In the style of a Kabul guesthouse, the Royal Oak is aimed squarely at the international contractor market. High security walls contain a cosy house with annexe, comfortable decent-sized rooms, plus a large lounge and dining area.
This is a hotel in 1930s style, all high ceilings, grand dining rooms and monolithic pillars. It’s a little dusty, giving the impression that it doesn’t see all that many guests, but the swimming pool is popular with local lads in the summer.
Just around the corner from the Amo, the decor here seems even more peeling. The shared bathrooms (squat toilet only) leave something to be desired, but the rooms themselves are light and airy.
A much more modern hotel, with carpeted rooms, squashy beds and decent furniture. Bathrooms are shared but are kept spotlessly clean and have lashings of hot water.
Staff instruct you to leave your shoes at the front door; inside it’s all overstuffed furniture, bright carpets and fake sunflowers, trying their best to dispel the slightly gloomy post-Soviet atmosphere.
This is a well-located cheapie, directly opposite the south entrance to the shrine: many of the rooms have great views across the domes.
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