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Summary of reviewsKazakhstan Express, located in the heart of Almaty, is highly praised for its prime location, offering easy access to major tourist attractions, cafes, restaurants, shopping centers and public transportation. The historic building offers stunning views of the city and surrounding mountains, enriching the guest experience with a blend of modern amenities and historical charm.
The breakfast experience is a standout feature of the hotel with an extensive and diverse buffet catering to various tastes, including vegetarians. The quality and freshness of the food, along with the attentive and responsive staff, earn high marks from guests. Despite minor criticisms about the freshness and organization during peak times, breakfast remains a guest favorite.
Dinner options at the hotel's 26th-floor restaurant are well-received for their romantic setting and quality food. The lobby bar is also noted for its tasty offerings and the vibrant dining scene around the hotel provides ample alternatives for guests seeking local cuisine. While the in-house restaurant can be noisy and some dishes overly salty, overall, guests find the dining experiences convenient and varied.
Rooms at Kazakhstan Express receive mixed reviews. While many guests appreciate cleanliness, coziness and amenities, some note the need for renovations due to outdated decor and old furniture. Issues like small room size, poor air conditioning and maintenance problems are reported, but the staff's responsiveness and room upgrades help mitigate these concerns. The hotel's central location and picturesque views from higher floors remain redeeming features.
Cleanliness is another mixed aspect. Many guests commend the daily cleaning service and the clean, cozy rooms. However, complaints about dated facilities, dirty carpets and superficial cleaning point to an inconsistency in housekeeping.
The staff earns generally positive reviews for their friendliness, professionalism and multilingual capabilities, which enhance the guest experience for international travelers. Although some guests report issues with slow reception services and inexperienced staff, the overall sentiment is favorable, thanks to the staff's courteous and helpful nature.
Free WiFi is available throughout the hotel with mixed results. While some guests find it satisfactory for streaming in common areas, others experience poor connections and slow speeds in rooms, especially on higher floors.
Parking is convenient and free, though it can be limited during weekends. The hotel’s effort to manage parking space effectively and the availability of alternative street parking add to the overall guest satisfaction.
Kazakhstan Express stands out as a family-friendly option with spacious suites, family rooms and proximity to parks with playgrounds. While some family rooms can be small, the helpful staff and the excellent breakfast enjoyed by younger guests enhance the family vacation experience.
Beds receive mixed feedback with many guests complimenting the clean and comfortable bedding. Some, however, find the beds too small or uncomfortable, highlighting the need for mattress replacements.
As a three-star hotel, Kazakhstan Express offers good value for money despite some areas appearing run-down. It meets standard expectations with its clean, cozy rooms and helpful service, making it a suitable choice for economy travelers.
Overall, Kazakhstan Express offers a blend of comfort, convenience and local hospitality, making it an appealing option for both short and long-term stays in Almaty. Show more
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Categories
3-Star Hotel
This hotel offers a good location and comfortable accommodations. It is noted for its helpful staff and convenient access to nearby attractions.
Hotel with Spa
Family Friendly Hotel
Business Hotel
Hotel with Parking
Room Types
Standard Single RoomFeaturing free toiletries and bathrobes, this single room includes a private bathroom with a bath, a shower and a hairdryer. The air-conditioned single room features a TV with cable channels, a private entrance, a wardrobe, a safe deposit box as well as mountain views. The unit has 1 bed.
Standard Double RoomProviding free toiletries and bathrobes, this double room includes a private bathroom with a bath, a shower and a hairdryer. The air-conditioned double room provides a TV with cable channels, a private entrance, a wardrobe, a safe deposit box as well as mountain views. The unit offers 1 bed.
Superior Twin RoomOffering free toiletries and bathrobes, this twin room includes a private bathroom with a bath, a shower and a hairdryer. The air-conditioned twin room offers a TV with cable channels, a private entrance, a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe as well as mountain views. The unit offers 2 beds.
Family RoomProviding free toiletries and bathrobes, this family room includes a private bathroom with a bath, a shower and a hairdryer. The air-conditioned family room provides a TV with cable channels, a private entrance, a tea and coffee maker, a seating area as well as mountain views. The unit offers 2 beds.
