Tashkent's HOTTEST Hostel: S&D Hotel - Unbeatable Prices!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the whirlwind that is S&D Hotel - Unbeatable Prices! in Tashkent! Forget your stuffy hotel reviews, this is gonna be the real deal, warts and all. I'm gonna tell you everything, and trust me, there's a lot to tell.
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The Grand Entrance (and the Quest for Accessibility):
Finding the place was a breeze, honestly. (Thank the heavens for Google Maps, bless its digital soul). Accessibility, though… that's always the million-dollar question. And honestly? It's a mixed bag. While they boast about “Facilities for disabled guests”, detailed info is a little thin on the description. I couldn't get a clear answer on detailed accessibility. So if this is a major concern, definitely call ahead and get the lowdown before booking, because a surprise is nobody's friend on a Tashkent adventure.
Inside the Fortress: Cleanliness, Safety, and Sanity (Maybe):
Okay, let's be real. Cleanliness is paramount. And thank heaven S&D gets that. They're all about the “Anti-viral cleaning products”, “Daily disinfection,” "Professional-grade sanitizing services". Seeing "Hand sanitizer" is essential everywhere is comforting. Makes a weary traveler feel like they have a fighting chance against the germs. They take their "Hygiene certification" seriously, which is good because you're trusting them with your immune system.
Security? They’ve got your back. CCTV in common areas and outside, a 24-hour front desk, and Security [24-hour]. Feeling safe is HUGE, especially when you're in a new city. Smoke alarms and fire extinguishers in the rooms – gotta love that peace of mind.
Room Rituals: Comfort and Convenience, With a Few Quirks:
Right, the rooms. Mine had all the basics. Air conditioning (a MUST in Tashkent summers), complimentary tea (yes! I like that a lot!), and a comfy-ish bed. The blackout curtains are a godsend, the in-room safe box is welcome. The free Wi-Fi was generally good, though it occasionally decided to take a nap (a minor nuisance, really).
The separate shower/bathtub was great, bathrobes, and slippers were a lovely touch. I mean, who doesn’t love a good bathrobe situation? My room also had a desk, chair, and a safe. Additional toilet a plus.
Now, for the quirks…. My room had a random window that opens (it was nice!), but I also, for some reason, had the world's loudest alarm clock. Wakes you up every morning automatically and I'm not a morning person! The minibar was tempting, but I resisted; I was on a budget, after all.
The Food Frenzy (and the Quest for the Perfect Breakfast):
Okay, let's talk grub. The breakfast [buffet] was… well, it was breakfast. They had a pretty standard spread. The Asian breakfast was a nice touch, and there were the usual suspects – cereal, bread, some fruit. The coffee? Okay, it was good. The coffee/tea in restaurant was pretty good, and the staff were very accommodating. You could order Breakfast in room (for an extra cost, of course). Buffet in restaurant was a great experience.
For lunches and dinners, The Restaurants are great, but the biggest letdown was the limited vegetarian options. The Asian cuisine in restaurant looks and tastes really good. I’d recommend finding other options for dinner if you're a vegetarian.
The Relaxation Station: Does S&D Actually Deliver?
Ah, the sweet promise of relaxation. S&D boasts about a pool with view that looked absolutely gorgeous in the pictures. And the Spa! Spa/sauna, steamroom, and massage services seemed really appealing.
Here's where I'm going to be very honest: I didn't actually use all of these facilities. The pool looked busy, and I prioritized exploring the city. But I did sneak a peek at the Gym/fitness center, and it was surprisingly well-equipped. I am a bit of a gym rat, so I definitely loved that.
The extras:
- Breakfast: There is a great variety and great service.
- Convenience Store: They have that essential shop stocked.
- Souvenirs: Got some gifts.
- Currency Exchange: Very helpful!
- Laundry: Needed it after a week on the road.
The Verdict: S&D - Yay or Nay?
S&D Hotel - Unbeatable Prices! isn’t perfect, but it's a solid choice for budget travelers who want a clean, safe, and relatively comfortable base in Tashkent. The staff were friendly, the location is pretty good, and the price is right. If you're looking for luxury, this isn't it. But if you want a good hostel with a lot of amenities, go for it.
My Recommendation to You:
If you're planning a trip to Tashkent, give S&D Hotel a shot. It’s got its quirks, sure, but it's a solid option, especially considering the price tag.
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Luxury Marriott Suites in Al Khobar: Unbelievable Views & 5-Star Amenities!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's meticulously-planned itinerary. We're going to Tashkent. And we’re doing it… well, let’s just say "organically." This is less a bullet-pointed list and more a free-flowing stream-of-consciousness, fueled by strong Uzbek tea, questionable street food, and the sheer, unadulterated chaos of travel. We’re starting at the Hotel S & D Hostel, which, hopefully, has a decent shower. Pray for me.
Tashkent Trip: Operation "Don't Get Lost (Probably)"
Day 1: Arrival and Mild Panic
- Morning (8:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Touchdown in Tashkent. Airport – Yay! Customs – Ugh. Pray the visa gods are with me. My backpack feels heavier than a camel after a week-long water fast. Found the hostel S & D Hostel, which looks (and more importantly, smells) less like a crime scene than I was expecting. Score!
