I had not realised that it was a training hotel, but this actually answers our questions about the service.

We had rooms on the second floor, but no help to carry our bags up - finally, one of the young men took a shine to one of my daughters and helped her. Steps are steep, and really quite an issue.

The rooms were very variable; number 9 ir pretty basic, but 10 and 11 are bigger with great views. Air conditioning was important in Baku in August, and didn't work so well in our room (number 9!)

Friendly, in an Azeri way, fabulously located, but the stairs are steep, and breakfast is served on the top floor. Without young(ish) legs, it could be a struggle.

The Old City Inn is a nice place to stay in Baku. You have to be aware, that this is a training hotel of the university. So sometimes, things are not working perfectly. But with a good sense of humor, everything can be solved and the "staff" is very motivated. One morning we helped with the breakfast, but that definatelly was an exception. The quality of breakfast was quite poor anyway. We also had to remind staff to bring more toilet paper. But apart from that, it was really a nice stay in a centrally located hotel, from which you can reach al places of interest in walking distance. The internet connection was also ok.

I highly recommend the cozy Old City Inn to anyone staying in Baku. The location is unbeatable: In the heart of the old town, 5 walking minutes to fine restaurants, the Nizami museum, shopping area, Maiden Tower and seaside Boulevard. The area is quiet and safe.

The 15 pleasant and clean rooms are equipped with what you may expect, and even more: tea bags and tea/coffee maker for free, hair dryer, TV with roughly 20 channels (including US, British, German and Italian channels), filled up minibar (I've stayed in a 4 star hotel in Baku were the minibar was empty) and phone. They are not huge, but big enough.

The staff is friendly and hospitable and wants to make your stay as comfortable as possible. English is spoken.

The breakfast is Continental and according to the hotel category (3 stars)

Overall, great value for your money!

It offers a small Business Center, but lacks swimming pool+sporting facilities. If you can live without them and rather stay in a welcoming place, then the Old City Inn is the place for you.

The Manager answers your mails within a day: (-)oldcityinn(-) or phone: +994 12 4974 369

I would definitely stay in the Old City Inn again.

Jamesine

Set up by the Western University of Baku to train students in hotel management, one cannot but feel apprehensive initially. Even more so with rates at US$200/night! (this was during the yearly Oil and Gas show, regular rates are US$90)Turns out, however, that my fears were unfounded. Staff were hospitable to a fault.

Obviously intending to cash in on the cachet of being located in the old town, the inn is located on a quiet residential street. While having no lighting at night (watch for the potholes!) Baku is relatively safe in the evenings.

The inn is smallish, comprising of 4 levels with a restaurant on the 2nd floor, which appears to be only open for breakfast. Room are cheerily appointed, some with great views over the Caspian (ask for room 7).

Lots of nice dining options around. Try the Caravansarai restaurant, 5 mins away within the old city, occupying an authentic 14th-C Hindu Caravansarai.

It goes without saying that the inn has a great location. 5 minutes from everything within the old city. Maiden's Tower, Shirvan Shah's palace, SOCAR (if you're on business) etc. Would recommend as a nice alternative to the Hyatt complex.