Uncover Khiva's Secrets: Luxurious Stay at Bek Khiva Hotel!
Uncover Khiva's Secrets: Bek Khiva Hotel - A Luxurious Adventure (Or, at Least, a Damn Good Stay!)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because I just got back from Khiva and… wow. Just wow. And a big chunk of that wow-ness is thanks to the Bek Khiva Hotel. Now, before I dive in, let me just say, I’m the kind of traveler who appreciates a good towel warmer almost as much as I appreciate a decent adventure. So, take my review with a grain of Uzbekistani salt, yeah?
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First Impressions & the "Oh, Damn, This is Nice" Factor
Arriving at Bek Khiva felt like stepping into a fairytale. I’d just spent a few days exploring the walled city (more on that later, trust me, it's magical), and the hotel, with its impressive facade and imposing wooden doors, felt like a welcome oasis. The check-in? Smooth as silk. Contactless, even! (Which, in these pandemic times, gets a big thumbs up from this germaphobe). They even offered a little welcome drink – something fruity and delicious. Score!
Accessibility - A Rant (But a Positive One!)
Now, I’m not personally in a wheelchair, but I always look for hotels that cater to those who are. And the Bek Khiva? Kudos to them! They actually seem to give a damn about accessibility. The elevator (yes, an elevator, a godsend after climbing the minaret!) was easily accessible, the public areas were spacious, and I even spotted ramps around. They even mention facilities for disabled guests in the description! Now, I can’t speak to every detail from a personal point of view, but from what I saw, it was a solid effort. Huge props to the hotel for making this a priority. It really does make a difference.
(Emotional Response Corner: Happy Tears!)
Seriously, seeing a place like Bek Khiva prioritize accessibility made me unexpectedly emotional. It’s just… thoughtful. And it makes a huge difference, not just for those using wheelchairs, but for parents with strollers, elderly travelers, or anyone who needs a little extra assistance.
Rooms: My Sanctuary (And My Mini-Bar Battle)
The room? Breathtaking. Seriously. I'm talking high ceilings, gorgeous Uzbek-inspired décor, and a bed so comfortable, I could have happily become a permanent fixture. Free WiFi? Check. And it actually worked! (Unlike that dodgy connection I had at that hostel in [Insert the name of a terrible hostel I stayed in]. The room also came with a mini-bar. And I swear, I spent half my time staring at it, mentally battling whether to crack open that tiny bottle of Uzbekistani wine, or save it for later. The mini-bar wins every time - it has to be said, right?!
(Details, Details, Details… And More Details!) The bathroom - oh, the bathroom! – it was gleaming, with a huge mirror and a rainfall shower. The provided toiletries were excellent (and a crucial point, as I found out later). Now, I’m particularly fond of a comfortable bathrobe and slippers. Bek Khiva delivered on both counts.
Dining: A Culinary Journey (With a Few Hiccups)
Okay, let's talk food! The hotel boasts a few restaurants. I can tell you it was a great place to grab a light snack or dessert. Western breakfast - standard fare, but well done. A great start to your day. But also Asian breakfast option was delicious! They offer a full-blown buffet, which is dangerous because you end up eating everything! Also, you can order a la carte, what I enjoyed.
(Anecdote Time: That Soup and My Inner Critic)
One evening, I tried the soup. This wasn’t just any soup. It was some kind of spicy, aromatic, Uzbek creation. And it was… good. Decent. Okay. But the real gem was the samosas. Those things were the bomb. Crispy pastry shell on the outside and a savory, delicious filling. I had like, six! (Don't judge me.) My internal food critic, you know, the one who usually finds fault with everything, went completely silent.
Pool & Spa: Bliss (Mostly)
The outdoor pool? Stunning. Poolside bar on hand to serve up those amazing cocktails. It was the perfect antidote to the heat and the dust from exploring the city. I also used the spa. Sauna and steam room was a treat as well. I splurged on a massage. I mean, come on, when in Rome (or, you know, Khiva), right? It was… okay. A little firm for my liking, but the facilities were great.
