Tajikistan is generally not as cheap as most of the other Central Asian countries and Dushanbe (for a capital city) is particularly poor in its offering of good value accommodation. It is also very easy to get ripped off unless you already know the correct price. Customer service is generally not a forte. Speaking Russian or Tajik is a definite advantage. For staying longer term -i.e a couple of weeks it starts to make sense looking at apartments.
Dushanbe Hotels
Starting with the highpoints…
*The HYATT Regency – it is new and shiny. It is 5* and the price to stay here is as expected. They advertise meal deals at their Focaccia Grill and after a while on Tajik food you might just want to visit! The Hyatt restaurant is the place where the movers and shakers have their lunch. Budget $225.
*Marian’s Guesthouse – The most sought after accommodation in Dushanbe by those wanting high service, personal attention, a lovely environment and good value for money. Tucked away in Dushanbe and tricky to find. This is a very popular place and requires booking ahead. Budget 80 Euros / $110 (this includes if required pickup, breakfast, laundry, internet and driver for drop offs).
*The Mercury – Don’t expect the reception staff to smile. The rooms are pretty huge and well maintained. Breakfast is good. All rooms have computers making this a development agency favorite. There are not many rooms so it would be wise to book ahead. There is a beautiful courtyard with water feature and the hotel is hidden off a back street behind huge gates but is quite central. Rooms are generally around $100 and this place is good value for Dushanbe.
*Atlas B&B Guesthouse (63, Mirzo Rizo St, Dushanbe 734013)
Comfortable large rooms with computers and internet, modern bathrooms, hot water and good breakfasts. Has received very good reviews. The downside is the location which is not central but near the airport. Budget $80.
Budget Choice:
* Tajikmatlubot Hotel – The hotel doesn’t have many rooms but the rooms it has are en suite with modern bathrooms, reception area and kept clean. There is even private parking. The hotel is quite centrally located being on Rudaki. This is probably the vest value hotel in Dushanbe. website link has photos. Budget $40 if independently checking in.
*The Adventurer’s Inn – book in advance as only 4 rooms. Shared bathrooms. Not central. Budget $25 for a single.
Second Choice
*Best Eastern Tajikistan – a huge hotel and very central. It has an immaculate appearance, cavernous foyer with ATM and the rooms have a view over Central Park. It has been renovated and it is possible to book online. Reviews are mixed as to value for money and variation on rates. Online booking through Tripadvisor (see link) brings up rates from roughly $200 but one reviewer paid $350 (approx) when checking in.
Dushanbe Apartments
*Somoni Apartment – They have at least a couple of centrally located apartments in Dushanbe that have all basic facilities, e.g washing machine, air con, fridge, tv, etc. Friendly people with perfect English to help discuss arrangements, budget around $30 per night but depends on length of stay. Contact Sarvinoz at 
Khorog
The best place to look is here:
http://www.khorog.com/
Kurghan-Tyube / Qurghonteppa (city couple of hours south of Dushanbe)
There are quite a few hotels in K-T but they do tend to fall into disrepair quite quickly. The best one at the moment for value and facilities is:
Firuza Hotel – This is a good value small hotel (about 8 rooms) with a helpful manager and staff. Rooms are a good size and clean. It has a central location close to the city stadium. The hotel is on the third floor above a shop and there isn’t a lift. Budget $35. There isn’t a website but you probably don’t need to book ahead.
Other hotels: There are two more hotels right next to the bazaar.
Note: Malaria does occur in the south (roughly from K-T to Afghanistan) and if staying in a guest house with no air conditioning, bringing your own mosquito net is recommended.
…page under development!