Kempinski Hotel Khan Palace is the luxury option to consider if you want to treat Ulaanbaatar as more than a gateway to the steppe. The Kempinski name is generally associated with upscale European-style service, spacious rooms and a choice of restaurants and bars, and in a city where winter temperatures fall far below freezing, a warm, well-run hotel is a real asset. Many visitors spend only a night or two in the capital before heading out to Terelj, Kharkhorin or the Gobi, so it makes sense to spend that time somewhere comfortable. Exact facilities such as a pool, spa or club lounge should be checked when you book, since they can change and are not guaranteed.
Location and getting around
Confirm the exact address and the distance to Sükhbaatar Square, Gandan Monastery and the National Museum when you book. Traffic in Ulaanbaatar can be heavy at rush hour, and distances that look short on a map can take a long time by car, so a central address is worth the price if your time is limited.
In winter, many visitors take a short taxi even for a ten-minute walk. The front desk can usually arrange drivers for Terelj, the Chinggis Khaan statue and the airport, which is roughly an hour away by road in normal traffic.
Rooms and dining
Expect large, well-appointed rooms and suites, with the heating, soundproofing and comfort you want in the cold season. A hotel of this class normally has a main restaurant, a lobby lounge or bar and breakfast served as a buffet, though whether breakfast is included depends on your rate. If you plan to dress up for dinner, ask about the restaurants and book ahead at weekends.
Who it suits
Couples marking an occasion, business travellers, and anyone who wants a high standard of comfort before or after a demanding stay in a ger camp. It is also a sensible base for travellers who arrive on early flights or leave on late ones, since a good hotel can store luggage and offer late check-out. Budget travellers will find better value in the simpler hotels and the hostel in this guide.
Good to know
Check-in is usually in the afternoon and check-out around noon, but confirm the times. Book early for the Naadam festival period in July, when hotel rates rise and rooms go first, and for the major winter holidays. Carry some cash in tugrik for markets, taxis and small cafes, although cards are accepted in hotels and many restaurants. If you are heading to Terelj or the Gobi, ask the hotel to arrange a driver or recommend a licensed operator, and pack layers whatever the season, since weather on the steppe changes quickly.
Why stay here
- ✓International luxury brand
- ✓Spacious rooms and suites (check when you book)
- ✓Restaurant and breakfast options
- ✓Lounge or bar (check when you book)
- ✓Fitness or spa facilities (check when you book)
- ✓Help arranging drivers and tours
- ✓Luggage storage
- ✓Heated rooms for the cold season
Good questions
Is Kempinski Hotel Khan Palace a good choice for the cold months?+
A well-run international-brand hotel is a comfortable base in winter, but check heating, location and facilities when you book.
Does it have a pool or spa?+
Facilities can change, so check when you book if a pool or spa matters to you.
Can the hotel help with trips to Terelj or the Gobi?+
The front desk can usually arrange drivers or recommend operators. Ask when you book.
