Tashkent's BEST Hotel? (Leader Hotel Review Will SHOCK You!)
Tashkent's Best? Leader Hotel Review: A Whirlwind of Uzbek Luxury (and Minor Mishaps!)
Okay, folks, buckle up. Because I’ve just emerged from the Leader Hotel in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, and my brain is still doing the cha-cha. Was it the best? Well, let’s just say the answer is… complicated. But definitely worth the trip. It's a journey of luxury, potential heartbreaks, and some seriously good Uzbek food.
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The Grand Entrance (and a Minor Hiccup):
First impressions? Whoa. The Leader Hotel is… impressive. Think opulent chandeliers, polished marble floors, and a lobby that practically begs for a photoshoot. It's dripping with that "old money" vibe, even if old money these days is probably crypto-currency. Check-in was, thankfully, contactless. Score! Although, my first attempt to use their "easy" app/registration system felt like trying to solve a Rubik's Cube in the dark. Eventually, a wonderfully patient staff member (the first of MANY) swooped in and saved the day. Speaking of which, they had daily housekeeping down pat, every day! And I can tell you, they had elevator!
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag (But Mostly Good):
Now, I have to say, I was genuinely impressed with the effort put into accessibility. They had facilities for disabled guests, and a wheelchair accessible entrance was a HUGE win. However, navigating the sprawling hotel complex, especially to the swimming pool [outdoor] (more on that later!), could be a bit of a hike. And even if the hotel is doing a good job for the guests with limited mobility issues.
Rooms That Scream "Luxe" (Mostly):
My room? Chef's kiss. Seriously, folks. Air conditioning that worked like a dream. Blackout curtains that could convince a vampire to stay in all day. A bathtub that practically begged for a bubble bath (which I, of course, obliged). There was a desk, a laptop workspace, internet access - wireless (free, of course!), a safe box and, the pièce de résistance, a mini bar loaded with goodies (and the prices weren’t too outrageous). The bathroom was sparkling clean, with a mirror big enough to admire yourself – or scrutinize any wrinkles. Bathrobes? Check. Slippers? Double-check. The quality was amazing. I even managed to catch up on some on-demand movies – a true blessing post-Uzbek meal.
And there were interconnecting rooms available too; so, families, take note!
But. And there's always a "but," isn't there? The coffee/tea maker was a bit… temperamental. Let's just say I had a few "adventures" with the hot water. Small price to pay for luxury, I guess. I even had a scale in my bathroom. Great for people who are counting calories.
Internet: Bless You, Free Wi-Fi!
Okay, let's talk about the internet. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms? Hallelujah! And it actually worked! I was able to post my Instagram stories with ease (crucial!), and even managed to Internet [LAN] – perfect for my zoom calls.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Culinary Adventure… Mostly!
The dining was… a real highlight, and a mixed bag. Let's start with breakfast. Breakfast [buffet]? Oh yes, and it was AMAZING. Asian breakfast? Also, yes! Western breakfast? You bet. Everything was delicious. From the Asian cuisine in the restaurant to the international cuisine in the restaurant, the hotel knows how to satisfy any culinary desire.
I enjoyed the Coffee shop on most days, and the bar had a lively atmosphere. It was the perfect place to sip cocktails during the Happy hour. The Poolside bar was also a nice touch, and I found myself there for several afternoons. However, in terms of the actual bar setup, they could have done more.
The Restaurants themselves were generally excellent, offering a range of eating styles, from a la carte to buffets. Salad in restaurant was available, and it was fresh and delicious, and the Soup in restaurant was a perfect option for a chilly evening.
It's also worth mentioning the Room service [24-hour], which served up some seriously good vegetarian options. The variety was amazing!
And, the bottle of water was available at all times!
However, there was an incident where I ordered a late-night snack, and it took… a while. Very long, actually. Apparently, the kitchen was a bit backed up. Alternative meal arrangement was also available!
Ways to Relax: Spa Day, Anyone?
This is where the Leader Hotel really shines. The Spa/sauna was a sanctuary. The sauna was hot, the steamroom was… steamy. The Massage was… well, let's just say I floated out of there. They had a pool with a view, and a swimming pool [outdoor], the setting was sublime. Body scrub and body wrap? You bet! So, yes, I spent basically half my trip in a fluffy robe. No regrets. They have a Fitness center to work out in too!
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Secure (Mostly!)
Okay, I have to give the Leader Hotel props. They were serious about cleanliness. Professional-grade sanitizing services, daily disinfection in common areas, and rooms sanitized between stays. I saw hand sanitizer EVERYWHERE. They also had anti-viral cleaning products in use, and I was generally impressed by how clean everything was. Safety/security feature was also a thing!
They adhered to physical distancing of at least 1 meter, and their staff was trained in safety protocol. They even had a doctor/nurse on call – a reassuring touch.
