瓦當飯店(Vatan)

I have been staying in Hotel Vatan since 3 February 2022 and will be returning to the Philippines on 28 February. The hotel is located about 10 minutes by taxi from the airport. It is 7-10 minutes walk from the center of the city (the Ismail Somoli monument), Rudaki park, the flagpole (world’s 3rd tallest), and other parks and places of interest including shopping stores and supermarkets. The hotel itself is a one-story building with between 30-40 rooms (am not really sure). The rooms are comfortably sized, neither too big or too tight, enough space to move around, and clean. Bathroom is clean, with strong hot and cold shower. Breakfast is nothing fancy, but sufficient. There is strong wi-fi, stronger than I expected. There is a gym nearby and nice restaurants within 5-10 minute walk. Why did I say Vatan is a 5-star hotel? It’s because of its people. They are amazing! The owners are very accommodating and super super helpful. The husband and wife team go out of their way to make sure your concerns are addressed. I had problem with my registration (for foreigners arriving in TJK). They personally attended to the concern, they were the ones who went to the government office to get me registered and I just waited in the hotel. Now that is what you call 5-star service (a million spasibo)! The front desk staff (Nilufar and Shavkat) are very efficient, courteous and friendly. I was even met (on my request) at the airport by hotel staff upon arrival at 2 in the morning. The room cleaners do their job well and are honest. I intentionally left 2 50-somoni bills lying around (made to look like they unconsciously dropped from my pocket) and asked my room to be cleaned while I went out. When I returned, the room was clean and the somoni bills were on the table. If that isn’t 5-star honesty, I dunno what is. All in all, a very pleasant month’s stay in Hotel Vatan. Now you know where I will stay again if I come back to Dushanbe. And so should you.