- Breakfast (10:00 AM - 11:00 AM): Okay, first things first: food. Hotel breakfast is "functional" but the coffee tastes like dirty socks. Found a corner place down the street serving something called "Tashkent Plov." I’m in. (Spoiler alert: It's rice, meat, and vegetables. Delicious. And probably going to make me want to nap IMMEDIATELY.)
- Afternoon (11:00 AM - 4:00 PM): Okay, time to try and walk. I started with a stroll around the city. Chorsu Bazaar, that bustling, vibrant epicenter of…everything! The colors! The smells! The sheer volume of humanity! It was sensory overload in the best possible way. I ended up buying a ridiculous, bright blue headscarf. Don't judge me. I'm embracing the local vibes… or maybe just hiding from the sun. Which could be lethal.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening (4:00 PM - 7:00 PM): Trying to navigate the metro. It's surprisingly clean and efficient, but the Cyrillic alphabet is a serious obstacle. I’m pretty sure I accidentally ended up on the "Mysterious Destinations" line for a while. Found a park near the metro and watched the sunset. Beautiful. Then I had a minor existential crisis about the meaning of life, fueled by too much caffeine, and the realization I'd no idea how I would manage to get back to the hostel.
- Evening (7:00 PM onward): Wandering around and figuring out how to eat. Ended up in an amazing little restaurant with the worst English speaking waiter, but he smiled a lot and was very patient. I swear I ate something that tasted of heaven. The Uzbek wine… well, let's just say it helped with the existential crisis. Heading back to the hostel (praying Google Maps doesn't fail me) feeling surprisingly content. Maybe I won't get lost. Probably.
Day 2: The Registan That Almost Broke Me
- Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Okay, plan – attempt to leave the hostel. I've decided I will attempt to go to Samarkand from Tashkent. But first, breakfast. More of that "functional" coffee. I'm starting to think I need an IV drip of espresso. Decide to be brave and take the real train!
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Okay, so here's where things went beautifully, then completely sideways. The train was awesome! Fast, clean, scenic. Then, in Samarkand, I saw the Registan Square. The Registan Square. In the sun. It was like walking into a postcard, then being absolutely flattened by its beauty. The colors, the intricate tilework, the sheer scale of it all… I’m pretty sure I shed a tear or two. (Okay, maybe more than two.) I just stood there, mouth agape, feeling overwhelmingly small and insignificant in the face of centuries of history. It's worth all the trouble to go there. It's… I don't even have words!
- Evening (6:00 PM onward): Okay, so here's the "sideways" part. As I was walking out of the entrance of the square, I got a sudden sharp pain, I think I pulled something, I'm not sure but I can barely walk. A nice family, the kind that are too good to be true, they told me they could help. They took me to their home, gave me lots of tea and helped me with a translator. Eventually after some tea and the kindness of strangers, I made my way back to Tashkent on the night train on what felt like the longest journey of my life. Back in the hostel I fall straight to sleep. Tomorrow I assess the damage to my lower limbs.
Day 3: Rest and Reflection (and Questionable Street Food)
- Morning (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Woke up late, and… ouch. Lower limbs still protesting. Decide to take it easy. The hostel is a mess, but now it's "my" mess. I need about 10 hours of sleep to walk again.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Slowly hobbling around the neighborhood, trying to find a pharmacy. The language barrier made it interesting. Eventually managed to get some painkillers and a questionable bandage. Decided to embrace the local culture and try some street food. Found a vendor selling something that looked suspiciously like deep-fried dough. Ate it anyway. No regrets! (…yet.)
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening (4:00 PM - 7:00 PM): More tea. Lots and lots of tea. Tried to write postcards, but my brain is fried. What even is a postcard? Attempted to watch some of Uzbekistan's Got Talent on the hostel TV. Surprisingly, the local version of "America's Got Talent" is equally as weird and wonderful.
- Evening (7:00 PM onward): Dinner at the hostel. Again, "functional" food. Met some other travelers, a very nice group from… well, everywhere. Shared travel stories, laughed, and swapped tips on avoiding "mystery meat." Now, time to rest up. Tomorrow, who knows? Maybe I'll be able to walk again! Or maybe I'll just spend the day eating more deep-fried dough. Either way, it’s an adventure.
Day 4: The Grand Finale (Maybe? Depends on My Legs)
- Morning (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM): The legs are better, I think. Maybe? A slow walk around the area to test it. Going to venture out to the Kukeldash Medressa. Because why not?
- Afternoon (11:00 AM - 3:00 PM): The Kukeldash Medressa. Absolutely beautiful! Still can't believe what I've seen and how much Uzbekistan has to offer.
- Evening (3:00 PM Onward): Time for another round of tea. Dinner somewhere different. Pack up my stuff and head to the airport in the morning.
