Ulaanbaatar has the large market -- can't remember what it's called. It sells everything you will need for a trip into the Gobi. However, be very careful, a number of gangs work the markets to try and mug/steal from backpackers/tourists -- they pulled a knife on the person I was with to cut open his jacket to try and get to his inside pocket.
Ulaanbaatar … It was a nice city and the people are soo friendly.
Mr. Gómez Hostel in Ulaanbaatar … Having driven all the way from London to Mongolia in our thirty-three-year-old Volkswagen Bug for Mongol Rally we were delighted to come across Mr. Gomez Hostel -- the cleanest hostel we're come across ever! The friendly hostess was so helpful and welcoming and speaks incredible English.
Bolod's Guesthouse in Ulaanbaatar … excellent location and bolod and his staff are wonderful! the trip he helped me organize was fantastic and his generosity and help with every detail is boundless.
Youth Mongolia in Ulaanbaatar … Arriving in Ulaanbaatar, knowing no one, we were met at the train station by Chambaa and Steele. along with many other people, they put their hostel card in our hands and we quickly walked off, smiling but eager to get away from lots of people. we did subsequently go to Youth Mongolia and can honestly say that staying there and meeting the two lads was the best part of our amazing time in Mongolia. they are trustworthy, kind, and lots of fun. we'll never forget them -- fully recommend their place to you.
Nassan in Ulaanbaatar … Good place to stay. Very cheap, only $4 a night (for the dormitory) and breakfast is included. The host is very nice and speaks good english, which is an ecception over here. The place is well heated and clean and the bathroom even has a bath. Only drawback is that the beds are not too comfy, but who cares?
Sandwich Hostel in Ulaanbaatar … This hostel is great! It just opened this summer 2005 and I hope it does very well. Although it is not as centrally located as some hostels in Ulaanbaatar, taxis into the city center are cheap and readily available. It is very clean and well fitted and the showers are fantastic! The staff are also very friendly and helpful and it is a nice quiet location. Right by the Naadam stadium, it is perfect if you are visiting the festival.
Idre's Guesthouse in Ulaanbaatar … I have been at Idre's guesthouse this summer. They are a family team and really friendly. I paid $3.50 a night. There was shower and kitchen, bath, toilet and TV room.
UB Guest House in Ulaanbaatar … They aren't lying when they say volunteers working in Mongolia all stay at the UB Guesthouse. I'm one. It's great. The atmosphere is fantastic and the staff are like family. It's also very, very, very clean. Don't think twice!
Idre's Guesthouse in Ulaanbaatar … I stayed at Idre's a couple of years ago. It's a lovely, friendly, family run hostel. Extemely cheap, clean, and safe. Idre organises tours of Mongolia at a good price. Most of the year he hires guides, but a few times a year he leads tours himself. If you get the opportunity, I'd very much recommend touring with Idre himself.
UB Guesthouse in Ulaanbaatar … This place was the center of an incredible two weeks of travel. First off it's located very centrally -- around the corner from a ridiculously good Chinese restaurant and a small grocery store, and a little further down from the central Sukhbaatar Square. The facility is a little small but very clean and cosy. Beds are quite comfortable, and the kitchen has a nice fridge and good free breakfast. They have CNN too. Bathrooms are clean and there seem to be enough of them. The best part is that they organize tours around Mongolia that are not to be missed. My eight-day trip with seven or eight other backpackers was cheap and features different gers to stay in every night with nomadic families, and some unreal landscapes and animal herds. Completely unforgettable. The owners are very very helpful and have ample baggage storage while you are gone on a tour. I wanna go back to Mongolia.
Zaya Guest House in Ulaanbaatar … The place is very clean and very close to different restaurants, cafes, and shopping places (the State Department Store). The owner, Zaya, is very helpful in providing information about travel in Mongolia. The hospitality of the owners makes you feel that you're home.
UB Guest House in Ulaanbaatar … Considering your options in Ulaan Baatar will be somewhat limited this place is certainly ok. I'd probably return. At first it doesn't look good. it seems the owners have just knocked down walls in this slightly rundown building each time they wanted to expand. The common room is nothing more than a big couch near the entrance. This, however, does give you the advantage that you meet everyone that comes in. Which is extra important, as most people are only in UB to meet others they can hook up with to explore the countryside. The owners will gladly help you arrange these trips. The good -- the owners run a nice show, they're easygoing and keep the place clean. The bad -- although they can supposedly arrange the cheapest trip to nearby terelj national park in all of UB, more than half of our group came back with diarrhea. ergo, it is probably worth it to spend a bit more. And they make you wear these therapeutic-like plastic slippers (like scandinavians?) indoors. I hate that.
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