Fergana: hotel con bar

We stayed here for two nights on our tour of Uzbekistan. It’s a large hotel constructed in several blocks and we were across the courtyard and along a couple of paths with a number of steps and changes of level. There are steps up to the front of the hotel and we didn’t see a lift anywhere. The hotel placed white sheets over the carpet outside, presumably to catch the dirt from shoes but they were a trip hazard. There was some construction work going on and we heard drilling and clattering. The gardens are nice and there is a swimming pool although we had no time to use it so we don’t know how warm it might be. Our room was spacious and old fashioned but the bed was comfortable and the bathroom had been partially updated. We were provided with a fridge and kettle but nothing to make a drink until we asked for cups and tea/coffee the following day. We ate at the restaurant on our first night and were pretty much the only diners. The restaurant is quite fancy and there’s a lovely terrace for warmer days. The food was okay and alcohol is served. Each block has a separate reception area where keys are given out. We were given a physical key whereas the other people in our group of six had key cards. When we returned to our room after dinner the key didn’t work (unlike the cards) and the receptionist was nowhere to be seen. We had to ring our guide for help and he tracked down the staff member who replaced the key with a keycard. A bit odd. Breakfast was good, with a choice of cooked items, sweet and savoury, breads and cakes, some fruit and cereals although we had to ask for certain items that had run out to be replenished. The hotel is centrally located within walking distance to shops (including a shop selling alcohol where we bought wine that we were allowed to take to a restaurant with a private area for such consumption), restaurants, banks and ATMs. It was more than adequate for our needs in a busy itinerary, a “good” but not “very good”.