5 mistakes when searching for accommodation

Most ruined trips start not on arrival but at the choosing stage. Here are the five mistakes we see most often among guests in Kyrgyzstan, and what to do instead.

1. Looking only at the photos

The description says what is included, how many guests fit, what the check-in rules and cancellation terms are. Photos show the room; the description shows what you actually get.

2. Ignoring the exact location

«Issyk-Kul» means 180 kilometres of shoreline, and Cholpon-Ata to Karakol is a three-hour drive. Check the point on the map, not just the region: Cholpon-Ata, Bosteri and Karakol make for very different trips.

3. Booking at the last minute

In July and August the good places on Issyk-Kul are taken weeks ahead, and the same happens in Bishkek over long holidays. Booking early buys both choice and price.

4. Not messaging the host

Arrival time, parking, hot water, a photo of the actual room — all of it takes five minutes in chat. The list of questions is in 5 questions to ask a host before booking.

5. Sending money directly

Being asked to «transfer a deposit to a card» outside the platform is the most expensive mistake of all. On Meiman the deposit is held by us until you check in and only then goes to the host, while the terms and the conversation stay inside the booking. See How payment works.

Ready to choose? Browse hotels in Bishkek, apartments or places on Issyk-Kul.

Questions? Phone and WhatsApp: +996 550 993 993, calls: +996 503 993 993, email: partners@meiman.kg. See also our FAQ.