ibis Aktobe

Check-in and check-out were easy, and the reception team was very polite and efficient. I was frustrated, though, when I asked to have tea brought to my room and was told to collect it from the bar. They said staff deliver food, but not tea or drinks because those are cheap, even though some food items cost less than tea. It seems odd that a sandwich can be delivered but tea at the same price can't. I also hope the hotel gets a gym. Making a reservation is a real challenge. The hotel isn't listed on the Accor website or app, or on booking.com, so it can only be booked by email. I understand this problem has been going on for 2-3 months, and assume it's hurting occupancy. Nobody at the hotel knows when it will be sorted out.

I've stayed at Ibis hotels around the world, and haven't come across this before. During my week here, breakfast food was always gone by 9:30. The explanation was that there were too many guests that day. I strongly recommend Ibis managers look into this hotel.

The included buffet breakfast was plentiful and delicious. The bathroom was spotless, with a hot shower and great water pressure. The room was clean, big enough, had plenty of plugs, and the bed was really comfortable. Everything you need is nearby, and the staff are friendly and speak good English.

The restaurant has a wide selection, including Cossacks cuisine, a little Chinese food, and some American dishes. I especially liked the crispy eggplant salad, and our dinner server was extremely nice. It's easy to find the hotel, which is in the city and close to the center. The hotel is clean and has the usual chain restaurant standard. I couldn't find an iron at the ibis in Astana or here. The room isn't very big and there's not much space for large luggage, but it's fine for a few nights on a business trip.