First thing to know here is that there are two separate enterprises going on under one (very big) roof: the vintage Soviet-era Dostuk Hotel operating to all appearances unchanged; and a separate hostelry being called the Club Dostuk located on the 5th floor (the subject under review). A strange arrangement, or part of a trend conjured up as a b-school textbook exercise, the Club Dostuk is everything the larger Dostuk is not: renovated, small-scale, equivalent to an IBIS in style, comprised of about 30 rooms, two of which provide the space for the (included) breakfast service, which is varied and will be prepared to request. Just ask. You can't turn around in the small hallway without bumping into hotel employees: ubiquitous security patrols the space between the elevator and the desk, which is staffed by English-proficient youth rotelike, a preview of what Kyrgystan will be like if/when neo-liberalism ever arrives. Room itself is small, cozy -- apparently comfortable bed space the key asset here, and sleeping conditions are good. Bathrooms with fully-functioning systems are another selling point. Side of building facing away from Victory Square was quiet. Included with internet and Cable TV that has one channel of each language, although most guests appeared to be biznesmen, Russian-speaking. For guest to visit after 11 pm, charge is twenty dollars. Airport pick-up and drop-off is included in the $90 room rate, or it may not be. A good place to stay if you're romping a weekend in Bishkek. Dostuk nightclub not especially popular, but others nearby although you'll need to rely on cabs.
- Dostuk Hotel Bishkek
