Welcome to the fascinating town of Khiva. In western Uzbekistan, Khiva is a beautifully preserved Silk Road city that feels like you are stepping back in time. Its walled old town, Ichan Qal’a, also spelled as Itchan Kala, features magnificent madrasas, towering minarets, ornate mosques and winding streets. With its striking turquoise tiles and desert atmosphere, Khiva is one of Central Asia’s most memorable destinations.
With that in mind I had to include Khiva on my itinerary for Uzbekistan.
When choosing my hotel in Khiva, I wanted to be within a short walking distance of Ichan Qal’a so that I could wander around during the day and be close enough to visit again in the evening for dinner. With that in mind, I chose Hotel Bankir Khiva.
Hotel Bankir Khiva is a five-minute walk from Ichan Qal’a, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed old town. This makes it convenient for exploring Khiva’s mosques, madrasas, historic gates and atmospheric narrow streets on foot, while staying outside the busiest parts of the tourist area.
Hotel Bankir Khiva is co-owned by Timothy Go, a Singapore media personality, and Muhammadali Erkinov, a local property developer, who serves as the hotel’s founder and general manager. Timothy is responsible for guest relations and I got to meet him while I was staying at the hotel.
The property has a particularly interesting connection to Khiva’s past. The hotel is built on land where Muhammadali spent his childhood, which belonged to his family. The name Bankir honors his grandfather, Erkin Bankir, who served as Khiva’s principal banker during the Soviet era. The hotel therefore combines a contemporary hospitality business with a personal connection to the local community and its history. Timothy was telling me that once the hotel was built, the roads around the neighborhood were paved by the local government to make access easier and improve the lives of the people living in the area.
Hotel Bankir Khiva combines Uzbek-inspired architectural details with contemporary accommodation. One of its most striking features is the peaceful inner courtyard that provides a pleasant place to relax after a day of sightseeing. On cooler mornings, I enjoyed having breakfast in the open courtyard with the coffee machine just steps away.
The guest rooms follow a desert-inspired design, using natural colors. I chose a room that has a balcony overlooking the street below. It was enjoyable to relax on the balcony after a morning of sightseeing, before heading back to Ichan Qala’a for dinner.
Breakfast is a combination of traditional Uzbekistan dishes with western options. The dining room pays tribute to Muhammadali’s grandmother, whose original kitchen once occupied the same spot. You will not be disappointed by the breakfast selection, leaving you well fueled for your morning of exploring Khiva’s Old Town.
Another highlight of Hotel Bankir Khiva is the rooftop terrace, allowing visitors to enjoy panoramic views towards Ichan Qal’a and its distinctive minarets. Take the chance to wear the traditional Uzbekistan robes from your room and make sure to take some photos for your Instagram account.
For travelers looking to explore Khiva without sacrificing modern comforts, Hotel Bankir Khiva is an excellent option. Its convenient location, thoughtful design and family history give it a character that goes beyond simply providing somewhere to sleep.
Find Hotel Bankir Khiva on Google Maps.
Otherwise consider other accommodation options in Khiva by clicking in the box below.
Consider reading other posts on Uzbekistan by Two Passports Packed.
(Visited in August 2026)