Kaiser Hotel Ulaanbaatar: Mongolia's Hidden Gem (Luxury Awaits!)
Kaiser Hotel Ulaanbaatar: Mongolia's Hidden Gem (Luxury Awaits!) - My Honest (and Slightly Messy) Take
Alright, let's be real. Planning a trip to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, wasn't exactly on my "must-do" list. Let's call it a… unique travel choice. But then I stumbled upon the Kaiser Hotel. And honestly? It completely changed the game. This place isn't just a hotel; it's a legit oasis in a city that, at times, feels like it's perpetually in go-mode. Let's dive in, shall we? And yes, I will get a little real with it.
First Impressions: The "Oh Wow" Moment & The Elevator That Plays Classical Music
Okay, the first thing that hit me? The lobby. Seriously. Gleaming floors, maybe a hint of marble (I'm no expert, but it looked fancy), and the distinct lack of that "worn-down hotel smell." Bonus points: the elevator. Not just any elevator, people – this one plays classical music! Made me feel instantly civilized, even though I was probably still rocking travel-weary hair.
Accessibility & The "Good Stuff" - Let's Get Practical (And a Little Grumpy)
- Accessibility: They claim to have facilities for disabled guests, and that's generally good. I'm not relying on it entirely, but it seemed relatively okay, with an elevator and ramps. Though in a city like Ulaanbaatar (with its… interesting pavements) navigating outside the hotel might be a whole other ball game.
- Internet Access: Yessss! Free Wi-Fi in all the rooms! (And generally everywhere in the hotel, which is a major win). I can’t live without my internet access, so I was pleased to see they had it.
- Internet Services: They offer both LAN and Wi-Fi and the wifi was pretty good. I could stream my Netflix without issue.
- Accessibility in the Hotel's Public areas: They do have Wi-Fi for us to use, which is nice.
- Safety & Cleanliness: The Sanitizing Brigade (and My Inner Germaphobe)
- Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Check. Hand sanitizer everywhere? Check. Honestly, even my inner germaphobe felt at ease. They seem to take safety very seriously, which is a huge relief right now. The room sanitization opt-out is a great for personal preference, which I really appreciate.
- Staff training: It's comforting to know that the staff is trained in safety protocol.
- They have some cool features: Doctor on call, nurse on call, which is very efficient and helps with your needs.
- Rooms: My Little Mongolian Castle
- I had a room on a high floor, which gave a fantastic view of the city, especially at sunset. (I even took a few Insta-worthy pics, don't judge.) The blackout curtains were a lifesaver after those long trekking days. The air con was a godsend, as well as the room being soundproof.
- In-Room Goodies: Free bottled water (essential!), a mini-bar (tempting!), and a coffee/tea maker. The complimentary tea was a lovely touch, especially after a long day of exploring. The in-room safe box gave me peace of mind.
- Extra Details: Bathrobes, slippers – little things that make you feel, dare I say, pampered? And the bathroom? Clean, well-lit, with decent toiletries. The shower? Not a dribbler, which is a major win in my book.
- The bed was comfortable, and the pillows were supportive. I slept like a rock.
- One Tiny Quibble: I'm not a fan of carpeting in hotel rooms… but the cleanliness of the room made it forgivable.
Things to Do and Ways to Relax: Spa Day (And a Near-Disaster)
Okay, the spa. This is where the Kaiser truly shines. I'm generally a "skip the spa" kinda gal, but the reviews were compelling. I booked a massage and… well, let's just say I almost fell asleep mid-treatment. The therapist was amazing – skilled, professional, and made me feel like a limp noodle in the best possible way.
- The Aftermath: the spa, spa/sauna, steamroom, swimming pool, gym/fitness, and pool with view, were all amazing facilities.
- Things to do: They had a lot of choices, including Body wrap, Body scrub, Foot bath, and the sauna, oh and don't forget the swimming pool which makes it so worth it.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Where My Inner Foodie Got Very Happy
- Restaurants: I had a few meals at the hotel restaurants and they were delicious. The Asian cuisine was a particular highlight, but the international offerings were also excellent. They also had vegetarian options.
- The Breakfast Buffet: The buffet breakfast was a feast. I definitely went back for seconds (and maybe even thirds) of the pastries. They had a wide variety of food, including Asian and Western breakfast options.
- Other Goodies: Coffee and tea in the restaurant, a coffee shop to satisfy your caffeine needs any time of day, and a poolside bar for cocktails.
- Snacks: They have a snack bar if you are ever in a pinch.
- Room Service: 24-hour room service? YES, please! I may have indulged in a late-night burger (don't judge).