(Minor Imperfection Alert: The Spa Soundtrack)
One tiny, tiny gripe: the spa music was a little too… elevator-y. You know? That generic, slightly cheesy, pan-flute-heavy stuff. But hey, at least it was clean!
Cleanliness & Safety: The New Norm (And I'm Okay With It!)
I’m a bit of a hygiene freak, so I paid very close attention to this. The Bek Khiva absolutely nails it. They use anti-viral cleaning products, do daily disinfection in common areas, and staff is trained in safety protocol. They had hand sanitizer everywhere. And, get this, they offered room sanitization opt-out! Now I'm a clean freak, so even though I was happy everything had been cleaned (especially the bathroom). The staff wore masks and all that. I felt safe.
Things to Do (Besides Eating and Lazing by the Pool)
The hotel is within easy walking distance of everything. The old city? Just a short walk away. The souvenir shops are also close by.
The "Little Things" That Made a Big Difference
- The Staff: Seriously, the staff was fantastic. Friendly, helpful, and always went out of their way to make you feel welcome.
- Air Conditioning: Essential. This is Uzbekistan, people! Summer can get hot.
- Room Service: Available 24/7. Because sometimes, you just need a late-night snack (or a bottle of wine).
- Laundry Service: Because after a week of dusty adventures, you need that.
The Verdict: Would I Go Back?
Absolutely! Bek Khiva is a fantastic base for exploring Khiva. It’s luxurious, comfortable, and, most importantly, it cares. It’s a place where they seem to genuinely want you to have a good time. And that, my friends, is worth its weight in gold (or, you know, Uzbekistani currency).
Final Score: 9/10 - Minus one point for the elevator music.
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Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to embark on a chaotic, gloriously messy, and utterly human journey through Bek Khiva Hotel and the ancient, dusty, ridiculously beautiful heart of Khiva, Uzbekistan. This isn't some perfectly sculpted travel brochure. This is the real deal, the grimy hands-on, "did I really eat that?" version.
Day 1: Arrival and the "Oh My God, Is This Real?" Wonder
- Morning (or, let's be honest, early afternoon): Landed bleary-eyed in Urgench. The flight was a nightmare (that crying baby, ugh!), but the moment I stepped out of the airport, BOOM. Sun, dust, and this… this feeling like I'd walked straight into a postcard. The transfer to Bek Khiva was a bit…well, Uzbek. Let's just say the minivan driver’s driving style involved a generous dose of prayer beads and a complete disregard for speed limits. But hey! We made it.
- Mid-Afternoon: Check-in and Initial Impressions: Bek Khiva. Honestly? Slightly disappointed at first. The photos online made it look more, you know, palatial. But the staff were so friendly! My room? Basic, but clean, with a weirdly charming view of a courtyard where I swear I saw a rooster strutting about earlier.
- Late Afternoon: Wandering into the walled city, Itchan Kala, for the first time… and my jaw hit the floor. I mean, the sheer scale of it is overwhelming. Minarets piercing the sky, intricate tilework everywhere, every corner oozing history. I felt like an absolute insignificant speck, which was oddly liberating. I immediately got lost, wandered aimlessly, and almost tripped over a rogue cobblestone. Twice. But the sheer beauty… just… WOW.
- Evening: Dinner at a rooftop restaurant, gazing out at the illuminated city. The food was… a mixed bag. The kebabs were incredible, melt-in-your-mouth delicious, but a plate of suspicious-looking "salad" nearly gave me the heebie-jeebies. I ordered a bottle of Uzbek wine, which turned out to be surprisingly decent, and attempted to communicate with the waiter using a mix of English, hand gestures, and panicked Google Translate. Success! (I think). The view, though? Unforgettable. The whole experience felt like a fever dream.
Day 2: Minarets, Markets, and a Close Encounter with… a Donkey?
