Grand Hotel Ai Ser

On my recent visit, a couple of weeks ago, I had a very pleasant stay. I’d first been here about a year earlier. The staff are helpful and available around the clock, and the rooms are nice and clean. Breakfast offered lots of choices. I was surprised to see a soccer match at Almaty stadium from my window 😁 I’d happily recommend this hotel to anyone visiting Almaty.

We booked one night at Regardal Hotel Almaty and asked for early check-in because our flight landed at 2 a.m. At arrival, a staff member named AIVAR said early check-in wasn’t possible and wanted 40,000 ₸ for an extra room. We bargained and settled on 7,000 ₸. I handed him 10,000 ₸, and he said he’d bring back the 3,000 ₸ change later, but it never came. The next day, staff said he was off and wouldn’t return the money. A total waste of money and time. Avoid this hotel.

This was the worst hotel I’ve stayed in. The room was dirty and had no central heating. All I got was a portable heater, and it could barely warm the place. It’s more like an overpriced flophouse. Avoid it.

I had a great week in Kazakhstan and really enjoyed the hotel too. The food was great, especially the Tom Yum from the main menu, the best I’ve ever tried. There’s lots nearby, and the river is lovely for late walks. Staff were nice, though not all of them spoke English. The city view from the 12th floor is great.