Services and Conveniences: The Little Extras That Matter
- Daily Housekeeping: The rooms were immaculate. Top marks for cleanliness!
- Concierge: Helpful, friendly, and able to sort out pretty much anything. They organized a day trip for me (which I highly recommend, by the way).
- Laundry & Dry Cleaning: Essential for a travelling and exploring adventure.
- Currency Exchange: Super convenient.
- Business Facilities: Meeting/banquet facilities, audio-visual equipment, projector/LED display, for the important meetings that you have.
- For your luggage: Luggage storage & safety deposit boxes
- They have a lot of other perks Doorman, elevator, taxi service, Car parking.
Getting Around: Navigating Ulaanbaatar (A Whole Other Story)
- Airport Transfer: Book this! Seriously. Traffic in Ulaanbaatar can be brutal. The hotel's airport transfer saved me a lot of stress. They also offered car park, whether it was a car park on site or free of charge. They even had a power charging station.
For the Kids: Keeping Little Explorers Happy
- Family/child friendly, babysitting service, kids facilities, kids meals.
Cleanliness and Safety: Peace of Mind
- Seriously, the level of sanitization was impressive. From the anti-viral cleaning products to the daily disinfection, I felt safe and secure, which is a huge plus when traveling in a new city.
The (Slightly Messy) Conclusion: Is the Kaiser Hotel Worth It?
Hell. Yes. The Kaiser Hotel is more than just a place to sleep; it's an experience. A luxurious, comfortable, and incredibly well-run experience. It's a sanctuary in the heart of Ulaanbaatar.
My (Honest) Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars. The perfect hotel, I can't tell, but the Kaiser Hotel is one of the best I have ever been and I would highly recommend it.
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Tired of the ordinary? Craving an adventure? Discover the hidden gem of Ulaanbaatar – the Kaiser Hotel, Mongolia's premier luxury destination!
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Here's what awaits you at the Kaiser Hotel:
- Unparalleled Comfort: Featuring soundproof rooms, air conditioning, comfy beds, and free Wi-Fi
- Exceptional Service: Our dedicated team provides impeccable service, from our 24-hour front desk to our convenient airport transfer.
- Unbeatable Convenience: Enjoy Free Wi-Fi in All Rooms, on-site parking and valet parking, and a central location near the city's top attractions.
- Health & Safety First: Relax knowing we prioritize your well-being with anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, and trained staff.
- Luxurious Amenities: Enjoy our Fitness centre, swimming pool, and other luxurious amenities.
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Alright, buckle up buttercups! We're diving headfirst into the glorious, chaotic, and probably yak-butter-scented adventure that is my… (clears throat dramatically) … Mongolian Odyssey! Specifically, the Kaiser Hotel Ulaanbaatar edition. Forget sleek, polished itineraries. This is my itinerary. And let's be honest, it's probably going to unravel faster than a poorly knitted scarf.
Day 1: Arrival… with a Side of Mild Panic
Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Landed in Ulaanbaatar. Holy. Mother. Of. Gobi. Desert. This airport is… well, it’s an airport. Found the Kaiser Hotel shuttle (thank god! Finding anything after a 17-hour flight feels like winning the lottery). The driver, a stoic fellow with a mustache that could rival Genghis Khan's (okay, maybe not, but it was impressive), barely cracked a smile. I was starting to feel like I was in a spy film. The city whizzed by as we headed there. I am so excited!!
- Anecdote: Tried to exchange some euros for Tugrik at the airport. It was like playing a serious game of "Where's Waldo?" trying to locate an open bank booth. Eventually found one, and the teller, bless her heart, looked at me like I was asking her to translate Ancient Sumerian. We got there eventually.
Afternoon (12:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Check-in at the Kaiser. The lobby is… opulent. Like, gold-leafed ceilings, enough velvet to upholster a herd of camels. My room? Pretty standard. The bathroom, however, has a heated toilet seat. Heated toilet seat, people! This is a game-changer. Spent an hour (okay, maybe an hour and a half) acclimatizing and desperately fighting to get the Wifi working. Pro tip: bring extra chargers. Seriously.
- Quirky Observation: I find the hotel hallway carpets really beautiful. It's as if they were made by a master artist, there were so many unique designs on them.
Evening (5:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Trying to get a handle on this whole “Mongolian food” thing. Went to the Kaiser’s restaurant. Ordered something that sounded vaguely familiar – "Buuz" (steamed dumplings). They arrived. They were the size of my fist. They were delicious. I ate four. Regret: Zero. Attempted to order a local beer, "Borgio." It was… an experience. Let's just say it wasn't my favorite.
