Kabul Serena Hotel

After almost 4 years in Afghanistan, for a change, I thought of spending some nights in the most expensive hotel in Kabul - Kabul Serena Hotel. I've four reasons for spending a night there: 1) they have a spa where one can have a good massage, steam bath and jacuzzi, 2) they have a good gym, 3) rooms have bath tub - a rarity in Kabul, 4) breakfast - just the way I want it.

Unique Quality: The rooms are individually air-conditioned, accessorized with amenities you will find in 4-star hotels abroad, sheets are clean, view from the room is nice, and without mentioning what you can find inside this hotel - after the suicide bombing that took place - security measures have been implemented and I consider this hotel as one of the safest, if not the safest hotel in Kabul.

The hotel has a coffee shop which provides the best and freshest cakes in Kabul. The garden will help you feel at home or at least relaxed... Internet access is provided in every room. The lounge is cozy although you may not feel alone because of the staff around the place.

Directions: In the city centre - 20 minutes from Kabul International Airport

The times i have been in Kabul, there have scarcely been accomodation options to speak of, let alone luxury/ 5 star hotels.
The recently innagurated Serena though has changed all that. The hotel is excellently located and near the embassy area... Operated by the Serena group, which is owned by the Aga Khan development network, its a completely rennovated property from a former soviet era building.

Unique Quality: The hotel has 177 rooms, including suites and all the usual 5 star comforts such as speciality restaurants and a pool.
Recently, the hotel was the venue of a fashion show. A first in Afghanistan for decades... http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/5163282.stm