Heartland Hostel Samarkand — Hotel in Samarkand City

Unfortunately, we didn't enjoy our experience, due to poor organisation and lack of transparency and honesty from the staff.

1st situation: We arrived after check-in time but our room wasn't ready. We're told that the room was being cleaned. After several minutes waiting and not seeing any movement in the room we realised that no one was cleaning the room, so we were a bit confused. We waited longer and 2 guests arrived and entered our room... The room was not only not being cleaned as it was also still occupied. We called the staff, they went to knock the guests door, who did not seem very willing to move out. Several minutes later, after different people knock their door and asked them to leave they finally left and our room finally started to be cleaned. We don't understand why they lied to us in the beginning and told us that the room was being cleaned. Then we entered the room, that did not match the description and unlike the one we booked, didn't have a table and a chair, so we had to get them from the common area.

2nd situation: Upon booking I mentioned in writing that we would like to stay 1 more night but that there were no private rooms available. I asked them to keep a private room for us in case someone cancelled and if not I asked them to reserve 2 beds in the mixed dorm. I was informed in writing that they booked 2 beds in the mixed dorm for us. When we arrived, however, the same staff member that checked us in told us that they also had apartments and that we could stay in an apartment instead, which was a good surprise. The last day before returning to the hostel she confirmed again and told us not to worry. Unfortunately when we arrived the following day we were told that all the apartments were booked and we were also told that they didn't had 2 beds in the mix dormitory, they had 2 beds in dormitories but in separate ones. Because of that we need to go to a different place.

The only positive aspects are that the place is cheap and it has a small...

Great hostel. We stayed in a private room with an ensuite. Bed was very hard but they all are in this region. It was a nice size though (I think it was bigger than a queen). Really comfy pillows and the duvet was a really nice weight. Kitchen area looked good though we didn’t end up using it. Lots of seating also there are places to work. It’s not too loud which is great as the walls are kinda thin. They were super accommodating when we asked them to call a taxi for us and when we asked to use their printer. They’re also very responsive on WhatsApp. We did struggle with checkin a little as no one was at the desk - luckily one of the girls staying there went and found them for us (there’s a little hallway at the end of the entrance on the right, if you walk to the end and open the door you’ll find yourself in a courtyard behind their house so you can call out).

LOCATION WAS FANTASTIC. Can’t stress that enough, especially for the price. It was close to the major sights (easily in walking distance) and there were some good and affordable food options around.

They had wheelchair access to the foyer though I think that only one of the rooms had no stairs to the door (room 3?).

I don’t think there was any parking as it’s down a narrow side road. That being said if you go a little further down you might find parking - I didn’t look as we weren’t...

I stayed at Heartland Hostel during my visit to Samarkand, and it turned out to be a very comfortable and pleasant stay.

The location is excellent – just a short walk to Registan Square and close to supermarkets and food joints. The hostel is tucked inside a small alley, so it’s peaceful and quiet.

I stayed in an air-conditioned dorm room with 6 bunk beds. Each bed had privacy curtains, charging ports, and clean linen. The room was spacious, cleaned regularly, and well maintained.

There’s also a small kitchen and eating area with a stove, microwave, kettle, and fridge – good enough to make breakfast or some light snacks. As an Indian traveler, I found it convenient and homely. Drinking water, as with most places in Uzbekistan, needs to be bought from nearby shops, but they do provide a kettle for tea or coffee.

I met travelers from Japan, China, Germany, and had some nice conversations. The hostel is run by two hardworking women who manage the cleaning and day-to-day activities with care and attention. One of them speak decent English as well.

Overall, a great value-for-money place for solo or budget travelers, especially if you enjoy meeting people from...