Grand Avenue Tashkent: Uzbekistan's Most Luxurious Hotel? (You HAVE to See This!)
Grand Avenue Tashkent: Uzbekistan's Most Luxurious Hotel? (You HAVE to See This!)
Grand Avenue Tashkent: Uzbekistan's Most Luxurious Hotel? (You HAVE to See This!) - My Honest, Messy, and Totally Worth It Review!
Okay, folks, buckle up, because I'm about to spill the beans on the Grand Avenue Tashkent, Uzbekistan's self-proclaimed "Most Luxurious Hotel." And, after experiencing it… well, let's just say my expectations were royally exceeded. Prepare for a review that's less corporate brochure and more, "Wow, remember that time…"
First Impressions & Accessibility: A Whirlwind Romance (with a Few Stumbles)
Landing in Tashkent, the air shimmered with a kind of exotic promise. The Grand Avenue? It looked the part, all gleaming marble and imposing doors. Accessibility is something I always scrutinize, and while the hotel does offer facilities for disabled guests (a HUGE plus!), the details are a little… patchy. The website boasts about it, but figuring out elevator access to the pool was more of a treasure hunt than a seamless experience. However, once you’re in, it's glorious. The elevator itself is slick, the lobby spacious and welcoming. Check-in/out [express] was truly a breeze, which, after a long flight, is pure gold.
And let me just say: that lobby? Air conditioning in public area? Heaven. The Tashkent heat is no joke.
Rooms: My Little Palace (with Blackout Curtain Battles)
My room? Oh, my room. Seriously, I felt like a queen. The air conditioning was perfect, even in the Uzbek heat. Free Wi-Fi? Absolutely blazing fast. Free bottled water? Much appreciated. The desk was perfect for catching up on emails. Bathrobes, slippers, and all the toiletries you could dream of. They weren't kidding about the luxury.
Now, the blackout curtains? Those were a struggle. I'm usually pro-blackout, but these things had a mind of their own. After a battle royale involving a chair, a shoe, and a healthy dose of profanity (mostly muttered!), I finally got them closed. And slept like a baby. Non-smoking rooms? Check! Soundproof rooms? Also check - blissfully. The only minor imperfection was a lack of easily accessible plugs near the bed, but that’s just me nitpicking.
Internet, Glorious Internet! (and that elusive LAN)
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! - I cannot stress this enough. The internet connection was consistently strong, which is a lifesaver for a workaholic like me. The Internet [LAN] was available, too…which I didn't actually bother to try, since the wifi was so great. Internet access in general was flawless.
Dining: A Global Gastronomic Adventure (with a Minor Hiccup or Two)
This is where the Grand Avenue really shines. The restaurants are a feast for the senses.
- Breakfast [buffet]: This was my first big wow. A truly Asian breakfast, but also a totally fabulous Western breakfast, too. The freshly-squeezed juices alone were worth the price of admission. And the coffee/tea in restaurant service was impeccable.
- Restaurants: The Asian cuisine in restaurant options were AMAZING. I mean, genuine Pad Thai, Dim Sum, and that amazing Uzbek Plov. I ate in every single one. International cuisine in restaurant was also a big highlight - just fantastic options!!
- Room service [24-hour]: Late-night cravings? Sorted. A la carte in restaurant was always available.
- Coffee shop: Perfect for a midday pick-me-up.
- Snack bar: Good for something quick, if you fancied it.
- Poolside bar: This is where happy hour becomes a legend. Picture it: cocktails, sunshine, amazing views. Pure bliss. (I saw a few people enjoying the Happy hour…I was on duty, sadly!).
The only slight hiccup? One day, I was rushed in trying to find something quick for lunch and the salad in restaurant I ordered was…a bit meh. Not a disaster, but not the Grand Avenue standard. So, in my experience, the restaurants were great, but maybe just be a tiny bit choosy with the salads!
Ways to Relax: Spa Day? More Like Spa Week!
Okay, let's talk Spa time. I went all-in. The pool with view was stunning. The swimming pool [outdoor] was the perfect temperature. The sauna? Amazing. The steamroom? Wonderful. I had a massage that kneaded every ounce of stress out of my body. I even tried a body wrap and body scrub! I felt…like a new human. The Fitness center was superb, too. A well-rounded relaxation and wellness experience.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Secure and Pampered
Honestly, the cleanliness and safety protocols were second to none. Staff trained in safety protocol was obvious. There was hand sanitizer everywhere. They really go above and beyond. I saw daily disinfection in common areas going on constantly. Rooms sanitized between stays. I felt completely safe and at ease. Sanitized kitchen and tableware items? Check. Great touch.
