Khiva, Uzbekistan

At the heart of Khiva’s historic Itchan Kala district, the Malika is a delightful, small hotel with spotless, cosy rooms ranged over two floors around a central courtyard. Varnished pine boards on walls and ceilings lend a warm, clean feel and although facilities are simple by European standards, everything is well maintained. Filling breakfasts are served in a cool dining room just off reception, but for us, the highlight here is relaxing over a cold beer in the garden terrace, gazing at the beautiful green-tiled dome of the Mahmud Pakhlavan tomb across the street – Khiva at its most atmospheric.