I was a bit surprised to see all the CCTV in common areas, and CCTV outside property! Security freaks will be in heaven.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things (That Matter):
The Leader Hotel is all about the perks. Concierge service? On point. Currency exchange at the front desk? Super convenient. Luggage storage? No problem. Laundry service? Essential after all that spa-ing.
They also provided essential condiments (no more sad, flavorless meals!). Their air conditioning in public area was a lifesaver.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly Vibes
The hotel is family/child friendly, offering Kids facilities and a Babysitting service.
Things to Do: Beyond the Hotel Walls:
The hotel itself is a destination. So, explore all the things to do, the terrace, the shrine and the gift/souvenir shop.
The Verdict: Is the Leader Hotel Worth It?
Look, the Leader Hotel is not perfect. No hotel is. There were some minor hiccups. The internet connection was a little slow at times. The in-room coffee maker tested my patience.
But… overall? Absolutely. The luxury, the service, the spa, and the prime location make it a top contender. The staff were genuinely warm and helpful (a HUGE selling point) and the whole experience was memorable.
Would I recommend it? Yes, with a few caveats. It is a bit of a splurge, and if you're on a tight budget, you might want to look elsewhere.
But if you're looking for a luxurious, comfortable, and generally faultless stay in Tashkent? The Leader Hotel ticks most of the boxes. It takes the game to the next level.
So, go. Experience it. Just make sure you pack your swimsuit, your appetite, and a healthy dose of patience… and have an amazing time!
Koh Tao Paradise: Your Dream Nat Resort Awaits in Thailand!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's travel itinerary. This is a Leader Hotel Tashkent experience, raw and unfiltered. Prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions, questionable decisions, and the occasional existential crisis triggered by a particularly potent cup of Uzbek tea. Here we go… or at least, we should be going, assuming my taxi ever shows.
Leader Hotel Tashkent: The Unofficial "Itinerary" (AKA The Attempt to Impose Order on Chaos)
(Day 0: Arrival - The Tashkent Tumbleweed)
- 14:00 (or thereabouts): Arrive at Tashkent International Airport – which, let's be honest, felt less "international" and more "rustic bazaar" upon immediate inspection. That chaotic energy is exhilarating if you're prepared. And if you're not, well, prepare anyway. I needed to find a real taxi. The vultures circling at the gate are not to be trusted, the price is double what you expect, and the car smells very vaguely of… something. Best to ignore them. I spent way too long haggling on my phone (WiFi was spotty) and nearly lost my cool, almost yelled at a poor man for an overly-aggressive taxi approach (I could swear he spat a little when he was shouting at me).
- 15:00ish: Finally wrangle a ride (after much arm-waving and a desperate plea to a kind-looking airport employee). The taxi driver, bless his heart, clearly had other plans for the afternoon (he was on the phone the whole time, and occasionally drove as if the steering wheel was an optional accessory). The ride was a blur, literally. Dusty roads, the occasional camel hump (I think), and a general sense of impending doom.
- 16:00: Check-in at the Leader Hotel. The lobby? Surprisingly… nice. Grand, even. Felt a bit like stepping into a fancy, slightly over-lit wedding reception. The staff, however, were all smiles and surprisingly good English, which was a relief after my taxi escapade (and my nonexistent Uzbek).
- 17:00: The room! Ah, the room. It's… clean. A little sterile, like a doctor's surgery, but clean is good. And the air con is a godsend. Immediately collapse on the bed and briefly consider not leaving. Ever. The jet lag is a sneaky beast.
- 18:00: Attempt to locate the hotel restaurant. This becomes a mini-adventure involving three wrong turns, a near-collision with a cleaning trolley, and a silent prayer to the hotel gods for forgiveness.
- 19:00: Dinner. Okay, dinner. The menu appeared to be translated by a bot, but the food was… surprisingly edible. I went with something that looked safe (some grilled chicken, naturally). While I was eating, I kept an eye on a group of men in suits laughing loudly. I never got tired of watching the Uzbek people, they were entertaining to say the least.
- 20:00: Attempt to sleep. Fail. The pillows are…firm. Way too firm. Resorted to using my travel pillow as a makeshift fluffy support. Begin planning a very strongly worded email to the hotel management about pillow quality.
- 23:00: Finally, sleep.
(Day 1: The City of Bread, Bureaucracy, and Unexpected Deliciousness)
- 07:00: Wake up slightly disoriented and convinced I'm still in a dream. The sun is already blazing. Time to get going.
- 08:00: Buffet breakfast. The buffet! This is where the Leader Hotel truly shines. Everything from the usual eggs-and-bacon suspects to local delights which I cautiously (but enthusiastically) investigate. The bread! Oh my god, the bread. Seriously, it's worth the trip alone. It's crispy, fluffy, and perfectly suited to being dipped in a spicy tomato sauce.