I'm not usually one to notice these things this much, but with everything going on, I was really impressed. I also loved the safe dining setup.
Things To Do, and Services & Conveniences: Beyond Expectation
The Grand Avenue is more than just a hotel. It's a whole experience. The concierge was incredibly helpful, organizing tours and providing recommendations. The doorman was always there with a smile. The daily housekeeping was immaculate.
They offer a ton of stuff!
- Cash withdrawal was super convenient.
- Currency exchange was a lifesaver.
- Dry cleaning and laundry service were prompt and professional.
- Luggage storage was appreciated.
- There's a gift/souvenir shop for those last-minute presents.
- I even spotted a shrine!
- Babysitting service is available.
- Car park [free of charge] and valet parking was also on hand.
- Airport transfer? Sorted.
I found every detail of the experience incredibly considered.
For the Kids:
While I don't travel with kids myself, I noticed that Grand Avenue provides a family/child friendly environment, including kids facilities and kids meals. They are very inclusive, with all the stuff they need to look after children, I was extremely impressed.
Getting Around:
Taxi service was readily available.
Rooms: The Small Details
I actually noticed all the details that made a difference here, as I was more comfortable than I think I have been in a long time:
- Additional toilet - This is a genuinely excellent touch, in terms of convenience.
- Mirror - Perfectly placed for all that primping I did…obviously!
- Socket near the bed - Genius.
- Wake-up service? Worked a charm.
Okay, Let’s Get Real: The Imperfections (Because Nothing’s Perfect!)
Look, no place is 100% perfect. As mentioned, the blackout curtains and salad were my only issues.
The Offer: What Makes This Hotel Special?
The Grand Avenue Tashkent: It's not just Uzbekistan's most luxurious hotel – it's an experience. It's about feeling pampered, feeling safe, and feeling like you're truly getting away from it all.
Here's my pitch:
Book your stay now and experience the Grand Avenue Tashkent. Get 15% off your first stay, and a complimentary spa treatment to help you relax after a day of exploring the area.
Don't miss out!
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Escape to Paradise: Your Private Pool Awaits at Villa El Cortijo, Almuñécar!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's perfectly-planned travel itinerary. This is my Grand Avenue Hotel Tashkent, Uzbekistan, survival guide slash emotional rollercoaster. Prepare for chaos.
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Tashkent Tampon Tango (and other minor disasters)
- 10:00 AM (ish): Arrive at Tashkent International Airport. Let's be honest, after a red-eye from…well, somewhere that involved questionable airplane food and a screaming baby, "arrival" is a generous term. More like "stumbled into a new reality while fueled by sheer caffeine and the last vestiges of my sanity." Passport control? A blur of stamps, suspicious glances, and a faint whiff of bureaucracy.
- 10:30 AM: The airport taxi! A classic Uzbek adventure. The driver, bless his soul, seemed to think the accelerator was only for emergencies (like, oh, I don't know…passing a donkey cart?). We eventually arrive at the Grand Avenue Hotel. It's…nicer than I expected! Clean, air-conditioned (hallelujah!), and a lobby that actually feels grand. I can breathe again!
- 11:00 AM: Check-in. Smooth sailing… until I realize my carefully-packed luggage (including, crucially, my feminine hygiene essentials) is…missing. Gone. Poof! Vanished into the ether. Cue panic. Cue a frantic search of all remaining baggage, only to conclude that my essential items remained with the missing luggage, which I discovered was still rolling around on the airport carousel.
- 12:00 PM: The "Tampon Tango" (as I've affectionately nicknamed it). A desperate hunt for a store. Tashkent, it seems, is not exactly a "tampon-on-every-corner" kind of city. I'm running on adrenaline and pure willpower by this point. The language barrier is brutal, too. I end up gesticulating wildly, making vague "period-related" sounds, and praying someone, anyone, understands. Finally! Success! I bought the only box available (which, of course, was the wrong absorbency but by that point I didn't have the energy to argue).
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at the hotel restaurant: A plate of plov, the national dish. Rice, meat, and vegetables…a comforting, delicious hug of a meal. Fueling up for more adventures and the search for my luggage.
- 2:00 PM: A quick nap. Jet lag is real, people. My brain feels like it's been run over by a Tashkent taxi.
