<strong>Karavansaray Hotel: </strong>The Yukhari Karavansaray Hotel in Sheki was built in the 18th century as a roadside inn -- or caravanserai -- for traders on Azerbaijan's ancient Silk Road routes.
Karavansaray Hotel: The Yukhari Karavansaray Hotel in Sheki was built in the 18th century as a roadside inn -- or caravanserai -- for traders on Azerbaijan's ancient Silk Road routes.
Maureen O'Hare/CNN
<strong>Two levels:</strong> The traders would stay in the upper level while a hatch in their rooms would allow easy access to their goods in the level below.
Two levels: The traders would stay in the upper level while a hatch in their rooms would allow easy access to their goods in the level below.
Maureen O'Hare/CNN
<strong>Courtyard:</strong> Traders' camels and other animals were once kept in the central courtyard. Today it's a peaceful spot filled with trees and seating areas.
Courtyard: Traders' camels and other animals were once kept in the central courtyard. Today it's a peaceful spot filled with trees and seating areas.
Maureen O'Hare/CNN
<strong>Security: </strong>For the first guests here in the 1700s, the single entrance was easily secured so that in the event of attack those inside could rest easy.
Security: For the first guests here in the 1700s, the single entrance was easily secured so that in the event of attack those inside could rest easy.
Maureen O'Hare/CNN
<strong>Rooms: </strong>The rooms have arched ceilings and original doors.
Rooms: The rooms have arched ceilings and original doors.
Maureen O'Hare/CNN
<strong>The simple life:</strong> Prices start at 30 Manats (around $18) per night.
The simple life: Prices start at 30 Manats (around $18) per night.
Maureen O'Hare/CNN
<strong>Bedroom:</strong> The rooms have plenty of atmosphere, but facilities are very basic. It's a taste of the country's Soviet past as well as the 18th century.
Bedroom: The rooms have plenty of atmosphere, but facilities are very basic. It's a taste of the country's Soviet past as well as the 18th century.
Maureen O'Hare/CNN
<strong>Garden restaurant:</strong> You don't have to stay at the hotel to visit the caravanserai. The courtyard is open to tourists between noon and 7 p.m. and there's a public restaurant too.
Garden restaurant: You don't have to stay at the hotel to visit the caravanserai. The courtyard is open to tourists between noon and 7 p.m. and there's a public restaurant too.
Maureen O'Hare/CNN
<strong>Tea house: </strong>There's also a tea house where you can enjoy a traditional Azeri tea, straight from the samovar and served with sweet treats.
Tea house: There's also a tea house where you can enjoy a traditional Azeri tea, straight from the samovar and served with sweet treats.
Maureen O'Hare/CNN
<strong>Alternatives:</strong> There are more luxury accommodation options in Sheki too, such as the Shaki Palace Hotel across the road.
Alternatives: There are more luxury accommodation options in Sheki too, such as the Shaki Palace Hotel across the road.
Maureen O'Hare/CNN