The location of the hotel can’t be beat!The staff is hot and miss..... some very nice others just don’t seem to careThe airport transfer was a great plus and free but they say til 8am on their ad but really they don’t do after 7 am. So u miss breakfast but they make a to go one for you!The room had a great view was a bit run down the bathroom was hideous and a shortage of plugs!But overall the hotel because of location u can overlook a lot! Not too many staff members speak English well.

The location of the hotel can’t be beat! The staff is hot and miss..... some very nice others just don’t seem to care The airport transfer was a great plus and free but they say til 8am on their ad but really they don’t do after 7 am. So u miss breakfast but they make a to go one for you! The room had a great view was a bit run down the bathroom was hideous and a shortage of plugs! But overall the hotel because of location u can overlook a lot! Not too many staff members speak English well.

Easy for taxis to locate. Not much in the area but is a manageable walk to the two cathedrals and main museums. Airport taxis are likely to cost in the region of 4000 to 5000 each way and the journey is 20 to 30 mins depending on traffic. Quick check in, hotel has been made over recently with marble bathrooms, superior rooms are spacious and come with team making although had to unplug things to obtain sockets. Is an over site that the TV can’t be seen from the main beds, but lighting was reasonable, the twin room had a spare third bed, there are cupboards and a desk, couple of chairs, room had two balconies facing onto the theatre out the front as well as a table, bedside cabinets and a clean carpet. Minibar fridge and drinks confusing. Wasn’t sure if the water on the table was charged or not as the size of the water bottles in the fridge didn’t match the charge sheet. Corridor was noisy late into the evening and early in the morning due to the neighbours, one of whom was playing the public piano next to the lifts after midnight, and the minibar knocked on the door in the morning. Otherwise good service, luggage was stored at reception, hotel’s taxi service was reliable, only significant issue was not being able to control the temperature as there were no remotes for the air conditioners.

Easy for taxis to locate. Not much in the area but is a manageable walk to the two cathedrals and main museums. Airport taxis are likely to cost in the region of 4000 to 5000 each way and the journey is 20 to 30 mins depending on traffic. Quick check in, hotel has been made over recently with marble bathrooms, superior rooms are spacious and come with team making although had to unplug things to obtain sockets. Is an over site that the TV can’t be seen from the main beds, but lighting was reasonable, the twin room had a spare third bed, there are cupboards and a desk, couple of chairs, room had two balconies facing onto the theatre out the front as well as a table, bedside cabinets and a clean carpet. Minibar fridge and drinks confusing. Wasn’t sure if the water on the table was charged or not as the size of the water bottles in the fridge didn’t match the charge sheet.Corridor was noisy late into the evening and early in the morning due to the neighbours, one of whom was playing the public piano next to the lifts after midnight, and the minibar knocked on the door in the morning. Otherwise good service, luggage was stored at reception, hotel’s taxi service was reliable, only significant issue was not being able to control the temperature as there were no remotes for the air conditioners.

I was so dissapointed. I booked a suite with mountain view, and got a shady room in the back. Nothing like photos, old and cold. Only 1 socket worked, in the bathroom used shampoo bottles, dirty towels and long black hair in bed. The only positive point was the restaurant, which was spotless, and food was good. After 1 night we moved to a different hotel, which was perfect.

All and all this is a great hotel. It got this certain kind of glow that comes with it`s history and the fact that its practically a landmark in Almaty, everyone in town knows about it. The skybar food was great. The resturant on 2nd floor, where brakefast is served duing morning was mediocre at best. I have to mention the skybar once more, the meat there is fabtastic. However the hotel lacks the details that makes a 5-star hotel earn it`s stars. One example is the shower. I stayed in a junior suite and the wall mounted shower nozzle was at a hight about 1.5 meter. So you had to kneel to take a shower. The hose was even shorter. There where also alot of stains on the walls left by someones dirty hands. Although there are some issues in terms of standard I would stay there again if I get the chance to. The location is great and the view is breathtaking

The hotel has a magnificent mountain view. My room was at the back side, but guests can go out of one of the balconies and can make pleasure of the athmosphere. Located also at a very convenient place. My room was not made up during my stay. No water. And my bed was not a queen size as offered on the booking. Overall: location beats all...

