Very centrally located, this was a great place to stay in Bishkek. Although the air conditioning was a little wonky, the room was clean and comfortable...and they had both an electric kettle and complimentary tea (both black and green). Plan to stay there again, on my visit to Bishkek next year.
eDreamseDreams
Hotels.com
I gave that hotel note excellent, why? Everything in this place is good, cleanity, sleeping quality, staff, room equipment. Just everything. You can change your money into local currency there, there is a little shop in the same building and bigger one close. There is a pool, free wi-fi, breakfast included. There is only one thing, the hotel should improve, staff could be a little bit more smiling, not as official as possible.
I stayed one night at the Rich Hotel, midweek. My room was spacious with one double and one single bed, refrigerator, hot pot, tea service, flat screen TV, and wardrobe. The bathroom was immaculately clean with shower (abundant hot water), sink, toilet and hair dryer. The staff spoke English (much better than my bumbling Kyrgyz), and was helpful. The hotel is located within walking distance of restaurants, shops, the Osh Bazaar, and tourist sights in the city center. Although it is in a new construction area, it was quiet at night. The breakfast buffet was very good, with juice, pastries, yogurt, fruit, eggs, bread, cereal, tea and coffee.
I stayed at the Rich Hotel with a group of 13 Americans serving on medical missions at orphanages in the area for 6 nights. Although the hotel doesn't have an elevator, the staff were so attentive to greet us as soon as we pulled up to help with our luggage and supplies and take them to our rooms. When we needed breakfast earlier than their starting time, they accommodated us as well! We used the spa terrace area for our debriefing space each day, and it provided all we needed, with the lobby staff helping us order Papa John's pizza and delivering it to the terrace when we were craving an American food hit. The hotel was convenient for walking to dinner each evening. I can't imagine a more accommodating situation for the money we spent.
As others have said, at first it is upsetting to find the hotel is out of the center -- but then you find out it is an easy walk to anyplace in Bishkek. Rooms were good sized, although decor was rather dull, everything was clean. Breakfast was very ample (pancakes, eggs, fruit, etc.). You can change money at front desk. But BEWARE there is NO elevator so we asked for a first floor room as we have bad knees. I also had a fabulous massage in their upstairs massage room (very plain spartan place) which cost US$30 and was well worth it. There is a Korean restaurant nearby as well as a good size supermarket about 2 blocks away for nuts and fruit. I would stay there again -- if ground floor room available.
Among similar choices, Rich is not the closest to the city's major parks and squares but only costs an extra 5-10 min walking distance. Clean room and excellent breakfast! Gym room is quite well-equipped. Wifi is a bit jammed during peak hours.
P.S. Cute cats sunbathing outside the hotel entrance.