Superior Double RoomProviding free toiletries and bathrobes, this double room includes a private bathroom with a bath, a shower and a hairdryer. The air-conditioned double room provides a TV with cable channels, a private entrance, a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe as well as mountain views. The unit offers 1 bed.
Guest Reviews
Location
Kazakhstan Express is nestled in a prime location right in the heart of Almaty, making it an exceptional choice for visitors seeking convenience and accessibility. The hotel is celebrated for its close proximity to major tourist attractions, including the Kok-Tobe cable car and numerous parks, cafes, restaurants and shopping centers. The historic building adds to its charm, offering guests a unique experience with stunning views of the city and the surrounding mountains. Public transportation options are abundant, making it easy to explore the city's vibrant scenes. With a blend of modern amenities and a rich historical backdrop, Kazakhstan Express stands out as a top-notch accommodation option in Almaty's bustling city center.
Breakfast
The breakfast experience at Kazakhstan Express has garnered overwhelmingly positive feedback from guests. Many reviewers praised the rich and diverse buffet options, noting the variety of delicious dishes available, which cater to multiple tastes, including vegetarian and non-vegetarian preferences. The breakfast spread is described as extensive and abundant with a wide array of choices from freshly prepared omelets, pastries, cheeses and more. Guests repeatedly commended the quality and freshness of the food, highlighting the fantastic selection and taste.
Service during breakfast also received high marks with many guests grateful to the attentive and responsive staff, including special mentions for the chefs and waitresses. Additionally, the breakfast's value for money is often emphasized, making it a standout feature of the hotel.
Minor criticisms included occasional complaints about the freshness of certain items like pastries and the organization of the buffet, particularly during busy times. There were also a few mentions of the breakfast becoming repetitive for long-term stays. Despite these few drawbacks, the breakfast at Kazakhstan Express remains a highlight for many visitors, contributing significantly to their overall satisfaction with their stay.
Dinner
Kazakhstan Express offers a variety of dining experiences with notable highlights being the convenience and quality of meals available. The restaurant on the 26th floor is particularly favored for its romantic setting, making it an excellent choice for dinner. Additionally, the hotel has a cute and tasty lobby bar. Many guests enjoyed delicious food, mentioning the availability of options for both lunch and dinner with standout items like salads and club sandwiches.
The dining scene around the hotel is also vibrant with many good restaurants and cafes within walking distance, providing ample options for guests looking to explore local cuisine. Despite some noise from nearby cafes, the variety ensures that guests can find nearby places to eat if they prefer to dine outside the hotel.
However, there were some areas for improvement: the staff did not always inform guests about additional amenities like the spa or sky bar, breakfast pastries were noted to be less fresh and some guests found the in-house restaurant noisy. Additionally, the lunch buffet has been missed by several visitors and there was feedback about the food being overly salty at times.
Overall, Kazakhstan Express provides a solid dining experience with rich options both within and around the hotel, making it a convenient and versatile choice for travelers.
Rooms
Kazakhstan Express offers a mixed experience when it comes to its rooms. Most guests have praised the cleanliness with many rooms being described as clean, cozy and equipped with necessary amenities like kettles, tea and coffee. Spacious rooms on higher floors were appreciated for their beautiful views and quiet ambiance.
However, the hotel struggles with outdated decor and old furniture with many reviewers noting the need for significant renovations. Issues such as small room sizes, poor air conditioning, faulty locks and limited outlets were commonly mentioned. Some guests experienced maintenance problems like leaking air conditioning units and old, uncomfortable beds, while others noted the lack of modern amenities like refrigerators and safes.
Despite these drawbacks, the staff responsiveness and efficient room upgrades have been highlighted as positives. Given the broad range of room conditions, from worn-out and basic to recently renovated and spacious, guests' experiences can vary significantly depending on their specific room assignment. The hotel’s iconic status and central location do provide some redeeming features, offering guests a glimpse into Almaty's historic charm.
Beds
Kazakhstan Express offers a mixed experience when it comes to the comfort of its beds. On the positive side, guests frequently mention that the beds are comfortable with clean and cozy accommodations. The sheets are described as snow-white, adding to the overall cleanliness and appeal. Many found the mattresses to be adequately supportive and appreciated the large, comfortable beds, often with soft, fluffy pillows and cozy blankets. The consistency in daily changing of bed linens and bath amenities adds a touch of convenience and comfort for guests.
