Samarkand, Uzbekistan

Located next to the beautiful domed tomb of Amir Timur, the Malika occupies a prime position in central Samarkand. It front-facing rooms actually overlook the famous monument, yet the spot is quiet and peaceful in the evenings. Inside, the décor of the rooms is oddly reminiscent of a mountain chalet, but everything is immaculately clean and the staff couldn’t be more welcoming.