Image by Ryan Whitney

Kabul is more about people and events, than places as such.

If you are planning a visit, ChI assumes you will be there for a good reason, and therefore in one way or other you will have access to security information and in some cases, active protection.  This means some of the suggestions below may be “off-limits” at times….

But, if you’re there, and all is clear…read on!

The column of knowledge and ignorance, Photo 1995.
Photo from Afghan Network

ChI Stays At… Recommended hotels

The Intercontinental Hotel is located on the outskirts of the city heading into West Kabul; satellite phone: +873 761 469690 or local tel: 020 2201320. Probably the best known hotel in Kabul – at least till the revamped Serena came along - this is the place for all the international conferences, and has been a temporary home to many journalists, diplomats and Afghan government ministers - (many of them chose to live here when they returned to Kabul after the fall of the Taliban).

One drawback is that it’s on the outskirts of town heading into the destroyed part of West Kabul so you’ll have to face a lot of long Kabul traffic jams if you base yourself here. Originally opened in September 1969 and built by a British company, returning Afghans from the 1970s remember coming up here for burgers and chips as a special treat as children.

In the refurbished Bamyian room, there’s a delicious buffet brunch served up on Fridays, 11.30-15.00h. Telephone 020 2201321 for reservations.

There’s also a swimming pool (men only – sorry, ladies), fitness centre, tennis court and ping-pong, sauna, barber and other shops and an Ariana Airlines office. The ballroom seats 400 for dinner, or 600 for a conference – (should you need to know!)

Guest Houses

Most international organisations working in Kabul have their own guesthouses for their employees. Others are put up in the numerous guesthouses in town. These are all private houses converted into bed and breakfasts of varying
standards and services.

The Kabul Serena Hotel, conveniently located in the centre of Kabul city overlooking the famous Zarnegar Park, is situated close to all the Embassies and Ministries, and is just 20 minutes from the airport. Built in 1945, amid landscaped gardens, the hotel has undergone a complete refurbishment, through the rehabilitation of the existing building and the addition of a completely new section. The hotel is situated in the city’s commercial centre, and has been upgraded to house 177 rooms, two restaurants, modern banqueting and meeting facilities, an up-market shopping area, a pastry shop and a laundry shop. The hotel offers complete services for the discerning business traveller and meets some of the city’s growing needs for international standard accommodation and business facilities in a 5 star ambience. www.serenahotels.com