Fleewinter

You’ll feel like you’re stepping inside a local’s home at the four-star Khojand Deluxe Hotel, authentically Tajik in its style with lots of golden shades, dark wood and labyrinthian prints. You’ll notice glimmers of opulence around the hotel, from the softly-lit chandeliers to the plush leather armchairs, but the vibe remains down-to-earth and inviting.

You’ll be within easy reach of Khojand’s top attractions here. Somoni Park is a must, and less than 20 minutes’ walk away. Visit the towering statue of Ismail Somoni, a national hero and ruler of the Samanid Empire, and marvel at the imaginative mosaics revealing glimpses of Tajikistan’s captivating history. The best time to go to Somoni Park is around sunset, when you can catch a cable car over the Syr Darya river and take-in the breathtaking views. Khojand’s 10th-Century citadel and Panchshanbe Bazaar are also only a short drive away.

The staff at Khojand Deluxe Hotel are friendly, so just head over to the 24-hour front desk if you need any help with taxis, directions, or if you want to make use of the free bike hire. A continental and buffet breakfast is included, and the 26 rooms all have a private bathroom, flat-screen TV and Wi-Fi – some also have city or mountain views.