However, the reviews also highlight several drawbacks. Quite a few guests found the beds to be too small or uncomfortable, often mentioning that the mattresses need replacing due to old age or sagging. In some cases, guests were disappointed to find two single beds joined together instead of the double bed they had booked, creating a gap in the middle which affected the sleeping comfort. There were also complaints about hard or squeaky mattresses and inconsistent bedding sizes.
In terms of specific requests, the hotel does not always meet expectations with some guests noting unfulfilled requests and inadequate items such as bathrobes or slippers. Overall, while many guests enjoyed a good night's sleep, others felt that the beds fell short in terms of comfort and consistency.
Cleanliness
Kazakhstan Express presents a mixed yet somewhat positive picture regarding cleanliness standards. Many guests appreciate the clean rooms and the consistent daily cleaning service. Rooms are often described as clean, cozy and comfortable with clean bedding, towels and a good overall sense of cleanliness. The helpful and responsive cleaning staff contribute positively to the hotel's image, making their cleaning efforts noticeable and timely for many visitors.
However, a significant number of guests have reported issues with the overall cleanliness. Complaints frequently mention dated facilities, dirty carpets, dusty floors and inadequate or superficial cleaning. Some guests pointed out specific issues such as unnoticed dust, hair and unclean bathrooms with a few noting odors of cigarette smoke and unclean windows.
The divergence in experiences seems rooted in the inconsistency of the housekeeping service with some guests finding the rooms impeccably clean, while others reported subpar conditions. Despite this, the hotel's reasonable value for money and clean, pleasant décor contribute to an overall acceptable stay for many visitors. The staff's courteousness and willingness to assist also add to the positive remarks, indicating a generally welcoming environment.
Staff
The staff at 'Kazakhstan Express' generally receives high praise from guests for their friendliness, helpfulness and professionalism. Visitors frequently mention that the reception staff is particularly attentive and responsive, often solving issues promptly and efficiently. Several reviews highlight the excellent customer service, pleasant demeanor and willingness to assist with various needs, from providing an extension cord to arranging airport transfers.
Moreover, the hotel is recognized for its family-friendly atmosphere with staff being described as accommodating and welcoming. Breakfast staff also earn commendations for their exemplary service, contributing to a positive dining experience. However, not all feedback is glowing; some guests noted issues with slow reception services, inexperienced staff and occasional unresponsiveness.
Despite some areas for improvement, such as training and managing high workloads at reception, the overall sentiment toward the staff remains positive. Their ability to communicate in multiple languages, including English, Kazakh and Russian, adds to the convenience for international travelers. The commitment of the housekeeping staff to maintain cleanliness is frequently acknowledged, enhancing the overall guest experience.
In summary, while there are occasional hiccups, the staff at 'Kazakhstan Express' is largely recognized for their courteous and helpful nature, contributing significantly to the hotel's welcoming environment and making guests' stays enjoyable.
Wi-Fi
Kazakhstan Express has left guests with a mix of experiences regarding its WiFi. Many guests appreciated the free WiFi throughout the hotel, describing it as working very well, stellar and even fast enough to stream Netflix without problems. Some mentioned good internet and high-speed performance in common areas like the lobby. However, the WiFi experience in the rooms, especially those with mountain views or on higher floors, was often less satisfactory. Complaints included slow speeds, poor connections, occasional outages and WiFi that didn’t work at all. Some guests found the WiFi barely reached their rooms, describing it as weak, unreliable or practically nonexistent. While the lobby seemed to offer a more stable internet connection, the overall consensus is that the in-room WiFi could significantly improve.
Parking
Kazakhstan Express offers a range of parking options that cater to various needs, making it relatively convenient for guests with vehicles. The hotel provides free parking on site, which many guests find very accessible and a great bonus. The parking lot is conveniently located right next to the hotel, ensuring easy access.