- 3:00 PM: Exploring! Start with the Metro. It is a must. Each station is an underground palace! I mean, marble columns, chandeliers…it's enough to make you forget the slightly-frightening-and-intensely-crowded feeling of being underground. Avoid rush hour. Trust Me.
- 5:00 PM: Trying to find some local craft shops. A total failure. Get lost, which is a plus.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. Some kebabs, which were delicious! Feeling slightly less like a sleep-deprived disaster.
- 8:00 PM: Back at the hotel. Call the airline again. Still no luggage. Ugh. But, hey, at least I have tampons. Small victories! Watching the sunset at the rooftop bar.
Day 2: The Bazaar Bonanza and the Registan Revelation (and an Unholy Amount of Chai)
- 9:00 AM: Up and at 'em! After waking up a little late, which is not an issue.
- 10:00 AM: Exploring the Chorsu Bazaar. Sensory overload! Spices in mountains, dried fruits, and the smell of freshly-baked bread. I'm immediately overwhelmed. The sheer energy of the place is incredible, and I can't help but wander and gawp. Trying to haggle with a vendor over a silk scarf. I start off strong, but I'm a terrible negotiator. End up paying slightly more than I should…but it's beautiful, so I don't even care.
- 12:00 PM: The Registan square! It's a UNESCO-listed place. The architecture is mind-blowing. I'm speechless. I'm genuinely moved. It's one of those moments where you feel like you're witnessing something truly special. Taking a few pictures.
- 2:00 PM: Lunch with a local family is the best part of the day. They invited me to their house for lunch. I don't speak a word of Uzbek, they have only a tiny command of English, but we communicate through smiles, laughter, and mountains of food. The food is delicious, and the hospitality is overwhelming. I leave feeling immensely grateful and humbled.
- 4:00 PM: Drinking tea (chai) in any and every cafe! If there's one thing Uzbeks do well, it's chai. Hot, sweet, and often in a beautiful, hand-painted cup. It's the perfect antidote to the heat and the sensory overload of the day. I drink about 4 cups and I swear, I feel like I could conquer the world. Or at least, the next block.
- 6:00 PM: Exploring the area is fun. Just random people-watching, getting a little lost at some point.
- 8:00 PM: Dinner, again local place, with some friends from another country. Talk about the trip and the day.
Day 3: The Long Road Home (and The Great Luggage Return!)
- 9:00 AM: The hotel breakfast. A glorious spread of pastries, eggs, and more chai (of course). Fueling up for the day.
- 10:00 AM: A final stroll around Tashkent. Taking in the last sights, soaking up the atmosphere. Feeling a surge of sadness but also a deep sense of gratitude for the experiences I've had.
- 12:00 PM: The Great Luggage Return!!! The airline finally comes through! My suitcase! All my stuff! It's a Christmas morning moment, but way better. Because it's not Christmas.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at the hotel, finally getting to eat my chocolate.
- 3:00 PM: Packing. Trying to figure out how to fit all my souvenirs into a suitcase that is now bursting at the seams.
- 5:00 PM: Head to the airport, feeling both sad to leave and utterly exhausted.
- 7:00 PM: The flight home. A long, tiring flight. This time, no screaming babies (thank God). Just the quiet hum of the engines and the memories of Tashkent swirling in my mind.
Final Thoughts:
Uzbekistan. It's not just a trip; it's a gut punch of culture, an assault on the senses, and a reminder that sometimes, even the messiest, most imperfect adventures are the most rewarding. Would I go back? Absolutely. Just maybe I'll pack an extra box of tampons next time. You know, just in case.
Thailand Jacuzzi Getaway: Dog-Friendly Mango Haven in Rayong!
Grand Avenue Tashkent: Is It REALLY All That? (My Messy Take)
Okay, is the Grand Avenue Tashkent actually *grand*? Like, for real grand?
Listen, you know how Instagram makes everything look perfect? Well, the Grand Avenue...it's close. It's pretty darn grand. Think chandeliers that could fund a small country, marble that feels like you're walking on clouds (or, you know, an overly luxurious bathroom), and staff who practically bow when you sneeze. Okay, exaggeration. But you get the picture.
The lobby alone… I spent a solid hour just wandering around, mouth agape. Totally disoriented. Like, "Is this real life?" kind of disoriented. They had these massive floral arrangements. HUGE. I mean, the kind that probably require a team of botanists and the tears of rare orchids. Yeah, it's grand. Seriously. Just... bring your fainting couch, maybe. It's gonna be a lot to take in.
