Mongolia: What Neighborhood to Stay In In Ulaanbaatar
The capital of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar comprises a rich history and some of the most undulating vistas, temperatures, and city design, period. From nomadic animal-felt tents to Soviet architecture. To genuine steppe barbecue and traditional throat singing. From the world’s finest cashmere to markets chock-filled with a zillion kinds of dairy products. Ulaanbaatar might blow you away, legitimately.
Image by Usukhbayar Gankhuyag
Some travelers don’t connote a cosmopolitan culture with Mongolian culture, the legacy of Genghis Khan is still so strong.
That being said, Ulaanbaatar sets out to challenge that by featuring a prominent urban space of this bustling city that houses about half of the country’s entire population.
The city is the base for which to travel to all of the deeply off-road areas such as the Gobi Desert, or Lake Khovsgol. To note, the city isn’t huge and is built on a grid. There are main thoroughfares primarily east and west. The most central point of UB is the square with the gigantic statue of Genghis Khan outside of the parliament building. This is the drop pinpoint for reference practically everywhere and for those beginning immersion in UB.
From a decade of travel and living in Ulaanbaatar, here are my recommendations for where to stay in the city.
Center of the City
Novotel: Baga Toiruu 6Th Khoroo, Sukhbaatar, 14201, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Novotel is one of the newer establishments of Ulaanbaatar (UB) and is a premier spot. With undeniably the best hotel restaurant in the city, it’s about quality here. Though not the largest hotel or with particularly extravagant views, the hotel serves comfort and elegance. Novotel has a great balance of aesthetic organization and smaller-scale accents.
The location of the Novotel is fairly central, it’s just a few blocks from the central square which is close enough to be centered where you’ll want to go and be if based. It’s additionally the food and amenities of the Novotel that make it. You’ll find top-tier service and plush rooms. You’ll find well-curated music and locals who come for a meal at the first-floor dining establishment bringing energy and laughter to the environment. Overall, it’s a delightful scene.
Shangri-La: 19 Olympic Street, Sukhbaatar District-1, Sukhbaatar, 212513 Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Another newer hotel, the Shangri-La is southeast of the center square and as close as the Novotel. Its location is nearby to the wonderful Choijin Lama and Wedding Palace, sweet architecture amidst the city. With a much more grand presentation and decorative rooms, the Shangri-La provides an elevated experience within Ulaanbaatar.
Though the food is just mediocre, the ambiance of the restaurant and bars is good and the views from the hotel are very good. Currently, the Shangri-La is considered the most luxurious stay in the city. There is the Shangri-La shopping center just next door, another new mall, dining, and movie theater establishment, worth venturing to even if you don’t stay at the hotel.
Blue Sky: Peace Avenue 17,Sukhbaatar District,1st Quarter, Sukhbaatar, 212513 Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Perhaps the greatest architecture in Ulaanbaatar, The Blue Sky Tower is a hotel built to depict the blue sail of a ship. It’s one of the most notable buildings in the city, if not the outstanding feature on the south side of the main square. One of the first luxury hotels in Ulaanbaatar, Blue Sky offers restaurants, a spa, and some of the best views in the entire city.
It couldn’t be more central being itself right on the main square within proximity to primary sites and shopping areas on the same street. For comfort, centrality, views, amenities, and food, this is a top pick. For those visiting Ulaanbaatar for the first time, Blue Sky is an iconic place to immerse in the city.
Bayangol Hotel: Chinggis Avenue-5, Sukhbaatar, 210643 Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
A long-standing favorite amongst locals and a very established hotel of UB, Bayangol Hotel is a few blocks south of the square just past the Blue Sky Tower. The hotel has an older vibe but is extremely comfortable and serves delicious fish, something that’s rare in the city. This is the hotel for a comfortable stay while also being a bit more quietly located.
East of the City
Kempinski Hotel: East Cross Road, Peace Avenue, Bayanzurkh, 210646 Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
The most famous older hotel reflective of Soviet times, the Kempinski is strict, crisp, and reliable. Many diplomats or foreign business people are known to stay here. The hotel is located east of the central square, and the Sakura sushi bar on-site is one of the first proper sushi places in UB. For a nostalgic vibe, the Kempinski is a whole mood. It’s also one of the nice hotels near to the notorious Narantuul or Black Market which is absolutely worth the visit while in the city.
Chingghis Khan Hotel: Tokyo Street 10, Bayanzurkh, 211238 Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Another established hotel, an impending structure on the east side near to both the Black Market and Kempinski. The Chingghis Khan Hotel is known for its nightclub and the shopping center. The rooms and space are sweeping and comfortable. Although not centrally located, the hotel was built to be a haven on its own and serves a versatile mix of food with reliable amenities.
West of the City
Ramada: 16th Khoroo, Peace Avenue 35/2,Bayangol District, Bayangol, 211238 Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
The Ramada is in the west-central part of the city, on the main road of UB, just west of the most central attractions and destinations. Like Ramada’s tend to be, it’s a comfortable, dependable, and clean space. Very nice with no excessive frills, the hotel is one for mid-level stays. Its location is also prime for shoppers seeking unique finds within the city; the hotel is at the crossroads of a couple of the best shopping complexes, the Grand Plaza across the street, and the nearby Ulaanbaatar Department Store. The Ramada is also walking accessible to the third district (3th khoroolol) which is of locals’ shopping and worth scoping if you’re a curious city explorer.
Idre’s Guesthouse: 14253 Narnii Guur, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
South of Ramada, Idre’s Guesthouse hosts amazing excursions to the countryside. Though it’s a hostel, there are private rooms to rent and it’s worth venturing to just to be on an organized tour of the Gobi. For vegetarians or vegans, a vegan cafe is just north of Idre’s that serves great food and options not found in much of the city.
or Golden Gobi (Central): Peace Avenue 1-40000, Bldg 13, 1st Sub-district, Chingeltei District, Ulaanbaatar Mongolia
Idre’s sister guesthouse is the Golden Gobi is next to the main State Department Store and is more central in the city. It also provides similar tours throughout the country.
*Safety tip
In UB, the summertime and autumn weather is wonderful with plenty of sunshine and warmth. However, it’s still an arid and desert place, and the morning and evenings even in peak summertime reach cool temperatures. Pack accordingly…!
For even cooler months, local furs, cashmere, and wool can be obtained in UB, but North Face gear and that sort of thing is either much higher marked up, or knock-off and not as good quality. So pack this ahead of time rather than purchase on-site.
For trekking or for particular eaters it’s worth bringing survival foods: granola bars, jerky, that sort of thing. For travelers who plan to visit nomadic or rural-based families, bringing chocolates or goodies for children is also something that’s openly appreciated. These can be obtained in UB but locally derived treats from where you’re from will be even more cherished.
Bottom line
In Ulaanbaatar, there’s so much going on. There’s traditional wrestling to be seen, shopping to do, an intriguing array of museums, there’s a plethora of bumping clubs, karaoke spots galore, as well as some of the world’s most sublime Buddhist temples.
There are some excellent hotels. Some are opulent and modern, and others are classic and give a Russian vibe in their old-school design. Though the city itself is fairly manageable from end-to-end, it’s important where you choose to be based as the neighborhoods differ quickly block-to-block, north to south, and east to west.
Overall, these are my top places to stay. Whether you stay as centrally as possible, opt for the best food, or choose something quieter, the above has something for anyone who ventures to this incredible city.
For country-wide travel suggestions and intel of the entire of Mongolia, check my post here.
For specifically arranged intel on the city of UB further, check here.