- Morning: Up early (ish) and determined to conquer the Kalta Minor Minaret. This thing is HUGE! A giant, dazzling turquoise cylinder. The climb? Let's just say my legs are still screaming. The views from the top were worth every wheeze and prayer. You could see the whole city spread out beneath you, a sea of terracotta roofs and intricate details. I spent a good hour just… looking. Thinking about centuries of history, the lives lived within those walls. It’s a proper brain-melt moment.
- Mid-Morning: The Juma Mosque. This place is seriously impressive. Hundreds of wooden columns supporting a vast, echoing space. I got a bit overwhelmed, wandered around silently processing the sheer scale.
- Lunch: The market! Oh, the market! A sensory overload of spices, dried fruits (the apricots are LIFE-CHANGING!), and people. Negotiating prices was… hilarious. I’m sure I got ripped off. Repeatedly. But it was all part of the fun. I ended up buying a ridiculously ornate teapot that I probably don’t need, but how could I resist?
- Afternoon: The Mad, Mad World of Khiva… The one moment that defined today: wandering down a quiet back alley (again, lost, shocker!) and I. SAW. A. DONKEY. Just hanging out, munching on some grass. I got too close and this donkey started to bray. Scared the absolute pants off of me. I ran away, laughing until my stomach hurt. I mean, what is even happening here?
- Evening: Trying to find a relaxing massage. A real one. Ended up in a very interesting, very dimly lit, with some lady who could press your spine with the strength of ten suns. Decided to skip the massage. Another questionable dining experience. Ended up at a cafe with a particularly aggressive waiter. I think he wanted to marry me.
Day 3: Cooking, Camels, and Farewell… (Sort Of)
- Morning: Cooking class! Honestly, I’m a total disaster in the kitchen, but this was amazing. We learned to make plov (Uzbek national dish!), and even managed to chop an onion without bursting into tears. It was hot, messy, and so rewarding. The food tasted incredible. Not sure if it was my fault or the instructor’s.
- Afternoon: CAMELS! Yep, camel trekking. I’d never done anything of this sort before. I really didn’t expect to do it here. But what’s life without some ridiculousness? A glorious sunset over the desert sands. I’ve never felt so small, so insignificant. And so grateful.
- Late Afternoon/Evening: The Farewell Drama! I decided to stay in Khiva for one more night. The place has grown on me, imperfections and all. I think I am completely and utterly obsessed!
- Night: One last walk within the walls of Itchan Kala. Reflecting on the entire experience. The food, the language barrier, the dust, the overwhelming history – it all somehow came together to form something extraordinary. It was messy, it was chaotic, it was beautiful. And I'll never forget it.
Day 4 (Bonus day!):
- I stayed. I swear I don’t want to leave. I will probably stay forever.
- More markets. More food. More people. I even learned a few phrases in Uzbek.
Final Thoughts:
Bek Khiva? It's a good base, but Khiva itself is what you come for. Forget the perfect Instagram photos. Embrace the dust, the imperfections, the occasional moment of pure, unadulterated chaos. Get lost. Talk to the people. Try the food (even if you’re a bit worried). And just… breathe. Because Khiva, Uzbekistan, is a place that whispers to your soul, a place that leaves you utterly changed. Also, bring strong stomach medicine. Just in case. You'll thank me later.
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So, Khiva... Why Bek Khiva? Is it REALLY worth it?
Okay, real talk. Khiva? Absolutely magical. That I can tell you. Like, seriously, stepping through that gate felt like teleporting into a fairytale… kinda. Bek Khiva? Well, THAT’s a whole other story. Honestly? It depends. If you’re after a *perfect* experience, sterilized of all charm by pristine perfection… maybe not. But! If you want to feel like you're *living* in Khiva, stumbling through authentic chaos with a dash of luxurious comfort, then YES. YES, it's worth it. I had a tiny, tiny moment of mild shock at the price, but now that I'm out, I'd do it again. Maybe. Depends how much I win in the lottery, lol.
What’s the vibe like at Bek Khiva? Is it… stuffy?