Breakfast is very good for both location and food. The location is very convenient. I am not satisfied with the amenities. I want at least a toothbrush and a trash can.

This hotel is nice on the outside but somewhat tired inside. My disappointments were 1). I was told we could not use the pool without making an appointment to use the facilities and had to pay. This was not made aware of at any point with booking this hotel. 2). There was work/construction at the hotel which was not made aware to us when we checked in and then in our room we had a jack-hammer sound above us. We brought this to the attention of the hotel, only to be told it will finish at 6pm. It continued until 6.30pm when I raised it with the hotel staff again. The noise stopped around 7pm. 3). We had breakfast included in our room rate and were told it was from 7am. We explained we were leaving/checking out at 7am and could we come down sooner for breakfast. The lady said we could come down at 6.45am. When we arrived we were tild that breakfast was not possible. The service by the staff was so unhelpful, to a point of being rude. I asked could we have a breakfast take-away bag or a coffee and was told I would need to pay for coffee. After 20mins of discussion the staff were still unhelpful and breakfast still was not being served. I had explained we were leaving to travel a few hours by car and something to eat would be nice but the staff were not interested. 4).The lifts to the room are very small so awkward with our luggage.I feel that booking through Expedia you are treated differently. If it wasn’t for Expedia we would not have found or stayed in this hotel.

This hotel is nice on the outside but somewhat tired inside. My disappointments were 1). I was told we could not use the pool without making an appointment to use the facilities and had to pay. This was not made aware of at any point with booking this hotel. 2). There was work/construction at the hotel which was not made aware to us when we checked in and then in our room we had a jack-hammer sound above us. We brought this to the attention of the hotel, only to be told it will finish at 6pm. It continued until 6.30pm when I raised it with the hotel staff again. The noise stopped around 7pm. 3). We had breakfast included in our room rate and were told it was from 7am. We explained we were leaving/checking out at 7am and could we come down sooner for breakfast. The lady said we could come down at 6.45am. When we arrived we were tild that breakfast was not possible. The service by the staff was so unhelpful, to a point of being rude. I asked could we have a breakfast take-away bag or a coffee and was told I would need to pay for coffee. After 20mins of discussion the staff were still unhelpful and breakfast still was not being served. I had explained we were leaving to travel a few hours by car and something to eat would be nice but the staff were not interested. 4).The lifts to the room are very small so awkward with our luggage. I feel that booking through Expedia you are treated differently. If it wasn’t for Expedia we would not have found or stayed in this hotel.

Very good value. Perfect location. Nice renovated building.

Very good value. Perfect location. Nice renovated building.

My second time staying at the Almaty Hotel, and I'll definitely stay there again. Located downtown in walking distance to all the main attractions, the hotel has a great vibe. Best of all are the stunning mountain views, especially from the suites on the upper floors. The breakfast buffet, which was very good last year, is improved, and there's a new coffee shop now on the first floor. The staff is very attentive and welcoming. Most know some English, and will call a colleague with excellent English if necessary. Located right next to the main pedestrian concourse and a subway station, there are excellent coffee shops, cafes, and restaurants all around the hotel. The Almaty opera house is directly across the street, featuring excellent productions at ridiculously cheap prices (by western standards). There are many fancier and more expensive hotels in Almaty full of expats and the international crowd, but I much prefer the atmosphere of the Almaty Hotel, which has a balanced mix of local Kazakhstanis and international travelers. For me, the decision is easy: When I'm in Almaty, I stay at the Almaty Hotel. The mountain view alone is priceless.

The location is good.

Its location is very good and so was able to walk around the city. My own concern as an English speaking tourist was most of the TV was in Russian also the street sighs are in Russian letters and so could not read. If Almaty wants more international visitors needs to be more English language focussed rather than Russian focussed as Englidh is the main international langusge

Its location is very good and so was able to walk around the city. My own concern as an English speaking tourist was most of the TV was in Russian also the street sighs are in Russian letters and so could not read. If Almaty wants more international visitors needs to be more English language focussed rather than Russian focussed as Englidh is the main international langusge

This hotel is okay; bathroom felt small and cramped as if you are in a closet. Breakfast buffet could use a little more variety. Asked housekeeper for coffee and water - two hours later I had to go to front desk and ask for it.

