesaver!). The food was generally delicious, and the service was consistently friendly. One evening, I ordered room service (Room service [24-hour]) at some ridiculous hour, probably 2 AM. The food arrived quickly, and the server was genuinely cheerful. (Thank you, whoever you are, for saving me from a late-night sugar crash!).
(A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant)
The Spa: My Ultimate "Me Time" Overindulgence
Okay, this is where the Old Tashkent truly shines. The spa (Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Massage, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom) is a masterpiece of relaxation. I spent a solid three hours one afternoon getting pampered, blissfully forgetting all my worries. The massage was… out of this world. I’m serious. I’ve had massages all over the globe, and this one was in the top three. The masseuse was incredibly skilled, and the ambiance was perfect – calm, serene, and just the right amount of aromatherapy. I'd recommend the body wrap. (Spa) I'm almost always skeptical of it, but it actually made me feel relaxed.
The pool with a view (Pool with view, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]) was absolutely stunning – a turquoise oasis surrounded by palm trees. I lost track of time lounging there, sipping on refreshing drinks. The sauna and steam room (Sauna, Steamroom) were top-notch, and I definitely made the most of them. It was my ultimate "me time" indulgence, exactly what I needed.
(Fitness center, Gym/fitness) The hotel also has a fitness center. It's not enormous—but it is well-equipped and offers a good workout.
Things to Do: Exploring Tashkent and… Avoiding the "Internet"
The hotel's location is pretty convenient for exploring Tashkent, with easy access to the city's main sights. The hotel also has facilities for special events (Audio-visual equipment for special events, Indoor venue for special events, Outdoor venue for special events, Wi-Fi for special events, Meetings, Meeting/banquet facilities, Seminars). However, the internet access wasn't always a smooth ride (Internet access, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services, Wi-Fi in public areas). I'm talking intermittent dropouts in the room and a slightly temperamental connection in some of the public areas. But let's be honest, sometimes it's nice to disconnect. And, for once, I truly enjoyed unplugging.
Cleanliness and Safety: Reassuringly Present
In terms of cleanliness and safety, the hotel seemed to be taking things very seriously. Staff were always vigilant, and I felt reassured by the various measures in place. (Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment, CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Fire extinguisher, Non-smoking rooms, Proposal spot, Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms).
The Quirks, The Imperfections, and Why I Still Loved It
Look, the Old Tashkent Hotel isn't perfect. There were the internet hiccups, the slightly challenging accessibility, and the occasional little snag. But that's the beauty of it. It's a place that feels… real. It's a hotel with heart. And despite those minor quirks, the genuinely friendly staff, the luxurious rooms, the divine spa, and the delicious food made it an experience I won't soon forget. What's Missing: **For the kids, Pets allowed unavailable. Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Currency exchange, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Gift/souvenir shop, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, On-site event hosting, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Xerox/fax in business center, Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal, Access, Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private], Couple's room, Exterior corridor, Hotel chain, Pets allowed unavailable, Room decorations, Soundproof rooms, Getting around, Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking, Additional toilet, Extra long bed, High floor, Interconnecting room(s)
Mumbai's Hidden Gem: Hotel Kushala Greens - Unforgettable Stay!
Tashkent Tango: A Chaotic Romp Through the Heart of Uzbekistan (Old Tashkent Style!)
Alright, so buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your perfectly curated Instagram travel feed. This is the REAL deal. I'm just back from a whirlwind adventure in Tashkent, staying at the Old Tashkent Hotel & Spa (fancy pants, I know!), and let me tell you, it was a glorious, messy, and utterly unforgettable experience. Here’s my “itinerary,” if you can call it that, with all the bumps, bruises, and bewildering beauty that come with it.
Day 1: Arrival, Orientation, and the Case of the Missing Shampoo
- 9:00 AM (give or take an hour - jet lag is a BEAST): Touch down at Tashkent International Airport. The whole experience is a bit of a blur – passport control, a slightly aggressive baggage carousel (that thing wanted my suitcase), and the glorious, golden light of Uzbekistan hitting me in the face. Immediate reaction: "WHOA. This is going to be something."
- 10:30 AM: Taxi to the Old Tashkent. It looked positively regal compared to the airport chaos. Check-in was smooth, thank god – the charming Uzbek staff were all smiles and fluent in "overcome jet lag with kindness." My room? Beautiful. Balcony overlooking a courtyard with a fountain? YES. First thought: “Alright, I could get used to this.”
