Have been working in Baku for 9 years now. The changes I have seen first hand are crazy. Much more expensive here then 9 years ago. Best hotels would be Hilton, Marriot, Four Seasons, and the Flame Towers. (not sure of the name) I have a year long Resident card which allows me to come and go for an entire year as much as I want. It stinks though when its time to apply for a new one each year like I am doing now. have to go through the whole normal Visa process and send my passport out to LA. last time, the post office lost my passport after getting the Visa in it and sent to me. nightmare. May, June, July, Aug, Sept are my favorite months here. love the board walk and the nice weather. I dont find it humid at all and this is coming from someone who grew up in the high deserts of New Mexico. I have lived in Louisiana, Houston, and Thailand. Now that is humid. Any questions related to the city and things to see or do or eat, I can try to answer you.