A genuine 5* hotel was long overdue in Tashkent, so the opening of the impressive Hyatt Regency Tashkent in 2016 was incredibly welcome. This dazzling white structure is in the heart of Uzbekistan’s capital, right next door to the National Library and within easy walking distance of Amir Timur Square.
The designers have balanced international style and standards with aspects of Uzbek art and craftsmanship, creating a striking, contemporary property with a strong sense of place.
Who For?
Options for discerning business and leisure travellers in Tashkent are still few and far between, in spite of the recent boom in tourism. The Hyatt Regency is refreshing because the management understands exactly what international visitors expect, and have trained the staff thoroughly to be able to meet those demands. The hotel is a rare find in top-end dining, a full range of facilities, and attention to detail, this is the place to stay.
Accommodation
There are 300 guest rooms at Hyatt Regency Tashkent, 52 of which are suites. You get a lot of space for your money, and large windows which overlook the gardens and local monuments. The neutral decor is accented with occasional hints of colour in the textiles and also some attractive original artworks.
The Regency Club rooms and suites include access to the Regency Club Lounge on the sixth floor. The Lounge serves a complimentary continental breakfast, excellent evening cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.
Beds in the rooms are absolutely huge, with those crisp white linens which somehow only luxury hotels manage to maintain. The air con is a god-send on hot summer nights, but it’s not so loud that it makes it hard to sleep.
Bathrooms are pretty spectacular. There are separate bath tubs and rain showers, surrounded by marble, glass, and chrome. The shower is pretty powerful, which is always welcome, and everything is immaculately clean.
Tip: Night owls can also enjoy 24-hour room service, should you fancy a merlot at 3am.
Facilities
The Hyatt Regency Tashkent has been constructed with leisure in thoughts. The KeepFit Gym has state-of-the-art health tools, and you may break a sweat on the operating machines while searching over the town by way of ground to ceiling home windows.
The 20m swimming pool is long enough to swim proper lengths, but you can also take a brief dip before chilling out in the jacuzzi, sauna, and steam rooms. Massages and treatments in the Arya Spa are said to have been inspired by the wellness philosophies of the ancient Silk Road, in keeping with the hotel’s location, and if you want to freshen up your appearance there is a beauty salon as well. Meeting and event spaces complete the Hyatt Regency’s facilities.
Food and Drink
Uzbek cuisine is yet to take over the world, but in the Hyatt Regency’s Khiva Cafe it’s made with the freshest of ingredients and served with a flair. Treat yourself to delicious plov (Uzbekistan’s version of a biriyani), succulent kebabs, and nourishing soups with just a hint of spice.
If you are looking to unwind, why not relax with a steaming cup of Uzbek tea at the stylish Chai Lounge. This all-day dining lobby lounge offers a great selection of local teas, coffee beer and wine. Snacks, pastries and baked goods are also available if you are feeling peckish. It’s an elegant space in the hotel to drink tea with your fellow travellers or catch up on some work.
Upstairs in the Sette Pizza Bistro and Bar the chefs have recreated the laid-back atmosphere of the Mediterranean. Use of authentic ingredients and traditional pizza ovens capture the true flavours of Italy, and the homemade gelato is the perfect finale to your meal.
The restaurant has skyline views of Tashkent but on a warm night the very best thing to do is to head outside onto the rooftop terrace to enjoy a glass of limoncello or a cocktail from the bar.
What’s Nearby?
The Hyatt Regency is in an ideal location for sightseeing. You can walk in a matter of minutes to the State History Museum, which has a quarter of a million exhibits including archaeological finds, and to the State Fine Arts Museum. These two museums will give you a good overview of Uzbekistan’s history, including the golden age of the Silk Road.
Amir Timur Square is really the centre of Tashkent, and it has an eclectic combination of modern and Soviet-era architecture. It’s also the closest metro station to the Hyatt Regency, and Tashkent’s stunning metro is definitely worth exploring as every station is decorated in a different way, often with sculptures, murals, and mosaics.
Although Tashkent has fewer tourist sites than Samarkand and Bukhara, it’s still well worth getting out and exploring the city. Kalpak Travel’s Best of Uzbekistan tour includes the atmospheric Old City with its complex of holy buildings and bustling Chorsu Bazaar, as well as grand Independence Square.
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.
Room Rates
Rooms at Hyatt Regency Tashkent start from £250 for a standard room with king or twin beds. Bed and breakfast options are also available.
Check availability
Value for Money
The Hyatt Regency Tashkent must be one of the best value Hyatt hotels around. It’s competitively priced with Tashkent’s other high-end hotels, but the quality of rooms, facilities, and service is head and shoulders above the other options in the city.
Getting There
Uzbekistan Airways flies direct three times a week from London to Tashkent from £432 return. The hotel is then a 10km (20 minute) drive from the airport.
