Kazakhstan - Central Asia - page 57

Park¨Hostel¨ HOSTEL $
( % 707-470 8005; www.hostel-almaty.kz;
Shevchenko 190; dm 2000T; W ) Though west
of the central area (a 700m walk north from
Alatau metro station), the Park is cosy, well-
equipped, clean and friendly, with male, fe-
male and mixed dorms (three to six people)
and a good kitchen. Washing machine, cof-
fee, tea and drinking water are free.
The entrance is at the back of the build-
ing, towards the east end, with a small sign
outside when we visited.
Lessor¨Apartments¨ APARTmENT $
( % 279 50 74; www.lessor.kz; office Zheltoksan 74;
apt US$49-80; h office 10am-9pm; aW ) Lessor
rents out ordinary city-centre apartments
for two to four people with kitchen and
bathroom, most within a five-minute walk
of its office. They have normal local home
furnishings, so you get some sense of what
local living is like. If you book ahead then
call on arrival in Almaty, staff will explain
how to reach your apartment and will meet
you there. The office entrance is on Zhibek
Zholy.
Hotel¨Saulet¨ HOTEL $
( % 263 47 10; www.hotel-saulet.kz; Furmanov 187;
dm 3000T, d 8000-18,000T, all incl breakfast; aW )
The Saulet's bare, clean, non-AC, five-person
dorms - with single beds or bunks, toilet, ba-
sin and shared showers - are an acceptable
budget option. The more expensive rooms
are reasonably pleasant if you're looking for
a midrange private room. The sign above the
door just says 'Hotel Konak Uy Gostinitsa'
('hotel' in three languages).
Hotel¨Turkistan¨ HOTEL $
( % 266 41 36; www.turkistan-hotel.kz; makataev
49; s with shared shower 3000T, r with private
bathroom 6500-8000T; naW ) This hotel
opposite the Green Market, used by many
regional traders, is reasonable value but
security is not the tightest. Standard rooms
are in reasonable condition and have car-
pets, small bathtub and (if facing the street)
balconies.
Hotel¨Astra¨¨ HOTEL $$
( % 246 86 88; www.astra-hotel.kz; Zheltoksan
12; s 13,800T, d 16,800-18,000T, incl breakfast;
naWs ) A short walk from Almaty-II train
station, this is a relatively good-value place
with professional, English-speaking recep-
tion and pleasant, clean, carpeted rooms.
The restaurant serves all meals and the bar
never closes.

Hotel¨Saya¨ HOTEL $$
( % 272 32 65; www.saya-hotel.kz; Furmanov 135; r
incl breakfast 15,600-20,700T; paW ) Helpful,
Russian-speaking staff and just 15 unexcit-
ing if well-equipped rooms. The breakfast is
spartan but this is as near a sensible price
as you'll get for a midrange-quality hotel in
Almaty.
o Hotel¨Kazzhol¨ HOTEL $$$
( % 250 50 16; www.hotelkazzhol.kz; gogol 127/1;
s 13,000-38,000T, d 24,000-42,500T, incl break-
fast; pnaiWs ) The cheaper rooms in
this efficient, sparkling-clean hotel on a
quiet lane off Zhibek Zholy are the best
value at this price level. Desk staff speak
English, and the smart rooms all have writ-
ing desks and international satellite TV.
Breakfast is a good buffet and the fitness
centre has a 20m pool. Airport and station
transfers available.
Ambassador¨Hotel¨¨ HOTEL $$$
( % 250 89 89; www.ambassadorhotel.kz; Zhel-
toksan 121; s/d incl breakfast 33,600/44,800T;
paiW ) A very good medium-sized ho-
tel in the heart of the city, in a modernised
1930s building with classical decor and a
good Turkish/European restaurant. Free air-
port pickups are offered, and there are 30%
discounts on Saturday, Sunday and other
days if rooms are available. Wi-fi is US$14
per day.
InterContinental¨Almaty¨ HOTEL $$$
( % 250 50 00; www.intercontinental.com; Zheltok-
san 181; r incl breakfast from 53,600T; pnai-
Ws ) This glitzy high-rise is the lodging
of choice for many foreign businessfolk.
It has plenty of five-star amenities, includ-
ing four restaurants, a classy fitness centre
(with pool) and spa, tennis courts and a
beer garden. Rooms are very comfy. Rates
are generally lower from Friday to Sunday
nights.
Tien¨Shan¨Grand¨Hotel¨ HOTEL $$$
( % 244 96 99; www.tienshanhotels.com; Bogenbay
Batyr 115; s/d incl breakfast from 33,000/37,000T;
pnaiWs ) An elegant hotel in the
handsome former Geology Ministry build-
ing, with attractive, good-sized rooms and
friendly staff. Rates include an excellent spa
with saunas and a good pool.
Hotel¨Uyut¨ HOTEL $$$
( % 279 55 11; www.hotel-uyut.kz; gogol 127/1; s
13,000-37,500T, d 23,500-42,000T, incl breakfast;
pnaiW ) The Uyut has a traditionally