Fleewinter

Step through the carved gates and front door of this boutique hotel and you’ll find yourself inside a former merchant’s home that oozes history and original features. Some of the best homes in the city are now opening their doors to guests – and at Minzifa Boutique Hotel you will find only 12 guest rooms around a central courtyard, each with satellite TV, air conditioning and an en-suite bathroom. The hotel has a really homely feel in the Bukhara style, with Oriental design touches and antiques throughout.

The hotel is in the old city, the most historic area of Bukhara, close to the Ashoni Pir Madrasah and a few minutes from one of the city’s most famous architectural sites, Lyabi-Khauz. This national heritage plaza overlooks a central pond and the stunning buildings include the patterned facade of Nadir Divan-begi Madrasah.

After exploring the city, head back to this central hotel and relax with a fragrant tea and a game of cards in one of the two inner courtyards. There is a small hotel restaurant – and don’t miss an icy drink on the ‘ayvan’, the hotel’s colonnaded terrace.