Despite the convenience, there are some challenges, particularly during weekends when the car park tends to fill up quickly, leading to occasional shortages of parking spaces. Some guests also noted a lack of parking information upon arrival. However, for the most part, the parking is secure and provides free private parking, which is appreciated by many visitors.
For those who may need alternative parking options, street parking is available, although it might require a bit of a walk. Guests also mentioned the presence of fast elevators, adding to the overall convenience even if the parking space is not immediately adjacent.
Overall, Kazakhstan Express does a commendable job of accommodating guest vehicles with its free and safe parking options, even if there is sometimes a need to manage space efficiently during peak times.
Family
Kazakhstan Express stands out as an accommodating option for families, particularly noted for its family rooms and suites designed to cater to larger groups. The spacious 2-room suites are praised for comfortably hosting a family of up to four people, making it a favorable choice for those traveling with children. Guests have highlighted the excellent location, which offers stunning views of the mountains and proximity to a nearby park with playgrounds, making it ideal for outdoor activities with kids.
Many families have enjoyed their stays, appreciating the family-friendly amenities and the availability of a separate room for children. The helpful and responsive staff have also received positive remarks, especially for promptly providing necessities like cribs. The buffet breakfast has been a hit with the younger guests, ensuring that everyone is well-fed and ready for the day's adventures.
While the hotel offers a family-friendly atmosphere, some guests have noted that the family rooms can be on the smaller side and the double beds may not be spacious enough for some families. The bathroom facilities have also been mentioned as less suitable for elderly family members. Despite these minor inconveniences, the hotel remains a popular choice for family vacations, praised for being clean, comfortable and providing excellent value for money.
Overall, Kazakhstan Express offers a pleasant stay for families looking for a combination of comfort, convenience and a touch of local hospitality.
3 Star
Kazakhstan Express and Kazakhstan Hotel share the same premises, creating a dual experience for guests. This legendary three-star hotel, located in the center, has an overall high occupancy rate due to its value for the price and central location. Guests generally feel that the hotel meets the standard expectations of a three-star rating, although some mention that certain rooms show signs of wear and could use some maintenance.
Reviews indicate that while the hotel is a bit run-down in parts, it still offers good value for economy travelers. The rooms, though small, are clean and cozy, providing a relatively quiet environment without disturbances from neighbors. Some guests were fortunate to receive free upgrades to rooms of higher quality, contrasting sharply with the more outdated three-star accommodations.
Service experiences have been mixed with some reviewers suggesting that the training of the staff could be improved. Despite this, a number of guests expressed their willingness to stay again, pointing to a satisfactory price-quality ratio that fits its three-star classification. While there are some criticisms, including maintenance issues and a retro style that may not appeal to everyone, the hotel delivers a solid experience that aligns with its current rating.
Business
Kazakhstan Express appears to be highly recommended for business travelers visiting Almaty. Boasting a central location in the business area of the city, the hotel offers convenient access to business centers and reliable transportation options, such as the nearby cable car to Kok-Tobe. The reception staff, known for their professionalism and proficiency in English, facilitate quick check-ins and handle professional requests efficiently.
The hotel's amenities are tailored to meet business needs. It offers a well-equipped business center complete with computers and printers, although some guests have noted the computers can be slow. The rooms, adequate for business meetings, are supplied with essential items like disposable razors and creams which add a touch of convenience for busy travelers. Wi-Fi is generally functional with some minor issues inhibiting video calls.
Guests have highlighted the cleanliness and the array of sufficient amenities provided, which contribute to an overall pleasant stay. Furthermore, the breakfast and food services were found to be of decent quality, adding value to the overall experience.
Kazakhstan Express also serves as a permanent choice for repeated business trips with several reviews emphasizing its suitability and the good rates it offers for business stays. Guests have praised the helpful and friendly staff for their politeness and professionalism. Conference rooms and business lunches are available, making it ideal for holding meetings and hosting professional gatherings.
Although occasionally fully booked which inconveniently impacts those needing last-minute changes, the hotel generally stands out as a dependable choice for business travelers, echoing its reputation as a landmark in Almaty’s vibrant city center.
No, Kazakhstan Express doesn't have any pool.
Yes, a spa is available at Kazakhstan Express.
No, Kazakhstan Express doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Kazakhstan Express.