Where to Stay in Ulaanbaatar: From Traditional Ger Camps to Luxury Hotels

My daughter still talks about the night we spent in a traditional ger camp on the outskirts of Ulaanbaatar. There's something magical about sleeping in these circular felt dwellings that Mongolian nomads have used for centuries. The intricate wooden lattice structure and hand-painted supports create an architectural marvel that's both beautiful and practical.

Most ger camps around Ulaanbaatar offer varying levels of comfort. We stayed at Terelj Ger Camp, about 50km from the city center, where the traditional exterior houses surprisingly comfortable interiors. Our ger featured proper beds (not just mats on the floor), a small wood stove for heat, and electricity—though I recommend bringing a reliable headlamp for nighttime reading or trips to the shared bathroom facilities.

What makes these camps special is the immersive cultural experience. Ellie learned to make traditional milk tea with our host family, while I photographed the intricate architectural details of the ger construction. In the evenings, we gathered around a communal fire for traditional songs and tales of Mongolian heroes.

During summer months, temperatures can fluctuate dramatically. Days are warm and pleasant, but nights get surprisingly chilly—I was grateful for the packable down jacket I'd tucked into my luggage at the last minute.

After our ger adventure, we moved into the city center to experience urban Mongolia. For families looking to balance comfort with cultural immersion, I recommend staying in Sukhbaatar District, near Sukhbaatar Square and the Government Palace. This central location puts you within walking distance of major attractions, museums, and restaurants.

The Best Western Premier Tuushin Hotel became our home base for exploring the city. What impressed me was how they seamlessly incorporated Mongolian design elements into a modern hotel setting. The lobby features traditional wooden furniture and felt wall hangings, while rooms offer all the conveniences families need—from reliable WiFi to bathtubs (a blessing after dusty day trips).

Another excellent mid-range option is the Holiday Inn Ulaanbaatar. Their family suites include separate sleeping areas for parents and children, plus kitchenettes for preparing simple meals. This was particularly useful for preparing Ellie's breakfast before our early morning excursions.

When booking hotels in Ulaanbaatar, location matters tremendously. The city's traffic can be challenging, so staying central saves precious vacation time. I always travel with a portable white noise machine for family trips, which proved invaluable in drowning out street noise and helping Ellie adjust to the 12-hour time difference from Spain.

Most mid-range hotels offer airport pickup services, which I highly recommend. After the long journey to Mongolia, having someone meet you with your name on a sign makes the arrival process infinitely smoother, especially with children in tow.

As someone with a passion for architectural preservation, discovering Ulaanbaatar's emerging boutique hotel scene was a highlight of my stay. These smaller properties often occupy renovated historic buildings and offer a more intimate experience than larger chain hotels.

The Shangri-La Hotel Ulaanbaatar stands out not just for its luxury amenities but for how the design incorporates elements of Mongolia's nomadic heritage into a sophisticated urban context. The soaring lobby features a stunning chandelier inspired by traditional horsehair instruments, while corridor carpets echo patterns found in antique Mongolian textiles.

For a truly unique experience, I recommend the Blue Sky Hotel & Tower—an architectural landmark with its distinctive blue glass exterior shaped like a sail. While technically a larger hotel, its design-forward approach and attention to detail give it a boutique feel. Our corner room offered panoramic views of the city and distant mountains through floor-to-ceiling windows.

My favorite discovery was Tuul Riverside Lodge, located just outside the city center along the Tuul River. This small property features just eight rooms, each uniquely decorated with salvaged architectural elements from historic Mongolian buildings. The owner, a passionate preservationist, personally conducts architectural tours of the property, explaining how traditional building techniques were incorporated into this modern interpretation of Mongolian design.

When photographing architectural details, I rely on my travel tripod for steady low-light shots of interior spaces. It collapses to the size of a water bottle but provides professional-quality stability for capturing those intricate design elements that make boutique properties special.

Traveling with family doesn't always mean splurging on accommodations, especially when you'd rather allocate your budget to experiences. Ulaanbaatar offers several excellent guesthouses that provide clean, comfortable lodging at a fraction of hotel prices.

My investment background has taught me to recognize value, and UB Guesthouse represents exactly that. Located in a residential apartment building (look for the small sign), this family-run establishment offers private rooms with shared bathrooms at prices that allow longer stays. What makes it special is the communal kitchen where you'll meet other travelers while preparing meals. Ellie made friends with children from three different countries while I exchanged travel tips with their parents.

Dream Hostel & Tours offers family rooms with private bathrooms—rare in the budget category. Their location near the State Department Store means you can easily stock up on groceries and necessities. The owners are incredibly knowledgeable about arranging day trips and can help organize transportation to attractions outside the city.

SunPath Mongolia Guesthouse deserves special mention for families. The owner, Davaasuren, is a former teacher who keeps a collection of toys and Mongolian children's books. She helped Ellie learn basic Mongolian phrases and explained cultural customs at a four-year-old's level. The guesthouse organizes weekly community dinners where guests learn to make buuz (traditional Mongolian dumplings).

When staying in guesthouses with shared bathrooms, I always pack a hanging toiletry bag that keeps our family's essentials organized and off potentially wet counter surfaces.

For stays longer than a few days, apartment rentals offer unbeatable value and convenience, especially for families. After a week of hotel living, we moved into a two-bedroom apartment near the National Museum of Mongolia for the remainder of our stay.

While international booking platforms have limited offerings in Ulaanbaatar, local companies like Mongolia Stay and UB Apartments provide quality accommodations with English-speaking managers. Our apartment featured a fully equipped kitchen, washing machine, and separate bedrooms—luxuries that made our extended stay much more comfortable.

The real advantage of apartment living is experiencing everyday Mongolian life. Shopping at the local markets for ingredients, chatting with neighbors in the elevator (often through improvised sign language), and observing daily routines provided insights no hotel could offer. Ellie particularly enjoyed our daily visits to the neighborhood playground where she joined local children despite the language barrier.

Most apartments are located in residential districts slightly removed from tourist areas. This initially concerned me, but I quickly came to appreciate the quiet evenings and local restaurant scene. Transportation apps like UB Taxi make getting around easy, though I recommend learning a few key phrases in Mongolian to help with directions.

Many apartment buildings in Ulaanbaatar have fascinating architectural histories. Our Soviet-era building, constructed in the 1970s, featured distinctive geometric concrete elements and a surprisingly efficient central heating system. The interior had been completely modernized while preserving original parquet flooring and built-in cabinetry—a perfect blend of vintage charm and contemporary comfort.

For families considering apartment rentals, I recommend bringing a portable door lock for additional security and peace of mind, particularly if traveling with children.