This hotel was fantastic. Just had a good feeling. Relatively new building but still with local character and very nicely designed. We stayed in double room on top floor which is better as more light upstairs. The place is very quiet. The room was very clean and comfortable. Bed was good and shower good and wifi worked well. The breakfast was good, good variety for this size hotel and cut fruit was nice, but would be nice to have fresh local breatd to eat with the nice food provided. Laundry service available by piece. The service from staff was exceptional. The staff are always checking to make sure all is ok and to help with anything needed. In particular their food recommendations were the best compared to the other hotels that just send you to touristy joints. The places recommended for somsa, pilaf and manti were superb and local. Yes the location is not right in the main part but it's very easy to get around with Yandex, less than $2 a ride anywhere in city and one ends up getting taxis anyway all the time as all the good places to eat are not ìn the main tourist area and sites are spread òut. The location feels very safe to walk as well. The staff are very proactive and even offered a lift to a local restaurant. We stayed in Samarkand for five nights and it was the right amount of time as there is so much to see and do. I don't know how people can just come for...
Read moreStaying at Arka was a 10/10 experience. I was travelling through Uzbekistan for the first time with a friend and in Samarkand we could have not found a better oasis to relax and reflect upon our trip. Where to begin… the first thing that struk us was its atmosphere, peaceful and calm yet right in the center of the city - close to the old town and also just a few doors away from the best shashlik we tried! The architecture comprises a beautiful and fresh indoor patio with views to the sky and is then surrounded by a series of stairs leading to all the rooms, carefully detailed with the renowned arches that give name to the hotel, Arka = Arches. Each room is then also tastefully decorated and equipped with high quality furniture as well as with AC. The personnel, including the owner himself, was not only available 24/7 but also super attentive, joyful and helpful with all of our curious questions - we thank you for this experience!!! Finally, cherry on top: the breakfast was DELICIOUS. An assortment of traditional food was prepared every morning with fresh local ingredients and delivered in a comfortable dining room, perfect way to start the day. I definitely recommend Arka to anyone who wishes to visit Samarkand and can only hope to return there...
Read moreI had a wonderful stay at Arka Hotel in Samarkand. The hotel’s architecture is truly special. The atmosphere throughout the hotel was warm and inviting, making it a perfect place to relax.
Our room was beautifully designed, offering both comfort and style. For hotels that frequently host Iranian guests, it’s highly recommended to install a water hose (bidet spray) next to the toilet. In Iran, using a water hose for hygiene is a common practice, and many Iranians find it difficult to rely solely on tissue for cleaning. Providing this small but essential amenity can significantly enhance their comfort and satisfaction, making their stay more pleasant and accommodating to their cultural preferences.
The breakfast was another highlight—I enjoyed quality of the food. It was a great way to start the day before exploring the city.
The staff at Arka Hotel were kind, making sure we felt welcomed and well taken care of throughout our stay.
Overall, I recommend this hotel to anyone visiting Samarkand. It’s a lovely place with great hospitality, a beautiful ambiance, and...
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