Meros is far and away the best place to stay in Khiva. There are a couple of other hotels that have character and style and tasty breakfast, but the choice is more limited compared to Bukhara.
The Ichan Kala is of course the top location, but space there is limited; budget travelers and tour groups won’t all fit in.
Quick links: Khiva city guide – Khiva transport
Best hotels in Khiva
Meros
The rooftop terrace at Meros offers the best view in Khiva and for that reason alone is worth booking. While rooms are smallish, they are atmospheric in their decoration, with some fantastic traditional ceiling painting. Most have a private balcony overlooking the town as well. Meros is a romantic’s retreat.
Add soft prices and a great breakfast with real coffee, and you have our top recommendation.
Zukhro
There’s nothing quite like Meros, but nearby Zukhro also has a fantastic rooftop view. Rooms are tastefully decorated, hand-worked with local materials. Owner Kamil makes sure guests always get more than they expected, and it shows in the fresh breakfasts. Downsides? The breakfast room is rather sad – perhaps have your meal on the roof?
Orzu
Orzu does not have The View like Meros and Zukhro do, but it does have a lovely courtyard where you can enjoy a let’s-have-another-cup breakfast. Orzu’s main assets are the spotless rooms and excellent amenities, and the warm family atmosphere the owners have managed to create.
Arkanchi & Shaherazade
Arkanchi is a bigger hotel that lacks a bit of atmosphere, but the location is perfect in the heart of the Ichan Qala, with a great view from the rooftop since 2018. Shaherazade is a bit expensive for what it is (no view or courtyard), but when it comes to rooms and amenities, a very good hotel.
Best budget accommodation in Khiva
Despite being situated at a 40-minute walk from the Ichan Kala, we’d still judge Laliopa is the best place for backpackers. The owners are willing to help you at all cost, giving you a bicycle or driving you to the center if you don’t want to walk. Both breakfast and supper are way beyond backpacker standards, the courtyard is the perfect place to chill out and meet others, dorms are spacious and clean and the wifi (a perennial problem in Khiva) works.
Since our last review, some hostels have been bulldozed away in the government’s touristification drive, others have disappeared in the pandemic, while new ones have popped up. A post-corona review is necessary.
If it’s available for booking, Islambek is a good, cheap option as well. Located within the Ichan Qala, it’s got a good view over the city. The rooms are nothing special, and neither is the breakfast, but staff is very professional and their tour desk is a good option if you want to explore the region but want to leave booking up to the last minute.