- 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM: The Great Shampoo Heist! Okay, not a heist, but the tiny shampoo bottles from the hotel? Gone. Vanished! Apparently, my hair thought Uzbekistan deserved a good cleanse. (I later found a perfectly lovely, locally-made shampoo in a boutique and I did feel bad about it).
- 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM: Lunch at the hotel's restaurant. Ordered a plov (rice dish with meat and vegetables). It was… a LOT. Like, a bowl of delicious, glistening, slightly greasy glory. I ate it all. Regret? Zero. Food coma level? Over 9000.
- 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Attempted city orientation. Wandered (lost) near the Chorsu Bazaar. The noise! The colours! The smells! It was sensory overload in the best possible way. I got utterly mesmerized by a guy carving watermelons into intricate geometric patterns, and then, completely forgot what I came in to buy.
- 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM: Re-grouped. Spa. Old Tashkent’s spa is the real deal. Soothing, clean, and relaxing. Had a traditional massage and nearly fell asleep on the table.
- 8:00 PM: Dinner in the hotel. Ordered some kebabs (because when in Rome… er, Tashkent…). They were excellent. Fell asleep before dessert.
Day 2: The Bazaar Blitz and the Unexpected Poetry Slam
- 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Breakfast. The continental breakfast was, well, continental. Decent. Nothing to write home about, aside from the endless supply of delicious Uzbek bread.
- 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM: Chorsu Bazaar: Round Two. Armed with a slightly better sense of direction (and a wad of Uzbek currency), I plunged back into the chaos. This time, I was on a mission: spices! Spices galore! The colours, the aromas… My senses just completely went into overdrive. I got wildly distracted by a stall selling dried fruits that looked like jewels, spent way too much time haggling over a bag of saffron (which, let's be honest, was probably over-priced, but I didn't care), and almost got run over by a donkey cart. (Almost.)
- 12:30 PM: Lunch. Back to the hotel. Safe. Simple. Had a great salad.
- 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Exploring the city centre. Found the Independence Square, and the beautiful, majestic Alisher Navoiy Theatre. It just takes your breath away.
- 4:00 PM - 4:30 PM: This whole thing gets messy. I wanted to go to the metro. But I couldn't translate the signs, so I stopped at a cafe and ordered a coffee… and then I overheard a group of local poets. A impromptu poetry slam erupted! They invited me to join. It was a totally surreal moment. I stumbled through a terrible poem I "performed", in a language I don't speak. It was amazing. I'm not one for a culture, but it was my culture to the absolute core.
- 6:00 PM: Back at the hotel, feeling like I'd been through a war. Ordered room service. The kebab was a mistake. I was not hungry.
- 7:00 PM: In my pajamas, I fell asleep reading a book, which is the perfect way to end the day.
Day 3: The Culinary Quest and the Farewell Feast
- 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Breakfast, again. By this point, I was starting to feel like a local. I even attempted to order in Uzbek. Fumbled, of course.
- 10:30 AM - 1:00 PM: Cooking Class! A local chef taught me how to make manti (steamed dumplings) and shurpa soup. I’m not going to lie: I'm not excellent at cooking. But I gave it my best shot, and the result? Edible! Delicious! And an experience I'll never forget. Plus, I got to eat ALL the food I made.
- 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM: Wandered around the hotel one last time. I really started to love the atmosphere here.
- 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Packing. The dreaded chore. My suitcase was now bursting at the seams, crammed with souvenirs, spice packets, and the faint scent of plov.
- 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Farewell dinner at a traditional restaurant. Ordered a feast of Uzbek delicacies: samsa (baked pastries), lagman (noodle soup), and more grilled meats than I could possibly consume. I ate it all. The food, the atmosphere, the company – it was the perfect send-off.
- 8:30 PM: Saying goodbye to the staff at the Old Tashkent. They were beyond kind.
Departure Day
- 9:00 AM: Taxi to the airport. The airport departure experience was somehow less chaotic than the airport arrival experience. I think it was because I'd gotten used to the chaos.
- 11:00 AM: On the plane, looking back. I was exhausted, slightly overwhelmed, and completely and utterly in love with Uzbekistan. My messy adventure in Tashkent was an experience I will never, ever forget.
Uncover Tashkent's Hidden Gem: OLD TASHKENT Hotel & Spa Luxury Awaits! - The *Real* Lowdown (No Filter!)
Okay, so, is this OLD TASHKENT Hotel actually fancy? Like, *really* fancy, or just "fancy" hotel-speak?
