Fleewinter

The four-star Khojand Grand Hotel has a superb setting in downtown Khojand. Wander out of the hotel and in a few steps you’ll reach Kamoli Khujandi Park. Named after one of the 14th Century’s great romantic poets, Komil Khojandi, this charming park is a favourite with the locals and a beautiful place for a leisurely stroll among trickling fountains and flower gardens. The city’s opera and ballet theatre is also within walking distance.

There’s a boutique feel about Khojand Grand Hotel. There are only 19 rooms, which all come with a private bathroom, flat-screen TV, air conditioning and Wi-Fi – and some have a comfy seating area and views out over the city or mountains. What stands out about this hotel is the food. Omar Khayyam Restaurant serves up breakfast and a menu of Tajik, Georgian and European cuisine for dinner.

The hotel’s décor is authentic – think rustic wood and suzani tapestries hung on cream walls – but it has all the modern comforts you’d expect from a four-star hotel in the city. The service is excellent and there’s a 24-hour front desk with English-speaking staff available around the clock to help with anything you need during your stay.