Where to stay in Turkmenistan
Hotels
There are no restrictions on where foreigners can stay in Turkmenistan. When Turkmenistan gained independence, there was an acute shortage of hotel accommodation, a situation which the Turkmen are working hard to rectify, with feverish hotel construction underway in Ashgabat. A row of luxury hotels has recently been built on the edge of town along a road known locally as the 'Miracle Mile'. These are small hotels with between 15 to 40 rooms that are owned and run by various ministries and governmental organisations. Architectural motifs are mosques, palaces and fortresses. Every provincial centre has at least one hotel, but visitors should not expect Western standards of comfort and amenities. The exception is a new hotel which recently opened in Turkmenbashi; however, as it only has 40 rooms, it is advisable to contact a recognised Turkmen tour company for a reservation. Accommodation and services in hotels are payable in local currency or US Dollars.
A tourist fee of 2 US$ is due for every foreign tourist or visitor per night. When staying at a hotel you can expect to pay additional special expenses.
Bed and breakfast
Dom Otdykha (literally 'rest houses') were built on the shores of the Caspian Sea by co-operatives and other concerns for fatigued workers. It is sometimes possible for travellers to obtain accommodation in them.
Camping
There are campsites on the shores of the Caspian Sea, and the facilities are gradually improving.
