Hotel Orient Star

Khiva


This unique hotel offers the rare opportunity of staying inside the 19th-century Mohammed Amin Khan Medressa. Accommodation in the 78 converted hujra (cell-like living quarters) is somewhat austere, but with cable TVs, domed roofs and fancy stone bathrooms you need not live a completely hermit-like existence. It's definitely Khiva's most atmospheric hotel, despite lacklustre staff: room 242 has the best views.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Khiva attractions

1. Kalta Minor Minaret

0.02 MILES

This fat, turquoise-tiled minaret was begun in 1851 by Mohammed Amin Khan, who according to legend wanted to build a minaret so high he could see all the…

2. West Gate

0.04 MILES

The twin-turreted West Gate (Ota-Darvoza, literally ‘Father Gate') is the main entrance to the Ichon-Qala and the place to buy your admission ticket. The…

3. Sayid Alauddin Mausoleum

0.06 MILES

This small mausoleum dates to 1310 when Khiva was under the Golden Horde of the Mongol empire. You might find people praying in front of the 19th-century…

4. Zindon

0.06 MILES

The small, low-slung building to the left of the entrance outside the main Kuhna Ark fortress is the Zindon (Khans’ Jail), with a simple display of chains…

5. Kuhna Ark

0.07 MILES

To your left after you enter the West Gate stands the Kuhna Ark – the Khiva rulers’ own fortress and residence, first built in the 12th century by one Ok…

6. Mohammed Rakhim Khan Medressa

0.09 MILES

East of the Kuhna Ark, across an open space that was once a busy palace square (and place of execution), the 19th-century Mohammed Rakhim Khan Medressa is…

7. Watchtower

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At the back right corner of the throne room in the Kuhna Ark, a door in the wall leads to a flight of steps up to the watchtower, the original part of the…

8. Ichon-Qala

0.12 MILES

Khiva's Ichon-Qala is one of the great highlights of Uzbekistan. The perfectly preserved medieval walled town is home to dozens of mosques, medressas and…