You have now booked your vacation to exotic Mongolia and you are looking for hotel accommodation in the capital city of Ulaanbaatar. How do I decide between hotels in Ulaanbaatar? What are the hotels like in Mongolia? Will I be able to communicate in English? Are the hotels close to the main tourist attractions in Ulaanbaatar? You have many questions about hotels in Ulaanbaatar so hopefully this post will provide you with answers.
This blog post will take you through the process I went when deciding on the hotels at which I would stay, and suggest whether you would like to consider the same hotels for your vacation to Mongolia.
When I was planning my vacation to Mongolia, and specifically the capital city, I chose my accommodation in Ulaanbaatar based on what I planned to do when I was there. I knew that I had a total of nine nights in Ulaanbaatar, before and after exploring the country, and wanted to explore the city by walking rather than taking taxis.
With that in mind, I chose two hotels. The first hotel at which I stayed was the Kempinski Hotel Khan Palace Ulaanbaatar on the eastern side of the city, followed by the Holiday Inn Ulaanbaatar by IHG, more towards the western side of the city.
Kempinski Hotel Khan Palace Ulaanbaatar
The Kempinski Hotel Khan Palace Ulaanbaatar offers a refined blend of European luxury and Mongolian heritage, making it one of the city’s most distinguished places to stay. Located east of the city center, the hotel provides a quieter setting than downtown hotels while remaining within walking distance of government buildings, business districts and cultural attractions.
On the afternoon that I arrived to Ulaanbaatar, I walked the two kilometers to Sukhbataar Square as I wanted to get an immediate feel for the city that I would explore for the next three days.
From the moment you enter the lobby, Kempinski’s understated elegance is apparent. Rich materials, warm lighting and subtle Mongolian design accents create an atmosphere that feels both international and distinctly local. The staff provide the level of service expected from a five-star European brand while maintaining genuine Mongolian warmth and hospitality. Staff communicate with guests in English and other languages.
The hotel’s rooms and suites are spacious, well-appointed and designed with comfort in mind. Large beds, quality linens and soundproofed windows ensure restful nights, which is especially welcome after long days exploring Ulaanbaatar or traveling across Mongolia’s vast landscapes. Modern amenities such as fast Wi-Fi, generous workspaces and well-equipped bathrooms make the hotel equally suitable for business travelers and leisure guests. For the cool winter evenings, there are oil heaters in the rooms though they were deactivated when I was there during the summer months.
Dining is a highlight at the Kempinski Hotel Khan Palace. The hotel is home to several respected restaurants, including one of the city’s best Chinese dining venues as well as options serving European and international cuisine. The breakfast selection is impressive, offering a wide selection that caters to both Western and Asian tastes with fresh ingredients and attentive service. I enjoyed breakfast at the hotel on each morning of my stay, and the service was good, especially when I requested a second cappuccino before heading off to explore Ulaanbaatar.
If you are looking for a place to relax after your day tours, the hotel’s spa and wellness facilities provide a welcome retreat. Guests can enjoy massages, sauna facilities and fitness options that help ease the effects of travel and Mongolia’s sometimes demanding climate. Business travelers will also appreciate the hotel’s conference rooms and event spaces, which are among the most professional in the city. On my final day in Ulaanbaatar, before heading out to explore the Gobi Desert, I treated myself to a massage. Though expensive by Thailand standards, the spa area within the hotel is calm and relaxing.
In a destination where luxury standards can vary, the hotel delivers reliable comfort, excellent service and an atmosphere of sophistication. Whether visiting Ulaanbaatar for business, culture or as a gateway to the Mongolian countryside, where you will likely be staying in Mongolian yurt camps, the Kempinski Hotel Khan Palace Ulaanbaatar remains a dependable and elegant choice that reflects the city’s growing international profile while respecting its unique identity.
Find the Kempinski Hotel Khan Palace Ulaanbaatar on Google Maps.
Book your accommodation at Hotel Khan Palace Ulaanbaatar.
Holiday Inn Ulaanbaatar by IHG
The Holiday Inn Ulaanbaatar by IHG stands out as one of Mongolia’s most welcoming and well-located international hotels. Just a short walk from Sukhbataar Square and the Chinggis Khaan National Museum, this hotel blends global comfort with local convenience, making it a smart choice for both business visitors and leisure travelers. I particularly liked the location, being so much closer to the tourist attractions in Ulaanbaatar than the Kempinski Hotel at which I stayed for my first four nights in the capital.
From the moment you step into the lobby, the atmosphere at the Holiday Inn feels friendly and relaxed. The open reception area, modern décor and helpful staff create a first impression that sets the tone for your stay. Staff communicate with guests in English and other languages.
If you can get your mind away from the funky green carpets, rooms at the Holiday Inn Ulaanbaatar are bright, spacious and thoughtfully designed. Large windows let in plenty of natural light and offer views over the city or surrounding hills. From my room I could see all the way over to the Zaisan Hill Monument to where I walked from the Kempinski Hotel in a moment of inspiration.
Comfortable beds and reliable Wi-Fi make it easy to unwind after a long day of exploring Ulaanbaatar. Practical touches like ample desk space and well-appointed bathrooms enhance the overall experience, whether you’re here for a short stopover or an extended stay.
Dining options at the hotel are varied and satisfying. The all-day restaurant serves a buffet breakfast with a mix of Western and Asian favorites, ensuring that you can start the day off properly. For lunch and dinner, guests can enjoy international dishes prepared with fresh ingredients and served in a relaxed setting. A lobby bar provides a casual space to enjoy a drink or light snack at any time. On the upper level of the hotel is a sports bar serving tasty hamburgers with black buns. I visited the sports bar twice during my stay at Holiday Inn Ulaanbaatar and was impressed by their food and drinks selection.
Overall, Holiday Inn Ulaanbaatar delivers dependable comfort, a great location and a welcoming vibe. It’s an excellent base for discovering Ulaanbaatar’s culture, history and vibrant city life while enjoying the consistency and service expected from a trusted global brand. I found the location much more suitable than the Kempinski Hotel in terms of being able to walk to the main tourist attractions that you are likely to want to visit, so bear this in mind when choosing your hotel accommodation in Ulaanbaatar.
Find the Holiday Inn Ulaanbaatar by IHG on Google Maps.
Book your accommodation at Holiday Inn Ulaanbaatar by IHG.
Conclusions on Hotels in Ulaanbaatar
In retrospect, staying at the Kempinski Hotel Khan Palace Ulaanbaatar was a good choice in terms of the quality of the hotel and I enjoyed my time at the hotel. However, the hotel is too far to the east of the city and well away from the major tourist attractions that you are likely to visit. I could quite easily have stayed at the Holiday Inn Ulaanbaatar by IHG for all nine nights of my stay in Ulaanbaatar as the hotel allows reasonably quick walking access to the main tourist attractions that are closer to the western side of Ulaanbaatar.
However, location was only a consideration for me as I planned to walk around the city rather than trying to figure out how to use the local taxis. You may have a different approach, in which case staying further away from the main tourist attractions may very well suit you better.
Enjoy your visit to Ulaanbaatar as you plan your days exploring Mongolia.
Book your accommodation at Hotel Khan Palace Ulaanbaatar.
Book your accommodation at Holiday Inn Ulaanbaatar by IHG.
Otherwise consider other accommodation options in Ulaanbaatar by clicking in the box below.
My visit to Mongolia, outside of the capital, was coordinated by Molomjamts Naranzul, someone who I now consider a good friend. Find Molomjamts Naranzul on Instagram, from where contact may be started by direct message.
Consider reading the other posts on Mongolia by Two Passports Packed.
(Visited in June and July 2025)