Are the rooms as luxurious as people say? Because, let's be honest, hotel rooms can be a letdown.
Alright, the rooms. Where do I even begin? They are... decadent. Imagine a Sultan's palace, but with better Wi-Fi. Seriously. I stayed in a suite (some amazing travel agent hook-up, okay?). The bathroom was bigger than my entire apartment. I’m not kidding. My apartment’s got a kitchenette, this had a jacuzzi the size of a small car. *Small car*. And the bed? Oh, the bed. I could have gotten lost in that thing. Seriously considered just spending my entire trip in bed. Maybe did. Don't judge. The only downside? You might not *want* to leave. And that's a problem when you're supposed to be, you know, exploring Tashkent.
Food! I'm a foodie. Is the dining experience worth the hype and the price tag?
Okay, food. This is where things get... complicated. The fancy restaurant, *The Silk Road Feast* (or something equally pretentious, I can't quite remember) Was amazing. Really. Exquisite. Perfect. But…and there's always a but, isn’t there? It was so *formal*. The waiters were almost *too* attentive. I spilled a tiny bit of my wine – a minuscule, barely-there drip – and a small army of crisp white uniforms descended like vultures on a carcass. It was… a little much. I felt like I should have worn a tuxedo. I felt really awkward and slightly underdressed.
HOWEVER! The breakfast buffet? Oh, the breakfast buffet! It was a glorious, carb-laden, fruit-filled, Uzbek-delight-fueled explosion of deliciousness. So much food. I mean, seriously, I ate the entire Uzbek population's breakfast rations. Different kinds of breads, jams, sausages, and pastries. They even had a juice bar. A JUICE BAR! It was heavenly. Worth the price of admission alone. Forget the Michelin stars, GIVE ME THAT BUFFET!
What about the service? Are the staff as amazing as everyone says?
The service... wow. It's impeccable… bordering on unnerving. They're *always* there. Before you even *think* you need something, they're already on it. Want a pillow? Boom. Pillow arrives. Need a reservation? Bam. Reservation made. It's like living in a Bond movie. Except, you know, less explosions and more… perfectly folded towels. The level of service is very, very high, which is great, but sometimes I felt like I was under constant surveillance. They were *too* nice. It was... intense. And once I lost my phone. And they found it! Like wizards. I am pretty sure they have spy cameras.
Okay, let's talk money. Is it bank-breaking?
Look, let's be honest. The Grand Avenue Tashkent is NOT a budget hotel. It's expensive. Very expensive. Think... a week's rent, maybe more. Unless you're a trust fund baby or a tech billionaire, you'll need to save up. Consider this your warning. I saved. A lot. And I was still wincing everytime. Is it worth it, though? That completely depends. If you want the ultimate luxury experience in Tashkent, then maybe. If you're happy with a comfy bed and a decent free breakfast, maybe this isn't your jam.
Is there anything... *bad* about the Grand Avenue Tashkent?
Yes! Apart from the price? Well, there was one very small thing. The air conditioning. It was… *intense* sometimes. Brr! I'm not kidding. I almost got frostbite in my room. I had to sleep under like three duvet covers. A lot of shivering. I should have complained, but I'm terribly conflict-avoidant. I’m not a very good complainer. And I was having too much fun to complain. Also, and this is a minor quibble, but the minibar was over priced. But it had a great selection of drinks.
Is it worth the hype and the money?
That's the million-dollar question, isn't it? Look, there are trade-offs. The price is astronomical, and sometimes the formality feels a bit much. But if you love being pampered, if you love luxury, and if you're okay with maybe selling a kidney or something… then, yes. It's worth it.
On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being a sketchy hostel and 10 being pure, unadulterated awesome-ness, I'd give the Grand Avenue a solid 8.5. The 1.5 points lost are solely for the slightly overwhelming food experience and the occasional frostbitten toes. Basically: go if you can afford it. You won't regret the experience. Though you might regret the credit card bill later.
What else is there to do at the Grand Avenue? (Besides just existing in luxury, of course).
Oh, there's plenty to do, if you can tear yourself away from the giant bed! They have a spa. Yes, a spa. (I didn't go. I was too busy sleeping.) They have a gym. (Again, didn’t go. Priorities.) They also had a beautiful pool. Gorgeous. And, yes, I did go to the pool. It was glorious. The water was the perfect temperature. The sun was shining. I was lounging on a giant, fluffy towel,Find That Hotel
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