It is central and many restaurants around. One big supermarket is just 6 minutes walk away selling all kind of the food stuff that are needed. You can walk to a few museums, Green Bazzar and Famous parks comfortably. Hotel Staff are friendly and are able to speak English. Good to choose room facing mountain in high floor to get good city view.

Beautiful view at the balcony breakfast was best free breakfast I’ve ever had in a hotel

The location and the view was good. Although the hotel had completed its renovation, the facility was just acceptable. We booked a triple room but always had only 2 beds. But the staff could fixed those problems well.

Nice hotel right in the center. Excellent breakfast

Lovely hotel right in the middle of downtown Almaty in easy walking distance to all the parks and museums and with stunningly beautiful views of the mountains and the opera house. Very reasonable rates, including a very good, hearty breakfast buffet. Not many people from the U.S. seem to stay here--mostly Kazakhs and Russians, but the staff is very welcoming and helpful. Most speak some English. At the front desk, if you ask something more complicated in English, they will quickly find someone with excellent English to help you. You could stay at one of the more expensive hotels full of ex-pats and people from the U.S., but really, why would you want to do that? Why are you traveling if not to really experience a new country? The area around the Almaty Hotel has a great vibe at night--street musicians, restaurants, and lots of people just strolling around. I'd suggest the larger rooms & suites on the upper floors are best and have the best views (and are not expensive). All the rooms have private balconies. They will arrange to pick you up at the airport if you ask for a very reasonable price (about $12). I'll definitely stay at the Almaty Hotel again when I return next year.

Great service. The best location and newly designed rooms on two of the floors. Surprised by how decent the breakfast was. Overall great value!

My friends were charged for additional things that they never used. Very disappointing.

Some rooms are run down, whereas others have been renovated. Great views of mountains. Friendly staff.

Some rooms are run down, whereas others have been renovated. Great views of mountains. Friendly staff.

The hotel is going through a major remodeling of the upper floors 6,7 and 8. I did have a change to see the work being done. It will make all those rooms very modern with upgrades like more upscale hotels. I liked this hotel for its location in Old Almaty section of town. The buffet breakfast was very tasty with many choices of local cuisine. The hotel staff are first rate and always helpful. I am looking forward to staying there again on a return trip next year.

The hotel is going through a major remodeling of the upper floors 6,7 and 8. I did have a change to see the work being done. It will make all those rooms very modern with upgrades like more upscale hotels. I liked this hotel for its location in Old Almaty section of town. The buffet breakfast was very tasty with many choices of local cuisine. The hotel staff are first rate and always helpful. I am looking forward to staying there again on a return trip next year.

The hotel is going through a major remodeling of the upper floors 6,7 and 8. I did have a change to see the work being done. It will make all those rooms very modern with upgrades like more upscale hotels. I liked this hotel for its location in Old Almaty section of town. The buffet breakfast was very tasty with many choices of local cuisine. The hotel staff are first rate and always helpful. I am looking forward to staying there again on a return trip next year.

the hotel is being renovated and only the 8th floor is open (sic). There is no wifi on the 8th floor. Also there is no front door on the hotel: I dragged my suitcase into a very elegant wedding reception next door before being re-directed. Staff were very pleasant and eager to help if also sometimes panicked (like if you try to order food in the restaurant - sic).The hotel is a 1960 architectural masterpiece and the views from the 8th floor of the Opera House and the mountains are fantastic.

the hotel is being renovated and only the 8th floor is open (sic). There is no wifi on the 8th floor. Also there is no front door on the hotel: I dragged my suitcase into a very elegant wedding reception next door before being re-directed. Staff were very pleasant and eager to help if also sometimes panicked (like if you try to order food in the restaurant - sic).The hotel is a 1960 architectural masterpiece and the views from the 8th floor of the Opera House and the mountains are fantastic.

the hotel is being renovated and only the 8th floor is open (sic). There is no wifi on the 8th floor. Also there is no front door on the hotel: I dragged my suitcase into a very elegant wedding reception next door before being re-directed. Staff were very pleasant and eager to help if also sometimes panicked (like if you try to order food in the restaurant - sic). The hotel is a 1960 architectural masterpiece and the views from the 8th floor of the Opera House and the mountains are fantastic.