Almaty Backpackers

They cancelled a booking I’d had for a while just two days before I was due to arrive, saying there’d been a Hostelworld error and they were overbooked. I understand technical problems happen, but losing my deposit when they were the ones backing out of the agreement is unacceptable. They marked the cancellation as my choice, which it absolutely wasn’t, and made it about 10 hours after the free cancellation period had ended. I lost the deposit and had to find somewhere else at the last minute.

For what you pay, this is an adequate hostel. It was enjoyable even though I may have visited at a particularly busy time. The best part was how easy it was to meet other backpackers. The rooms were okay, but the beds creaked a lot and weren’t very comfortable. Service ranged from mediocre to kind of rude. Even a small request, like asking for a fresh towel, could make it seem like a huge burden.

The staff are very friendly, and the atmosphere is welcoming and social. The front yard is a great place to hang out, play cards, and chat. Rooms are cheap, and the beds are comfy, though a bit hard. The location is pretty good too, next to a shop and down the road from a great restaurant. It lives up to the name, and I’d highly recommend it.

The location worked really well, and the staff were genuinely kind and ready to help. The cleaners were at it all the time, and the place stayed spotless. My only drawbacks were the thin mattresses and beds with no curtains. It also felt pretty quiet socially while I was there, though maybe that was just the season. Still, I had a pleasant stay.