Scam alert: I was victim of the “SIM card scam” that seems to be common in the country (as I later learned). The driver arranged by the hotel to pick me up at the airport insisted that SIM cards are overpriced at the airport and that he could stop on the way for me to buy one at a better price. He stopped at a convenience store and I was ripped off. The driver of course gets a commission later as he knows the people in the store. That’s how the scam works. I suppose the hotel will deny any involvement, but it was clear to me that the scammer driver was in friendly terms with the hotel staff. The manager seemed to be a decent enough person, so I think the sketchiness of this hotel is really due to the younger guys that work there.

Scam alert: I was victim of the “SIM card scam” that seems to be common in the country (as I later learned). The driver arranged by the hotel to pick me up at the airport insisted that SIM cards are overpriced at the airport and that he could stop on the way for me to buy one at a better price. He stopped at a convenience store and I was ripped off. The driver of course gets a commission later as he knows the people in the store. That’s how the scam works. I suppose the hotel will deny any involvement, but it was clear to me that the scammer driver was in friendly terms with the hotel staff. The manager seemed to be a decent enough person, so I think the sketchiness of this hotel is really due to the younger guys that work there.

The staff was what made this hotel exceptional. Everyone from the housekeeping lady to the front desk was welcoming and helpful. I especially like the homemade jam and pastries at breakfast. Great value for money and an easy 20 minute downhill walk to the metro and train station.

The staff was what made this hotel exceptional. Everyone from the housekeeping lady to the front desk was welcoming and helpful. I especially like the homemade jam and pastries at breakfast. Great value for money and an easy 20 minute downhill walk to the metro and train station.

Excellent value for money. A little out of the core centre of Baku but Bolt cabs are cheap and plentiful. The bed would have been more comfortable if it was a double bed rather than 2 singles, but other than that it was a great place to stay. Free breakfast as well although it was a bit monotonous, something cooked would have been great.

Excellent value for money. A little out of the core centre of Baku but Bolt cabs are cheap and plentiful. The bed would have been more comfortable if it was a double bed rather than 2 singles, but other than that it was a great place to stay. Free breakfast as well although it was a bit monotonous, something cooked would have been great.

It was great. They didn’t even care that we were gay!

It was great. They didn’t even care that we were gay!