The Hotel Uzbekistan is a centrepiece of the capital, Tashkent.
Hotel Uzbekistan Introduction
Hotel Uzbekistan Architecture & History
Hotel Rooms in Hotel Uzbekistan
Cultural Hub of Hotel Uzbekistan
Hotel Uzbekistan Location
Hotel Uzbekistan Today
Hotel Uzbekistan Introduction
The Hotel Uzbekistan sits right at the heart of Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan.
With its ubiquitous and distinctive facade, the hotel has stood witness to Uzbekistan's modern history, from the days of Soviet communism to today's modern, independent Uzbekistan.
It has welcomed guests from the peak of the Soviet Union through its decline and into Uzbekistan's celebration of independence. Hotel Uzbekistan - truly a grand monument to the country's rich cultural heritage and Soviet-era architecture.
Let's take a look.
Hotel Uzbekistan Architecture & History
The Hotel Uzbekistan was constructed in the late 1960s, during the period of the Uzbek SSR (part of the Soviet Union) and was designed by prominent Soviet architects led by Ilya Merport.
As one of the largest and most luxurious hotels in Central Asia at the time of its inauguration in 1974, it was certainly a symbol of progress and advances of the time. Its striking architectural style, characterized by sleek lines and simple, modernist trappings, reflects the prevailing aesthetic of the USSR and Eastern Bloc at the time.
The initial plan for Hotel Uzbekistan called for a typical Intourist Hotel structure to be built. However, as Tashkent grew into a Soviet showcase city, the plans for the city’s primary lodging expanded.
A hotel more fitting of this model habitation, and the many grand guests that it would receive, was needed. The Intourist name was discarded (although it was still part of the Intourist group), along with the more modest design of the Hotel Uzbekistan. Thus, one of its most important construction projects was begun.
Hotel Rooms in Hotel Uzbekistan
As the design of the hotel grew, so did the number of floors. From a modest 10 to a lofty 17 and rooming was expanded to 479 with a guest capacity of 900!
Upon opening, along with the impressive main building, the Hotel Uzbekistan was more of a complex than a single hotel. It boasted periphery buildings and structures housing cafes, restaurants, meeting rooms, and other facilities for the guests staying in the Uzbek capital.
Home to a public catering block with a 450-seat restaurant, a banquet hall, a cafe, a tea house, and even a night bar, the Hotel Uzbekistan was the premiere hotel for any visitor to the republic.
Boasting over 300 rooms and suites, each meticulously appointed with modern amenities and traditional Uzbek décor, the hotel certainly offered a luxurious retreat for travellers from around the world.
Cultural Hub of Hotel Uzbekistan
Beyond its accommodation, Hotel Uzbekistan served as a cultural hub. The hotel's restaurants offered an array of Uzbek cuisines such as plov, shashlik, and sumalak. And its lounges and bars provided a space to quench your thirst afterwards!
Since its conception and the times of the Soviet Union, needless to say, Tashkent has changed a lot. But as with many prominent and beautiful buildings in cities around the world, Hotel Uzbekistan remains an important part of Tashkent's identity.
Newer hotels in Tashkent may offer more modern amenities, but no hotel in the country can offer the timeless elegance that's provided with a stay in the Hotel Uzbekistan.
Sure. A stay in the Hotel Uzbekistan may not be as comfortable as some of the alternatives... But it will ensure your visit to Taskent continues beyond the sliding glass doors of the hotel reception.
Hotel Uzbekistan Location
The Hotel Uzbekistan is an ideal starting point for the keen city traveller looking to experience Taskent. It's located within walking distance of some of the city's major landmarks, such as Independence Square, Amir Timur Square, and the Chorsu Bazaar.
As the top-ranking hotel in the Uzbek SSR, the socialist period saw many important visitors make use of its facilities during their stay.
For example, every 2 years, beginning in 1968, an international film festival of Asian, African and Latin American countries was held in Tashkent.
Hotel Uzbekistan Today
Originally the hotel was designed to receive large tour groups travelling from across the USSR. Residents at the hotel regularly include participants in international and regional conferences, players in international sporting competitions, and visitors from throughout the Soviet Union, and internationally, visiting the model city for one of its many festivals and events. In addition, Tashkent was the starting point for a journey to the newly rediscovered ruins of Samarkand. (Just as popular for Soviet tourists as it is for international travellers today)!
Today, the hotel has fewer rooms than it had at the height of its powers.
Nevertheless, it still hosts a presidential suite and 315 rooms. More than enough for a weary traveller arriving in Tashkent for a night or two.
Whether you're a traveller looking for a luxurious retreat or see it as a symbol of national pride, Hotel Uzbekistan remains an important part of Tashkent. And cannot be missed when visiting!
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