BUKHARA | Opened in late 2022, Mercure Bukhara Old Town represents a noticeable shift in Bukhara’s hotel landscape. It might blend into the traditional streetscape and UNESCO-protected architecture, but walk inside, and you’ll find a hotel that contains all of the modern creature comforts, while respecting heritage.
Location
The hotel is located on Samarkand Street, on the eastern edge of Bukhara’s old town. It’s a great location for exploring not just the old town, but also the modern city that’s developing around it, that’s less explored by tourists.
The old town is a warren of maze-like streets and alleyways that are best explored by foot. The historic Lyabi-Hauz complex, the central hub of the old city gathered around its famous pool, is about a 10 minute walk away. Further landmarks like the Trading Domes, Magoki-Attari Mosque, and the Chor Minor take around 15 minutes to walk to. Bukhara International Airport is roughly a 15 minute drive away, while Bukhara Railway Station (for the high-speed Afrosiyob train) takes about 20 minutes to get to by car.
Rooms
Mercure Bukhara Old Town contains 57 rooms and suites spread across its three floors. The options range from Classic and Superior King/Twin rooms up to larger Privilege Rooms and Executive Suites, some featuring small private balconies.
The interior aesthetic draws heavily on traditional Uzbek craftsmanship. You’ll find warm timber accents, custom carved wood details, exposed brick textures, and subtle geometric embroidery on the throw pillows and upholstery. Standard rooms aren’t massive, but they are efficiently laid out. Beds large, and pillows are comfortable, combining with blackout blinds to help ensure a good night’s sleep.
In-room amenities include individual climate-controlled air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with international channels, a small working desk, an electronic safe, a mini-fridge with complimentary bottled water, and a tea and kettle setup. Bathrooms feature modern tiled finishes with walk-in rainfall showers, good water pressure, plush towels, and standard Accor/Mercure branded toiletries. Reliable, complimentary Wi-Fi is available in the rooms and throughout the hotel’s public areas.
Amenities
Despite having a relatively small footprint, the property packs in a solid selection of leisure facilities.
In the basement level, there is a spa complex anchored by a heated indoor swimming pool. Adjoining the pool area is a traditional 16th-century-style hammam (steam bath), a Finnish dry sauna, and a compact fitness centre stocked with basic cardio equipment and a rack of free weights. You can also book in for a massage (which I did and highly recommend).
The main lobby is expansive and bright, featuring plenty of comfortable seating alcoves where staff set out complimentary tea, water, and local dried fruits and nuts for guests. There is also a small on-site meeting space for business travellers, and a gift display showcasing local ceramics and textiles.
Eat & Drink
The hotel’s primary dining venue is Saffron Restaurant, located on the upper floor with an outdoor terrace that overlooks the rooftops of the Old Town. A daily buffet breakfast is served here, offering European staples along with local Uzbek items.
For lunch and dinner, Saffron shifts to an a la carte menu featuring a mix of local Uzbek specialties like Bukharan-style plov, shashlik, and manti, alongside standard international dishes. On the ground floor, Pie Republic and the lobby bar offer coffee, cold drinks, and light baked goods throughout the day.
One of my favourite places to eat in the city Kurutobxona Bukhara, is located on one of the side streets directly next to Mercure Bukhara Old Town. It’s a delicious, affordable local’s spot where you can try Qurutob, a vibrant, fresh, Tajik salad of vegetables, bread, and meat.
The Verdict
Mercure Bukhara Old Town delivers a polished, reliable international hotel option in a city where modern full-service properties are still relatively rare. I enjoy the way that it blends modern amenity with traditional style architecture. As someone who likes to see a city’s main sights, as well as explore more local areas, I think its location is boon, compared to the more central, but touristy located hotels.
Planning a wider trip across Uzbekistan? Check out my complete guide on Where to Stay in Uzbekistan: Best Hotels Guide.
Mercure Bukhara Old Town
Samarkand Street 206
Bukhara 200118
Uzbekistan
Telephone: +998 55 305 07 07
E-mail: [email protected]
Website