Stuffy? Oh, heavens no! Think… relaxed opulence. Like, imagine a Sheikh who loves a good laugh and a comfy bathrobe. The staff are genuinely lovely. There's a slight language barrier (as one might expect in Uzbekistan!) but they're super patient and eager to help. They’re not hovering, thank goodness. They let you wander and soak it all in. It's not a place where you feel like you have to whisper and walk tiptoe. You can breathe, appreciate the architecture, and, yes, take selfies without feeling the pressure. I even saw a kid (with a parent, of course!) running around the courtyard once, giggling. Made my cold, cynical heart warm a little.
The Rooms: Are they as amazing as the pictures?
Okay, here's where the imperfection comes in! Some pictures *are* doctored. But… the rooms themselves are fantastic. I had a suite (splurge, I know!), and it was seriously gorgeous. The details... the carved wood, the carpets, the textiles… it felt like sleeping in a museum! But… (and there's always a but, right?) the water pressure in the shower was… temperamental. One minute it was a trickle, the next a mini-tsunami. And the air conditioning? Well, let's just say it had a mind of its own. But honestly? I found myself overlooking it. The charm of the place, the sheer beauty, just… overshadowed it. Plus, the bed was ridiculously comfortable. I wanted to take it home with me. Seriously.
Breakfast: Is it any good, or another sad hotel buffet?
Okay, confession time: I'm a breakfast snob. So, I was bracing myself for disappointment. But... the breakfast at Bek Khiva was *surprisingly* good. They had a decent selection and amazing fresh bread. The fruits were juicy, the honey was delicious, and the staff are attentive and friendly. I mayyyy have overindulged on the pastries. More than once. I even got the chance to try Uzbek pancakes. I'm normally a 'skip breakfast' kind of person, but I happily changed my tune!. And there was strong coffee, which is vital, obviously. I miss the breakfast more than I care to admit.
Does the hotel have a spa? And is it worth it?
Yes! They do have a spa. And... here's the thing… I *didn't* go. I know, I know! Bad reviewer! But I heard good things from other guests, and saw other guests getting massages. I was too busy wandering Khiva, taking a hundred photos/ selfies, getting lost and found again. Call it a travel fail. I was completely immersed in my own personal Khiva experience. So, I *can't* give you a personal review, but the hotel itself is lovely. So the treatments are probably lovely too. (Sorry, not sorry!) Next time I will ensure that I get a massage!
Is there a pool? I need a pool!
Sadly, no pool. It's a historical building, so I guess it wouldn't necessarily fit the vibe. But honestly, with the heat in Khiva, a pool would have been HEAVEN. You can probably find one somewhere in the area, but at Bek Khiva itself? Nope. But the courtyard is a very pleasant place to sit and relax!
How easy is it to explore Khiva from the hotel?
Easy peasy lemon squeezy! Bek Khiva is practically *inside* the old city walls. You step outside, and BAM! You're in the thick of it. The madrasahs, the minarets, the bazaars… everything is just a few steps away. It's the perfect location. You can wander around all day, get deliciously lost, then retreat to your luxurious (and maybe slightly temperamental) room for a rest. The location is a major selling point. MAJOR.
What was the most memorable part of the stay?
Okay, this is going to sound weird… but it was the courtyard cats. There were these incredibly beautiful, sleek, ginger cats who patrolled the courtyard. They were utterly unconcerned with tourists, which I loved. One of them, I swear, was judging me. I'd be sitting there, sipping my tea, and this feline overlord would just… *stare*. It was the perfect juxtaposition of luxury and… well, cat. Made me smile every time. That and getting to know the hotel staff. They were lovely - so considerate.
Anything I should watch out for? Any negatives at all?
Okay, the usual travel advice applies: be aware of your surroundings, haggle respectfully in the bazaars (though, honestly, I'm terrible at haggling!), and try to learn a few basic phrases in Uzbek or Russian. And, as I mentioned before… the water pressure. Pack patience. Also, and this is purely my experience, I struggled a little with the internet. Okay internet, or non-existent internet at times. This might bother some people more than others (me included, at times!), so maybe consider a local SIM card if you absolutely need to be connected. There's no perfect hotel, remember that. Perfection is boring, right?
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