Where to Stay in Samarkand: Best Hotels & Areas for First-Timers

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Samarkand is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in Uzbekistan, and the one with the most grand and stunning monuments. We spent 10 days exploring it slowly and resting as we were traveling full-time at that point.

If you’re wondering where to stay in Samarkand, I’ve got you! I’ve put together a list of the most convenient areas to stay at and the best hotels in each for every budget.

Although most people choose to stay near Registan Square or in the surrounding old town, there are other areas to consider especially if you are staying for longer period like us.

💡 Planning your trip? Read my detailed Samarkand Travel Guide for practical logistics, top things to see, and the best tours in the city!

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Where to Stay in Samarkand – My Experience

We chose Yas Apartment, a spacious rental in a quiet residential neighborhood a bit further from the center. It worked great for our longer stay because of the extra living space and a fully equipped kitchen, allowing us to enjoy slow mornings and cook at home.

We used the Yandex Go app to commute back and forth to the main sights with no problems – a trade-off we were totally happy with. For groceries, we chose Korzinka super market chain, which has a wide selection of products and very affordable prices.

fully equipped kitchen of our airbnb in samarkand — Airbnb’s bright and fully equipped kitchen

the travel blogger sitting down on the bathroom floor in front of the Airbnb's washing machine transalting the programs from Russian to English — Trying to figure out the washing programs in Russian…

That being said, I know most travelers visit Samarkand for just 2 to 3 days and prefer to stay right in the heart of the action. To help you pick the perfect spot for your trip, let’s break down the best neighborhoods and hotels in Samarkand based on location, vibe, and budget!

Best Areas to Stay in Samarkand (and Top Hotels)

Hotels near Registan Square & Old Town

Best For: First-time visitors, short stays (1–3 days), and sightseeing.

One of the best areas to stay in Samarkand is near the Registan Square, which not only puts you a few steps away from Registan, but also within a 15-minute walk to Bibi-Khanym Mosque, and Shah-i-Zinda. This area is full of charming and cozy boutique guesthouses with courtyards.

Here are some of the best hotels near Registan Square:

🛏️ Hotel Minor: A fantastic mid-range option right in the heart of the old town, perfect if you want to walk to Registan in under five minutes. It has a terrace with a beautiful view of the square lit up at night. You can even watch the light show from the terrace or from your balcony if you choose a room with a view of the square.

Rooftop terrace view of the illuminated Registan Square at night from Hotel Minor in Samarkand, featuring rattan chairs and a table. — **Hotel Minor** (via Booking.com)

🛏️ Diplomat Premium: Diplomat Premium is in a peaceful spot within easy walking distance of Registan Square, with comfortable, modern rooms for a relaxing stay. Keep in mind that there is no elevator on site, and like many stays in Uzbekistan, cash payment is required upon arrival.

🛏️ Registon Saroy Hotel: It is located in the heart of Samarkand on a quiet street, which puts you within a quick 5-minute walk from Registan Square. You can easily go everywhere you need entirely on foot. It is very affordable and besides the great location, it offers a rich, tasty breakfast.

Traditional courtyard balconies with blue tile motifs at a guesthouse in Samarkand — **Registon Saroy Hotel** (via Booking.com)

Hotels near University Boulevard (& Russian Quarter)

Best For: Foodies, digital nomads, mid-range/modern hotel seekers, and longer stays.

Also called ‘Russian Quarter’ , this is a green, European-influenced avenue with 19th-century Tsarist architecture, cafes and parks. The vibe here is much more modern and relaxed compared to the Old Town.

However, if you stay here you’ll be a 20-30 minute walk from Registan Square. Fortunately, a Yandex Go ride into town costs just €0.90-1.35 ($1-$1.5).

Here are some great hotels near University Boulevard:

🛏️ Zarafshon Parkside Hotel: I am in love with this hotel and it’s at the top of my list for next time. Zarafshon Parkside Hotel is a beautifully restored 19th-century Tsarist era building right on University Boulevard. It has lush gardens, high ceilings, a swimming pool, and an upscale restaurant. It offers a more elegant vibe from the Old Town guesthouses.

Ornate garden courtyard with white wrought-iron gazebos at a luxury hotel in Samarkand — **Zarafshon Parkside Hotel** (via Booking.com)

🛏️ Mövenpick Samarkand: A 4-star upscale hotel part of a wider hotel chain that never disappoints. It is an ideal pick if you prefer polished, western-style service, with spacious rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, a full spa center, and excellent dining options. Plus, you’ll be close to the city’s best restaurants and European-style cafes.

