After a series of small hotels, guest houses and yurt camps, the final two nights of our Central Asian tour were being spent in a ‘grown up’ hotel, and consequently it was the only check-in where forms had to be filled in and passports provided.
There were seven floors, and we were on the fifth in room 510. The spacious room, decorated in shades of beige, had a comfortable double bed with bedside tables, lights and charging points. There was an easy chair and round coffee table with a lovely display of white tulips which may have been a nod to the fact that the flower originated in Kazakhstan. The dark wood furniture was elegant and had a desk and stool and TV. The wardrobe had a safe, slippers and the mini bar was stocked with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, whilst as well as bottled water, the hot drinks facilities included two cups and one green and one black tea bag with a kettle. Basically, there was everything we’d not experienced much on the tour. Bearing in mind the city centre location, the Wi-Fi was a bit flaky and kept dropping in and out.
The bathroom, with an irritating squeaky door, was a good size with a walk-in shower but unfortunately the temperature varied and got rather cold at times. However, there was a good hairdryer and mirror combination and a decent shaving mirror.
The second floor had a bar/café with terrace above the entrance. As well as drinks we also ate here on our first night and enjoyed a simple fettucine alfredo and chicken breast with parmesan and spinach along with a bottle of wine followed by two coffees. Our bill came to 32,340 Tenge or £54.36.
Breakfast from 7am to 10am had a good selection of juices, infused waters, yoghurt, cereal, cold meats and hams, salad and lots of hot dishes including fried, scrambled and boiled eggs, porridge, a chicken dish and sausages. There was also a good range of breads and cakes and a coffee machine.
The hotel was not in the best location in terms of eating and drinking out, and in the nearest place the menu was only in Russian, and the next nearest was the Paulaner Brauhaus (see separate review). However, it was quiet, and we slept soundly.
Whilst this would normally not have been an exceptional stay, after some of our experiences on the tour, it felt like a palace.