- Emotional Reaction: This is going to be amazing! I actually think I managed to stay away from the jet lag for the most part.
Day 2: Terelj National Park – Yak Butter and Profound Disappointment
- Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Terelj National Park, here I come! Booked a tour. The brochure promised “stunning landscapes” and “authentic nomadic experiences.” I envisioned myself frolicking in a field of wildflowers, communing with yaks. I should have been more skeptical. The drive was long and bumpy. My driver, who I swear was also a part-time racecar driver, took corners like he was testing the limits of the car's suspension.
- Messier Structure: Okay, the landscape was "stunning," I'll give them that. Rolling hills, bizarre rock formations… But the "authentic nomadic experience"? We stopped at… a very touristy Ger camp where you can buy a tour that costs 50 dollars. There was a yak. For photos. For a price. It wasn't quite the pastoral idyll I'd dreamed of.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Rode a horse. Well, "rode" is a bit of a strong word. I lurched. I wobbled. I probably looked like a drunken scarecrow. Got very, very close to falling off. My guide, a young man with a deadpan expression, just kept saying, "Hold on." I wanted to hold on to the earth! The horse was probably mortified.
- Doubling Down: Then… the yak butter tea. Oh, the yak butter tea. The brochure didn't warn me about the yak butter tea. It was… salty. Very salty. Like, seawater salty. Tried to be polite. Drank a few sips. Managed to choke it down. My stomach is still reconsidering everything!
- Evening (5:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Back at the Kaiser. Collapsed on my bed. Debriefing. Decided to skip dinner and order room service (cheese pizza, because I was feeling incredibly homesick and needed comfort food). Watched a terrible action movie in Mongolian (with subtitles, but still). I decided to leave it at that.
- Stronger Emotional Reaction: The Terelj experience was… a mixed bag. Gorgeous scenery, yes. Authentic nomadic experience? Not so much. The yak butter tea almost broke me. I think I’ll need a shower, a pizza, and an entire box of tissues.
Day 3: Ulaanbaatar - The City that Never Sleeps (Except for Me)
- Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Slept in. Jet lag has finally caught up. Woke up with a headache. Managed to drag myself out of bed. Went in search of the "Black Market." Heard it was an explosion of everything. I was expecting organized chaos, but instead, it was like a scene from a post-apocalyptic movie, but with cashmere and bootleg electronics. Lost and confused, I decided to go back to the hotel.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Tried to visit the Gandantegchinlen Monastery. The photos I had seen had beautiful, golden temples, but I had a hard time finding it. I knew it had to be somewhere, but I kept getting lost. Decided to take a bus, but getting a bus didn't sound easy. Decided to head back to the hotel, and got a call from a friend. My day seemed pretty empty, so I thought to get some drinks with my friends.
- Evening (5:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Enjoyed a nice dinner and drinks with friends at the Kaiser. The evening was the best part of the day, and I decided I didn't worry about the itinerary anymore.
- Opinionated Language: Okay, the Black Market? Way too intense for me. The Monastery? Next time. For now, I am done for the day!
Day 4: Departure (The Great Escape!)
- Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Woke up feeling refreshed after a great night out. Packed. Double and triple-checked that I had all my stuff (seriously, lost a sock on day one, still haven't found it.) Headed to the airport.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Flight home. Goodbye, Mongolia! You were wild, weird, and occasionally confusing. It was great.
- Rambles: On the plane, I was reflecting on the trip. The food, the yaks, the people… it was a lot to take in, but I loved it.
- Evening (5:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Safe at home. Unpacking. Doing laundry. Already planning my return!
(Disclaimer: This itinerary is subject to change, spontaneous detours, and frequent bouts of aimless wandering. May contain traces of yak butter. Proceed with caution… and a strong sense of humor!)
Unbelievable Chitwan Adventure: Chitwan Village Resort Awaits!
Kaiser Hotel Ulaanbaatar: You Heard of It? (Or Maybe Not!)
Okay, spill the beans. What's the *actual* deal with the Kaiser? Is it worth the hype? (Because let's be honest, online reviews are more confusing than Mongolian throat singing.)
Alright, buckle up, because the Kaiser... well, it's a *thing*. It's not the perfectly manicured, sterile luxury you might expect. Think… ambitious ambition meets (occasionally) slightly wonky execution. Is it hype? Maybe. Is it worth it? That depends. If you're after a totally authentic, slightly rough-around-the-edges, *genuinely* luxurious experience sprinkled with Mongolian charm (and the occasional minor hiccup), then YES. If you're expecting a flawless Four Seasons… manage your expectations. Seriously.
