Fodor's Expert Review Seman Hotel
170 Seman Lu, Kashgar, Xinjiang Uygur Zizhiqu, 844000, China
Built in 1890 as the Russian consulate, this edifice served as a center of political intrigue for many years until it was transformed into a hotel in the 1950s. The oldest wing of the hotel is the original consulate, where fans of the "Great Game" can stay in musty suites with luxurious rugs and old furniture. The hotel is the least expensive of those open to foreigners, but newer rooms range from comfortable to dilapidated, so be sure to look at a few before you decide. The nicer ones surround a pleasant courtyard in the rear. The Old Road Tours travel agency is located in the lobby.
PROS
- near some excellent restaurants
- competitive prices from the lobby tour agencies
- attractive Uyghur-style decoration
CONS
- musty bathrooms in the cheaper rooms and dorms
- many rooms in need of updating
- a long walk from the city center
