Effortlessly Ashgabat's best hotel, this gleaming palace is perhaps Central Asia's single most impressive place to stay. It combines the local fashion for marble and fountains with the solid management of the French Sofitel hotel chain and what is definitely Turkmenistan's best breakfast buffet (even if you're not staying here, treat yourself to the US$20 feast).
This is a full five-star experience with 299 fabulous rooms that include touches such as TVs in the bath, rain showers, fast and free wi-fi, three pools, a gym, spa and sauna.