Imperial Palace Hotel in Bukhara

Regarding payment, the Booking page says that cards are accepted, but I was told to pay in cash. I told them I only had large bills in USD and they said they would prepare change so I should pay the next day. However, they still had no change on the next day. Even when I checked out, he said he would get the change from then on. The staff tried to charge me 60$ even though the fixed price was 50$. Later the owner who went to make change came back with no dollar and asked me if I want to pay with cash or card. Why did they lie that cards are unacceptable? When I tried to pay by card, he charged me 56$. I asked what the extra charge was. He ignored me and just told me to give him my card. When I asked for an explanation and did not give him my card, he became angry and yelled at me and tried to leave the building. The staff told me it was 50$ if I pay with cash. The fact that the staff said 50$ instead of 60$ in front of the owner suggests that he intended to steal 10$ if I paid 60$. I ended up going to the money exchange and paid them by breaking up my 100$ bill. They had no intention to prepare dollar cash from the beginning, they were going to exchange my 100$ instead. I don't understand why they kept lying to me that they would be ready tomorrow.

The hotel is the former women's hospital from the Tsarist era. The complex, close to the center but still in a quiet location, is very attractive and has a spacious inner courtyard surrounded by ground-floor buildings. The corresponding photos on Tripadvisor show this very well. However, the room furnishings leave a lot to be desired: There is a kettle, but no tea or coffee. The bedside lamp next to the entrance door and behind a cupboard (see photo in the appendix) is pointless and since there is neither a lamp nor a light switch by the beds, you have to go to bed with a flashlight. The same thing if you have to get up at night to go to the toilet. The hairdryer in the bathroom doesn't work and there is also no toilet brush. That's just a detail, but it's a disadvantage. The breakfast buffet is mediocre and the selection is rather modest. It's a shame, because the historic complex of the hotel is fascinating.

Pros: - proximity to the historical center; - not bad breakfast (if you have time for it). Cons: - breakfast from 8 to 10, but if you come at 9-55, breakfast is only for money. At 8-00 it is not yet set; - there is no iron at the reception, but instead they foist ironing services for 7,000 sums and shamelessly ruin things. My thing was ruined, the staff pretended that it was necessary; - employees are not interested in their work. Considering the large number of hotels in Bukhara, you can choose something better than “Imperial Palace”