Staying In A Taliban Run Hotel In Kabul, Afghanistan 🇦🇫

Intro

Well, there are new experiences in life, and then there are new experiences that you never thought would happen. This definitely falls into the latter. 

During my time in Kabul, my guide had booked me into the Spinzar Hotel. Located in the heart of Kabul, the Spinzar hotel is conveniently located between two Taliban checkpoints and right a major security outpost. At 8$ a night for a four-star hotel, this was one of the nicer hotels that I have stayed in for the price point.

Spinzar Hotel Kabul, Afghanistan

But it still had its quirks… 

Check-In

Clearing the Taliban checkpoint outside of the hotel upon arrival from Bamian, we were quickly greeted by four members of the Taliban patrolling the front desk. 

As we went to check-in with the guard at the front desk, I happened to notice another AK 47 behind the desk. So I asked him “is that yours?”. Turns out that everyone at the givernment run hotel is armed to the teeth… 

While everyone was VERY nice to me, there are extra security measures in place. Due to this being a Taliban ran hotel, they had to go through all of my luggage in search of weapons and/or bombs. 

Around The Hotel

In the past, Kabul used to offer some fairly decent hotels that were offered. For example, back in 1969, the Intercontinental Hotel opened, but this has now been converted into a place where high-ranking members of the Taliban hang out. 

The Spinzar offers a decent amount of amenities, at least more than you would expect. The hotel features 42 guest rooms, 2 conferences halls, and 2 restaurants which are decadently appointed. In addition, you can tell that this hotel was probably quite a bit more expensive, as it had a very nice rustic feel to it all around. The hallways, the elevators, and the banisters felt as if it was out of a film. 

Around the Spinzar Hotel Kabul, Afghanistan

Around the Spinzar Hotel Kabul, Afghanistan

Around the Spinzar Hotel Kabul, Afghanistan

The Rooms

Spending the evening the day before at a homestay in Bamian, I went into this experience expecting the same. As it turns out, I was completely wrong. My guide had booked me into the “renovated” section of the hotel which featured two lovely beds, a bathroom, a table for working, and HOT WATER. 

Spinzar Hotel Kabul, Afghanistan, Rooms

Spinzar Hotel Kabul, Afghanistan, Rooms

Spinzar Hotel Kabul, Afghanistan, Rooms

Spinzar Hotel Kabul, Afghanistan, Rooms

Spinzar Hotel Kabul, Afghanistan, Rooms

YES: HOT WATER and unlimited! It was sensational. 

HOT WATER!!

All things considered, it was a pleasant night here with half-decent wifi and swanky mood lighting. 

Final Thoughts 

If you want a proper, but safe experience when traveling around Kabul, check out the Spinzar hotel located in the heart of downtown. Starting at 8$ per night, it features unlimited hot water, decent wifi, and modern rooms. Just be aware that there is a LOT of security in and around the hotel, and you will be chilling with the Taliban all day. Thankfully, they are very kind to tourists. 

With only two parts of the Afghanistan series left, the series will soon take a large turn. If you want to read about the story I wrote about Afghanistan, you can here. It's an amazing place, filled with the most strong-willed individuals.