Ak Altyn

Firstly, check in was very smooth with polite staff on reception - it was a bit disconcerting that they keep your passport on the first visit, but that's the rule in Turkmenistan. I had 3 different rooms - all of different quality and can say that the rooms on the higher floors are better if only because the AC works better and the noise is less. The decor in the room is typical post Soviet, dated and a bit tatty, but comfortable enough. The bathrooms are also a bit shabby, brown water when you turn the taps on and bath area with loose fittings and shower that is difficult to get the right temperature with. In the hotel grounds, the pool and bar area are excellent and the hotel puts on good entertainment in the evening. The location is very convenient for the centre of Ashgabt and also for the airport and if you don't fancy eating and drinking in the hotel, there some nice cafes and bars nearby. In summary, it's OK for a short stay if you're not looking for opulence and luxury.

I stayed here for 3 nights as part of my Turkmenistan tour in April 2024. This was the first hotel I stayed in upon my arrival to Turkmenistan. The hotel is certainly quite dated and its wear and tear are showing through. Based on the furniture and decor, the hotel must be from Soviet times, and despite its worn out state, I think that is part of the charm of staying here. The front reception lady was friendly and hospitable, and spoke very good English. My room was spacious and had a nice view of the city skyline. Although you can see old stains on the walls and bathroom, the hotel room itself was clean. I was only given a small towel, tiny bar of soap and shampoo. Based on some old photos of this place, I think they skimmed down on toiletries because it looked like they used to provide more. My room was not made, and I am not sure if that is intentional or not (to be more environmentally friendly?). The safe in my room was also not working, but I was able to lock my valuables inside my luggage. The one nice bonus about this hotel which I think has changed from the past is free Wifi. They offer a 24-hour voucher, and you are allowed to ask for another voucher once it expires. The Wifi was reliable for me in different parts of the hotel. Breakfast was included as part of my stay. It was very simple and basic, and consists of pasta, meatballs and meat stew, pancakes, hard-boiled eggs, deli meat slices, cheese, and vegetables (cucumber, tomatoes). To drink, I think they had tea, as well as instant coffee and juice. If you need a real coffee fix, there is a nice cafe just across the street (Uzum Cafe) that serves coffee and specialty coffee drinks (e.g. latte, flat white). The pool was not open during my stay as I was informed they are only open during the summer.

Hotel definitely has quite a few deficiencies, but it's ok for short stays. The location is in a nice residential area, with several local bars and restaurants nearby. The Circus building is right across the street as well. The location is walkable to city center. 24-hour internet vouchers will provide email access. The rooms are pretty beat up, including quite a few stains on the bedding. I had 3 different rooms, and 2 of them had brown water initially in the showers (letting it run for a while would clear it up). The bathrooms also have mold growing. One toilet is falling off the wall. The rooms are also unreasonable warm, keeping the windows open is essential. AC does not work, instead only provides more warm air. Breakfast buffet is decent, and hotel bar serves drinks until midnight. Staff was particularly friendly and helpful, especially arranging taxis upon request. Bar staff was the highlight, they are incredibly friendly.

$95us, 1 night, no AC, decent pool and changing area, quiet, not many other guests, like most of Ashgabat, cafe and grocery across the street, wifi didn't work well, staff spoke English well, bathroom had some rust