Fleewinter

The Ak Altyn Hotel is a four-star property surrounded by greenery in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan’s capital city. It’s one-and-a-half miles from the city centre, yet handily close to the Russian bazaar, Wedding Palace and Ertugrul Gazi Mosque. The international airport is just 12 minutes’ drive away by car.

Built in 1994, Ak Altyn Hotel was Ashgabat’s original glittering gold hotel established to welcome international visitors. Think lots of shiny marble, chandeliers and spotlights. The 133 rooms and suites are clean and comfortable, with air-conditioning, satellite TV and free internet access.

Elsewhere in the hotel you’ll find a fitness centre and sauna, plus an outdoor swimming pool surrounded by sun loungers and trees. From April to October, when temperatures in Ashgabat range from 24 to 40 degrees Celsius, the pool offers a welcome respite from the heat.

As is typical in the region, breakfast is buffet style. At dinner time the restaurant serves national dishes, as well as European cuisine. There’s a lobby bar, plus a billiards room, souvenir shop and tennis court. At night, enjoy the spectacular view from the upper floors of the hotel looking south across the floodlit city.