Fleewinter

The three-star Mary Hotel is one of the best hotels in the city. Built in 2015, it’s also the largest hotel in the area with a grand, imposing exterior. Inside, you’ll find a vast lobby, high ceilings, elaborate décor and staff in traditional Turkmen dress waiting to greet you.

Located in the heart of Mary, the hotel is just 12 minutes’ drive from the airport and less than a mile from the Mary Museum. An oasis on the Silk Road, Mary is an excellent base for visits to the nearby historical sites of Merv and Gonur Depe.

The hotel has 177 guest rooms spread across six floors and each one has an en-suite bathroom, air-conditioning and free Wi-Fi. There’s a restaurant where you can kick-start the day with a buffet breakfast of bread, meat and cheese; before crossing over the road from the hotel to the interesting bazaar, where you can explore the colourful carpet shops or look for unusual souvenirs. After exploring the area, return to the hotel for a swim in the outdoor pool and a sauna; or a cool drink at the bar in the hotel lobby.