Alright, let's cut the fluff. Fancy? Yes. But it's not the kind of fancy that makes you feel like you accidentally wandered into a Bond villain's lair. It's more…elegantly understated, ya know? Think… silk scarves instead of solid gold toilets (though, I wouldn't be *shocked* if there was a gold toilet somewhere…I didn't check *every* toilet, okay?!). The lobby? Jaw-dropping. Crystal chandeliers, enough marble to make Michelangelo weep with envy. But the staff? Actually *friendly*. Which is a huge win. I’ve had experiences with "fancy" where you're basically expected to genuflect just for asking for an extra towel.
My honest first impression? "Wow," followed immediately by "...can *I* actually dress like this?" Because, you know, I usually live in jeans and t-shirts. The whole experience made me feel like a queen, even though I probably looked like a slightly stressed-out backpacker.
What’s the deal with the rooms? Are they cramped, or do you actually have room to breathe?
Rooms? Glorious! Seriously, I think I could have hosted a small dance party in the space they gave me. (I didn't, because, well, jet lag and all.) The beds… oh, the beds! I legit sunk into them like a cloud. Like, you could *easily* spend an entire afternoon just wallowing in the plushness. My only complaint? Finding the light switches took me a good twenty minutes. Seriously! They’re so cleverly hidden… it's like they're daring you to embrace the darkness. Which I kind of did, after a while... mostly because I was too lazy to keep searching. I'm a terrible guest.
And the bathroom? Marble, marble everywhere! And a rainfall shower that… well, let's just say I spent an embarrassing amount of time in there. It washes away all your travel woes. The only thing missing was a personal masseuse, but that's what the spa is for, right?
The Spa! Spill the tea, was it as good as the hype?
Okay, the spa. Prepare yourself. Because this is where things get *serious*. I'm usually pretty skeptical of hotel spas – always worried it's going to be overpriced and under-delivering. NOT HERE. I opted for the “signature massage.” It was… life-altering. I'm not even kidding. First off, the ambiance! Dim lighting, soothing music, and the air just smelled… expensive? (I don't even know how to describe it!). The masseuse, bless her heart, kneaded out knots I didn’t even *know* I had. I think I actually snored. And then, afterwards, they brought me a herbal tea that tasted like pure tranquility. I almost cried. It was THAT good.
Later, I bumped into her in the elevator, and I had to awkwardly thank her again with that stupid "you really did amazing things to my back!" kinda fluster...
What about the food? Is it just generic hotel fare?
Nope. Thank goodness. The food? Actually delicious. Not just "good for a hotel." We're talking legit, "I'd come here even if I *wasn’t* staying at the hotel" delicious. The breakfast buffet was a spread to behold. All the usual suspects, plus some local Uzbek treats I couldn't even pronounce. (But devoured anyway. Especially the honey cakes. Oh, the honey cakes!). I made the mistake of ordering room service one night. And the waiter was so polite I had a moment of sheer panic, thinking "Oh god, what if I drop food on the silk duvet". Well, the kebab wasn't as clean as it could be and I didn't drop any food on the fancy duvet, but I managed to get some on my face. Anyway, the food was amazing.
Is the service good? Like, are the staff helpful, or just pretending to be?
The service? Phenomenal. Truly. They're not just going through the motions. They actually *care*. I had a minor issue with the Wi-Fi (because, you know, technology *always* hates me), and they sorted it out in like, five minutes. The concierge was incredibly helpful with recommendations for things to see and do. I asked about the best way to catch a certain show, and he managed to book me a ticket in an excellent spot with zero drama. So, you know... winning at life. My taxi driver didn't speak English, and the concierge was there to help me with directions, which was an absolute life-saver... but he was probably judging my terrible Uzbek pronunciation, ah well!
Anything you *didn't* love? Be honest!
Okay, okay, honesty time. Perfect? Nothing is. The gym was a little…underwhelming. A few treadmills, some weights, and not a whole lot of personality. I did manage to do a workout there, and it definitely did the trick, but when your a hotel this nice... you'd expect more. I also, and this is a super nit-picky thing, wished they had more English-language channels on the TV. But honestly… those are pretty minor quibbles. And I may have gotten a little turned around in the endless hallways a couple times... but, you know, a minor loss of direction is nothing, when the experience itself is so wonderful.
Would you actually recommend this place?
Absolutely. Without a doubt. If you're looking for a luxurious, relaxing, and genuinely wonderful experience in Tashkent… book this place. Seriously. Do it now. You won't regret it. I’m already plotting my return. Just thinking about that spa… *sigh*. And the beds… I still dream about those beds. Go. Experience the magic. Tell them I sent you. (And if they give you a discount...let me know!)
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