Kabul This Spring?
Afghanistan is trying to forge ahead, five stars at a time. The first five star hotel recently opened in November 2005 in Kabul, and despite being reportedly beautiful, it's also very quiet. (Notice the jam-packed parking lot in the pic).
So it's not too surprising that the tourists and business travelers are slow to arrive at the new Serena Hotel, considering the country's political situation is still so volatile.
The country's first five-star hotel has been built by the Aga Khan, leader of the Ismaeli Muslim minority, businessman and philanthropist. It has 300 staff and rooms costing up to £680 per night, equivalent to the annual income of 12 Afghans.
Guess it's still going to be a while until most Afghans can stay there.... That said, there are many people who are working for international companies (or engaging in dubious money-making schemes), thus new hotels are breaking ground such as The Hyatt, another five star hotel, and other commercial building such as malls are popping up amidst the unpaved streets and open sewers.
Located in the center of town, the Serena is also a hop-skip-and-jump away from all the Embassies and Ministries. The building dates back to 1945, and has (thankfully) been completely refurbished, now offering 177 rooms, 2 restaurants, meeting and health facilities.
Related Stories:
· Not many paying guests at Kabul's five-star hotel [Daily Telegraph]
· Opening of 5-star Kabul Serena Hotel [Harold Doan and Assoc.]
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by GEM0330
