Signed only in Dari, this place has a flat rate for its rooms, each containing between three and five beds. The communal bathroom is pretty basic, but par for the course for this rock-bottom choice. Full Lonely Planet Review ›

A few doors down from the Jamil, this can be a good choice. The rooms are simple but clean, with shared bathrooms. The hotel also has a decent restaurant overlooking the street, a good place to watch the world go past over a plate of pulao (rice dish). Full Lonely Planet Review ›

Another long-standing favourite, this medium-sized guesthouse has well-turned out rooms, favoured by long-term guests. Worth a look, there's also Assa 2 and Assa 3 just around the corner, offering more of the same for the same price. Full Lonely Planet Review ›

One of the first of the post-Taliban guesthouses, B's Place has six rooms with shared bathrooms, decorated in traditional Afghan style. There's a pleasant garden, and an Italian restaurant, but the place feels a little worn out by the competition from all the new hotels. A bit of… Full Lonely Planet Review ›

Tangerine walls on the main street through Wazir Akbar Khan make the Euro hard to miss. There are a selection of different rooms (up to around 100), but the cheaper end are the best value. Service is good, and as with most guesthouses the Euro can arrange drivers and the like. Full Lonely Planet Review ›

A perennially popular option with visiting media, the Gandamack Lodge is run by Peter Jouvenal, the acclaimed cameraman and Afghan expert. Now in larger premises with a nice garden, rooms are comfy and tastefully decorated in colonial fashion. The restaurant is excellent, and wor… Full Lonely Planet Review ›

One of Kabul's newest hotels, this literally towers above all others from its vantage point attached to the Kabul Business Centre. Rooms are exceedingly comfortable and well-appointed with all facilities. The deluxe suites even come with their own sauna, surely a first for Afghan… Full Lonely Planet Review ›

At the edge of Wazir Akbar Khan, and in the lee of Bibi Mahru Hill, the Heetal gets cleaner air than many places in the city. Perhaps that's why it flags itself as Kabul's first eco-friendly boutique hotel. No one could venture another reason when we asked. It's nicely laid out t… Full Lonely Planet Review ›

Close to the action around Shahr-e Nau Park, this modern hotel has en suite rooms that are simply but decently decorated. There's one price for one or two beds. Next to Popolano restaurant, part of the hotel also acts as a wedding hall, so weekends are potentially noisy affairs. Full Lonely Planet Review ›

This venerable institution was Afghanistan's first international luxury hotel. It's a 20-minute drive from the centre if the traffic allows, but the hilltop location gives great views of Kabul. The recent refit has lifted the rooms considerably. ATO and Ariana have offices here. … Full Lonely Planet Review ›

Behind high walls on the main road, this Tajik-run place is bright, modern and clean. Rooms have satellite TV and bathrooms, all kept spotless. Even the grass on the lawn is clipped to within an inch of its life. Very good value, although the restaurant food is a little dull. Full Lonely Planet Review ›

A well-established guesthouse, the Kabul Lodge is impeccably run with helpful and efficient management. Rooms are large (and en suite) and there's a great restaurant, open to non-guests from 18:00. Full Lonely Planet Review ›

Formerly the Kabul Hotel, the Serena is now owned by the Aga Khan and has undergone a massive renovation to transform it into Kabul's swankiest hotel by some stretch. The public areas are all light and space, while rooms have all mod-cons and a sprinkling of traditional Afghan de… Full Lonely Planet Review ›

This is a traditional Kabul home turned into a cosy, well-run guesthouse. Generous rooms are well set up, and there's a lovely garden. Given that the manager is a chef, the food is excellent. Full Lonely Planet Review ›

Formerly called Ottawa Resorts, the motto here is 'blending serenity and efficiency'. Management is certainly efficient, while rooms match the standard of a business-class hotel anywhere you might think of. A popular venue for business breakfasts and lunches, people-spot for the … Full Lonely Planet Review ›

This new guesthouse run by an Afghan-German is a great deal. Rooms, with attached bathroom, are very nicely furnished with lots of dark wood giving the place an almost Bavarian feel. There's a restaurant too, and a neat garden to relax in. Full Lonely Planet Review ›

Truly a Kabul institution, the Mustafa was the main post-Taliban hang-out for journos, 'security consultants' and other would-be adventurers. If the high-rolling days have passed slightly with the death of its irrepressible manager, Wais Faizi, it's still a good place to stay, wi… Full Lonely Planet Review ›

Another well-run guesthouse popular with contractors and UN workers, the Naween offers a high level of comfort and security. All rooms are en suite. Full Lonely Planet Review ›

This hotel sits above an arcade of electronics shops. One step up from a chaikhana, it has simple cell-like rooms with grubby walls, and a large communal area full of local men lounging over endless pots of tea. Don't expect too much of the shared bathrooms. Full Lonely Planet Review ›

A deservedly popular hotel with consultants and long-term stays, the Park Palace has good quality en suite rooms with service to match. The buffet breakfast is something of a treat - look for people rushing it down while their Landcruisers queue outside the gate to whisk them to … Full Lonely Planet Review ›

Look twice for the entrance to this place facing the park - security is tight but unobtrusive. Modern rooms are en suite and positively cosy, with a fridge and satellite TV; there's also a small bookshop and a pleasant garden. Full Lonely Planet Review ›

Formerly the Karwansara Guesthouse, this place is a lovely old merchant's house set in a large and leafy garden. Some rooms are a little small, but they're all turned out well enough for comfort. The restaurant has good Afghan and international dishes. Full Lonely Planet Review ›

You can't miss the Safi, part of the Kabul City Centre tower block in bright green glass. The lobby speaks of understated service and a glass elevator whisks you to your room, many of which overlook the shopping mall. Everything is laid on, but for the money the rooms are a bit s… Full Lonely Planet Review ›

This is a great new addition to the budget hotel scene, and the pick of the ultra-cheapies. Carpeted rooms are small but on the cosy side, with a fan and decent bedding. Shared bathrooms are pretty clean with hot water, and the management helpful. Full Lonely Planet Review ›

Easily spotted by its pink external walls, the Shahr-e Nau Guesthouse is a decent place. Rooms come in a variety of shapes and sizes, with up to three beds, making this a good deal if there's a few of you, but less so for solo travellers. All are en suite. Full Lonely Planet Review ›

Popular with Afghan businessmen, this tall greenish building has commanding views over the river. Rooms and shared bathrooms alike are drab but clean. The 4th-floor restaurant is worth visiting for non-guests, for both the views and decent Afghan food. Full Lonely Planet Review ›

This tidy little hotel has a good central location. Rooms have attached bathrooms and TV, although some are a bit on the poky side. Communal areas are nicely decorated with Afghan textiles giving a friendly air, and the place is scrubbed spotless. Full Lonely Planet Review ›