Fleewinter

Once a big 19th-century madrasah – a religious school – this traditional hotel in Khiva is located next to the Kuk Minor Minaret, one of the most stand-out sights in the city, a striking tower covered in patterned blue and white glazed tiles. Within Itchan Kala, the UNESCO-listed walled inner town of the city of Khiva, Orient Star Hotel is also within a few minutes’ walk of Juma Mosque and Citadel Kunya-ark, where you can walk the walls and climb the watchtower.

History addicts will love the entrance to the hotel through a grand archway decorated with patterns and calligraphy; and every corner of this hotel oozes history, from the thick wooden doors to the traditional rugs. The small rooms surround a central courtyard and each one has an en-suite bathroom. Some rooms look over the courtyard and its tiled archways; whereas others have views of the city.

The hotel restaurant is in a neighbouring madrasah and has soaring arched ceilings decorated with patterned tiles and grand columns stretching towards crystal chandeliers. This is a great choice for a simple stay within the heart of Khiva.