Exactly what a struggling backwater like Nukus needs – a well-run hotel with enthusiastic and responsive English-speaking staff to help you make onward travel plans. This extremely comfortable 18-room place is well furnished and spacious, set around an excellent courtyard restaurant and brightened by local Karakalpak art. It's by far the best place in town. The courtyard yurt doubles as a dorm (US$20).
There's a second even more modern annexe just a block and a half away, should the main building be full.