Outdoor swimming pool and modern glass facade of Mövenpick Samarkand hotel in Uzbekistan — **Mövenpick Samarkand** (via Booking.com)

🛏️ Continental Hotel Samarkand: It provides a chic, upscale stay with modern design touches. The rooms are beautifully furnished, quiet, and equipped with luxurious bedding and large windows. It also offers spa facilities like sauna, hammam, fitness center, and an indoor swimming pool which is perfect after a day of sightseeing.

Modern deluxe bedroom with plush bed and warm lighting at a boutique hotel in Samarkand — **Continental Hotel Samarkand** (via Booking.com)

Hotels near Bibi-Khanym Mosque & Siyob Bazaar

Best for: Local atmosphere, walkability, traditional boutique stays

This area stretches along the pedestrianized Tashkent Street, connecting Registan Square to Bibi-Khanym Mosque and the famous Siyob Bazaar. Right behind this main strip is also the historic Old Jewish Quarter.

The is one of the most authentic parts of Samarkand, perfect for those seeking a more local experience.

Here are some hotels near Bibi-Khanym mosque:

🛏️ Kosh Havuz Boutique Hotel: Located just a 5-minute walk from Bibi-Khanym Mosque and Siyob Bazaar, this boutique property combines modern luxury with classic regional craftsmanship. Besides its stunning design, it also offers two outdoor jacuzzis (rooftop) for relaxing after a busy day exploring and a great on-site restaurant.

Illuminated inner courtyard with traditional mosaic tiles and carved arches at Kosh Havuz Boutique Hotel in Samarkand — **Kosh Havuz Boutique Hotel** (via Booking.com)

🛏️ Hanifa Boutique: Located in a quiet side street between Registan Square and Bibi-Khanym Mosque, this boutique stay stands out for its unique woodwork and cozy charm. Surrounded by great local restaurants, and yet, it is peaceful at night.

🛏️ Bibikhanum Hotel: This is right next to Bibi-Khanym Mosque, and so it has photogenic views of the blue domes straight from its rooms and rooftop breakfast space. On top of that, it has a colourful courtyard with views of the mosque, which is a great place for taking photos.

Traditional courtyard with carved wooden columns and view of Bibi-Khanym Mosque dome at Bibikhanum Hotel Samarkand — **Bibikhanum Hotel** (via Booking.com)

Luxury Resorts Outside the City

If you are looking for 5-star international resort amenities, large pools, and high-end spas, consider staying at Silk Road Samarkand. It is located about 15–20 minutes east of the Old Town, and it is a newly built complex around the Rowing Canal and the Eternal City cultural park.

Some hotels to check out: Hilton Samarkand Regency, Savitsky Plaza, or Silk Road by Minyoun.

Luxurious hotel room at the Hilton in Samarkand featuring classic white and gold moldings, an ornate chandelier, a large bed with a sofa bench, and golden furniture accents. — **Hilton Samarkand Regency** (via Booking.com)

Illuminated indoor swimming pool and spa wellness center at Silk Road by Minyoun hotel in Samarkand — **Silk Road by Minyoun** (via Booking.com)

❗️Keep in mind: While it’s good for a relaxing getaway or business travel, you will need to take a Yandex taxi into town every time you want to visit Samarkand’s historic sights, so I wouldn’t suggest it if you’re visiting for just a few days. In my experience, the family-run guesthouses offer the best experiences in places like Samarkand.

Things to Know Before Booking a Hotel in Samarkand

Booking.com is the most reliable option for booking hotels and guesthouses across Uzbekistan.
Cash Payments: Many family-run guesthouses or small hotels do not accept credit card payments. Carry enough cash (USD or Uzbek Som) or confirm card payment options with your host in advance.
Registration Slips: Always collect and keep the physical or digital registration paper provided by your hotel at check-out, as immigration officials may request them upon departure.
Registan Views: Double-check room descriptions carefully. A “Registan view” might not always mean a private view directly from your bedroom but from a shared rooftop terrace.
Book Early in Peak Season: Stays in Samarkand sell out quickly during spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) due to tour groups, so book in advance.

Final Thoughts

Samarkand has so many wonderful hotels and guesthouses, which can make it hard to choose!

Hopefully, this guide helped you decide where to stay in Samarkand and gave you a great list of options to pick from. Wherever you end up staying, I am sure you’ll have an incredible time exploring this gorgeous city. Let me know in the comments where you decided to stay! xx

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many days are enough in Samarkand?

2-3 full days is ideal to visit Samarkand’s major sights: Registan Square, Shah-i-Zinda, Gur-e-Amir, Bibi Khanym mosque and Siyob Bazaar.

You’ll also have time for a day trip to the Seven Lakes of Tajikistan which is an interesting twist to any itinerary.

Where is the best area to stay in Samarkand?

The top choice for first-time visitors is near Registan Square for great views and more authentic experience and in the area near University Boulevard if you prefer modern hotels, and European-style cafes.