- 09:00: Visit Chorsu Bazaar. A sensory overload of sights, smells, and sounds! The mountains of spices! The mountains of dried fruit! The mountains…of everything! I spend way too much time haggling over some dried apricots (and probably paid way too much even after the "bargain"). Ended up walking around for hours, sweating, and loving every second.
- 12:00: Lunch near the Bazaar. I find a hole-in-the-wall place that looks like it hasn't changed since the Soviet era, and that's a good sign. I ordered some plov (Uzbek national dish). It was AMAZING. Best plov of the trip. A moment of pure, unadulterated joy where I forgot about the heat, the dust, and the fact that my camera battery was about to die.
- 14:00: Registan Square. My reaction? "Wow." Staring into the azure domes and intricate tilework. I feel utterly tiny. It’s almost overwhelming, and the beauty takes your breath away. I spent a ridiculous amount of time trying to (badly) photograph it from every angle.
- 15:30: Wandered through the narrow streets of the old city. Some parts are dilapidated, some absolutely thriving and so authentic. But absolutely worth the walk.
- 16:30: Took a wrong turn, got slightly lost, and ended up in a tea house. Best. Mistake. Ever. Sipping hot green tea, feeling the breeze, and listening to the chatter of locals. I felt utterly relaxed.
- 18:00: Back to the hotel. Time for a quick shower (needed!).
- 19:00: Dinner at a local restaurant. I try to be adventurous and order something with an unpronounceable name. It was… interesting.
- 21:00: Attempt to watch TV. Fail. The channels are all in Uzbek, and I cannot understand Uzbek. Sigh.
- 22:00: Write in my journal. It's more rambling than writing, but it helps process the day’s sensory bombardment.
- 23:00: Sleep…hopefully. The pillows are still a menace.
(Day 2: Exploring the Soviet Legacy, and the All-Consuming Desire for Ice Cream)
- 07:00: The pillow's won again. Feeling like a crumpled piece of paper.
- 08:00: Breakfast, buffet - the bread, the bread! Today, I also master the art of getting a perfectly brewed coffee without saying a word. Achievement unlocked.
- 09:00: Exploring the Independence Square. This place is huge. Monuments and fountains everywhere. Feeling a bit humbled by the scale.
- 10:00: Met some locals who were happy to practice their English. The warmth and friendliness of the people is truly something else.
- 11:00: Time to hunt down some Soviet-era architecture (which I find fascinating).
- 12:00: Ice Cream! The one desire I have in Tashkent is ice cream. The heat is relentless. Stumbled across a tiny shop. It was the absolute best ice cream I’d ever tasted. I ended up buying three cones in quick succession and ate them while walking along the streets, feeling deliriously happy.
- 13:00: Walked through the Metro. Marvelous. Beautiful.
- 14:00: Lunch. I find a street vendor selling some strange but delicious pastries.
- 15:00: Visited a museum. I don't read the description. After an hour, I felt like I was floating in a sea of information and I left.
- 16:00: Back to the hotel. Considering just staying in my room and watching pointless TV for the rest of the day.
- 17:00: Decide to have a swim in the hotel pool. It's… fine. A bit chlorinated, but refreshing nonetheless.
- 19:00: Dinner. The food is starting to feel a bit repetitive. I am starting to crave a hamburger.
- 20:00: The urge to find a karaoke bar.
- 22:00: Sleep, and praying for stronger pillows.
(Day 3: The Departure and the lingering taste of apricots… and maybe a little regret)
- 07:00: Woke up a bit sad, but the bread is still there.
- 08:00: Last breakfast. I actually steal a couple of pieces of the bread for the road (don't judge me).
- 09:00: Have to check out. Said goodbye to the staff. The hotel was a good base, a safe haven in the chaos of Tashkent.
- 10:00: Airport again. This time I'm a little wiser. I know to ignore the taxi vultures.
- 11:00: Boarding the flight. Looking out the window, the landscape looks… dusty. But beautiful.
- 12:00: The take-off! Leaving Uzbekistan. There is a slight pang of sadness. I realized I still had so much
Is the Leader Hotel Actually the Best in Tashkent? Don't Lie to Me!
The Rooms: Luxurious or Just… Loudly Decorated?
The Breakfast Buffet - Is It Worth Waking Up For? (Because My Stomach is RULING my life!)
What About the Service? Are the Staff Actually Helpful?
The Pool: Sparkling Oasis or Chlorine Swamp?
Location, Location, Location: Is It Convenient for Exploring Tashkent?
The Spa: A Sanctuary of Calm or a Waste of Money?
Would You Stay at the Leader Hotel Again? Be Honest!
Final Thoughts: The "Shocking" Verdict? Is This Place Worth the Hype?
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