Ichan Qala

An impressive place built in a faux medressa style with 60 rooms in five villas, nice outdoor seating and clever touches like a poolside clicker to call for service. Rooms are modern with a blingy decor that feels more nouveau Russian than old Central Asian, but all in all it's a good choice. You'll never find it with the official address; it's actually on Taffakur 57.