One time – and I swear this happened – I was in the elevator, already feeling smug about the (amazing) view from my suite. Suddenly, the lights flickered. Then went out. Panic. (Okay, maybe a little dramatic, but still!) I hammered the emergency button, fully expecting a trapped-in-a-dark-elevator scenario. What happened? A very unflappable hotel staffer, armed with a tiny flashlight, rescued me. Said the power “blip” was common. And offered me free cocktails. See? Charm. And they actually *made* the cocktails. Not just the offer.
Luxury? Really? What makes the Kaiser "luxury?" My idea of luxury is endless avocado toast...
Okay, avocado toast aficionado. I get it. But at the Kaiser, "luxury" is a bit more… multi-faceted. Think: spacious suites with incredible city views (and the occasional glimpse of the Gobi Desert haze on a clear day). Think: supremely comfortable beds that swallow you whole after a day of exploring. Think: bathrooms so large you could practically hold a small Mongolian wrestling match in them. (Not that I would *suggest* that, mind you.)
And the little things. Like the *speed* at which they'll bring you endless cups of hot tea. Then there's the staff – genuinely friendly and eager to help, even if their English isn't *perfect*. Remember that elevator incident? They remembered me after that, and always offered me extra helpings during breakfast. It's not about perfect, it's about them trying and making you feel welcome!
There is a spa, which is amazing! Don't expect a flawless experience, but that’s not the point! The spa has a feeling of being “Mongolian,” and a massage from the very skilled staff is a dream come true.
The location: Is it actually *convenient*? Ulaanbaatar seems… vast.
Convenient is the operative word! The Kaiser is in the heart of the city. You're close to Sukhbaatar Square, the State Department Store, and a plethora of restaurants and shops. You can easily walk to many attractions, or grab a taxi. Honestly, navigating Ulaanbaatar is an adventure in itself (more on that later…), so having a central location that's easy to get to is a HUGE bonus.
I once tried to navigate the city during a particularly blustery snowstorm, and it was a *nightmare*. Taxis disappeared, Google Maps went rogue. But then, relief! The friendly Kaiser lobby staff called me a taxi and gave me my room number. Honestly, they were life-savers.
Food! What about the food? I'm picturing… only meat. (And maybe a sheep's head, if the internet is to be believed.)
Okay, the food. Yes, meat is omnipresent in Mongolia. But at the Kaiser, they have a surprisingly good selection. Breakfast has a great mix of Western standards AND local delicacies (though, I'll admit, I'm a sucker for the omelets). The hotel restaurants offer everything from international cuisine to traditional Mongolian dishes. And yes, you *can* find a sheep's head (if you’re up for it… I'm not judging).
Now, I'm a foodie. And on my first trip, I was wary. But the food surpassed my expectations. They have a fantastic restaurant with a rooftop view! And the servers went above and beyond to explain the dishes and make suggestions, even when I ordered something super weird. I would highly recommend trying some local dishes! They were fantastic!
Anything I should *know* before I go? Any downsides? Is it even *safe*?
Okay, the nitty-gritty. Yes, Ulaanbaatar is generally safe. Use common sense (like you would anywhere else), and you'll be fine. The Kaiser has security, which is reassuring.
The downsides? Well, the occasional minor glitch is to be expected. As I said, the elevator incident. The WiFi can be a little… inconsistent. The air quality in Ulaanbaatar can be challenging, especially during the winter months. (Bring a mask, or get one at the hotel - they do have them.)
One other thing: service can be slower than you might be used to, but it's always delivered with genuine sincerity. They truly try their best.
Give it to me straight: Would you stay there again?
Absolutely. 100%. Imperfections and all. The Kaiser isn't just a hotel; it's an experience. It reflects the spirit of Mongolia: resilient, welcoming, and full of surprises. It's a bit of a paradox – luxury with a dose of reality. And it's the reason why, even after the momentary elevator darkness and wifi hiccups, I'm already planning my return!
Parking situation? Do they have it?
Yep, they do! The hotel has parking. I'm not a car person, so I can't go into a ton of detail, but I saw people driving and parking, so I can confirm it's there. Usually, it's not a problem finding a space, and the staff can help you out if you need it.
Is it good for kids?
Well... it depends on your kids. The Kaiser is definitely more geared towards adults. There wasn't a dedicated kids' club or anything like that. However, the staff is generally very friendly and accommodating, so they'll definitely try to make your kids feel welcome. The spacious suites are great for families, and the food selection has options that would appeal to kids. If your kids are adaptable and enjoy exploring, it could be a cool experience. But if you're looking for a place with heaps of family-specific amenities, itStay Scouter