Final Thoughts:
Okay, so this wasn't your typical museum-hopping, perfectly-timed itinerary. This was a Tashkent adventure. It was messy, chaotic, frustrating, and utterly wonderful. I got lost, ate questionable food, met incredible people. And I wouldn't trade it for anything. Uzbekistan, you magnificent, confusing, and intoxicating place, I'll be back. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go find some more tea.
Escape to Paradise: Vestique Hostel Chiang Mai Awaits!
Is S&D REALLY as cheap as they say? I'm on a Ramen budget!
Dude, YES! And let me tell you, as someone who once lived off of instant noodles for a month after a bad Vegas trip (don't ask!), S&D is a lifesaver. Seriously, you'll be shocked. I saw a room for, like, next to nothing... practically less than a decent kebab! Okay, maybe not THAT cheap, but believe me, the price tag is worth it. You could probably fund your entire Tashkent trip with what you'd spend on a single night in some of those fancy "hotels."
And! and! and! The best part? You won't starve! You'll still have enough left over for a beer or three!
What's the vibe like at S&D? Is it a party hostel, or more chilled?
Vibe? Ah, the vibe. It's... well, it's a bit like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get, Forrest! Sometimes it's a roaring party, fuelled by suspiciously cheap vodka and questionable karaoke from the resident Russian guy. Other times, it's a quiet haven where you can actually hear your own thoughts (which, let's be honest, is rare when you're travelling).
I stayed there once when some serious drama went down with a girl and her "boyfriend" who happened to be sleeping in the dorm next door. It was like watching a soap opera, I swear. Loud whispering, slammed doors, tears... the whole shebang. That was *not* chill. But then other times? Bliss! Just people happily chatting, sharing travel stories, and maybe even playing a few rounds of cards. It really depends on the current mix of guests. Embrace the chaos!
Are the rooms clean? I'm a neat freak (or at least, I TRY to be).
Okay, let's get real. "Clean" is a relative term. S&D is *not* a sterile, hospital-clean hotel. It's a hostel, baby! Think more "lived-in charm" and less "surgical operating theater." The beds are generally okay, and the sheets are, well, sheets. Things are reasonably clean in my experience, but don't expect any white-glove inspections here. Embrace the slight dust bunnies! (Just try not to sneeze too much.)
One time, I found a rogue sock under my bed. Whose sock? Where did it come from? These are mysteries for a bigger mind than mine. Suffice to say, it's a hostel and that means the usual hostel "quirks" will apply.
How's the Wifi? I need to stay connected (social media addiction is real, right?).
The Wifi? Alright, listen up. This is where things get... interesting. It's like a moody ex-lover. Sometimes it's blazing fast, letting you stream HD videos and update your Instagram with reckless abandon. Other times... well, you'll be praying for a solid connection. It's a gamble.
My advice? Don't rely on it for life-or-death work stuff. Download maps, watch your Netflix before you go because you may not get a chance when you get there. And maybe, just maybe, embrace the digital detox. Read a book! Talk to other humans! The horror!
What about the location? Is it easy to get around?
Location is gold, my friend. S&D is pretty well-situated. Close enough to the action, yeah, but not *right* in the middle of the crazy, which, trust me, is a good thing in Tashkent. You can walk to some stuff, hop on the Metro (which is stunning, by the way -- seriously Instagram-worthy), or grab a cheap taxi. Easy peasy!
Are there any common areas? Places to chill out?
Yes! They do have common areas, but it depends on when you go. When you go there are always some travelers sitting and talking to other people, so definitely you'll be able to meet a lot of people! The main area is the lobby which is perfect with wifi, and the kitchen is always available. You can always hang out in the bedrooms but it will get pretty crowded.
Any insider tips for S&D? Spill the tea!
Okay, okay, here's the good stuff.
* **Bring earplugs!** Seriously. If you're a light sleeper, or even if you THINK you're not, bring earplugs. You'll thank me. And if you happen to forget your earplugs, then pray that no one is snoring.
* **Pack a padlock.** For your locker. Trust me, it's better to be safe than sorry and lose your stuff.
* **Learn a few basic Russian phrases**. It'll go a long way with the local staff.
* **Don't expect luxury.** Remember the price! Manage your expectations, and you'll have a blast.
* **Embrace the adventure!** Tashkent is amazing, and S&D is a great launchpad. Be open to meeting new people, trying new things, and getting a little bit lost (in the best way possible).
Oh, and one more thing... be prepared for the unexpected. That's the beauty of hostels, and especially of S&D. You never know what stories you'll walk away with. And you will, trust me, you absolutely will! Your next travel story will be there for sure!
Is there a curfew? I like to stay out late.
Nope! No curfew! You're free to stumble in at 3 am after a night of kebab-fueled adventures if you like (though try to be relatively quiet, for the sake of your fellow travelers). However, be sure to be respectful, though, especially since the staff is always there to help you no matter what the time is.
I'm nervous about travelling alone, is S&D a good place to meet people?
YES! Absolutely! Seriously! Some of my best travel memories were made at S&D, surrounded by people from all over the world. It's a melting pot! Shared dorm rooms, common areas... you'll almost *have* to chat with someone. Seriously, theInstant Hotel Search
