Introduction

In Almaty I’m staying at the Doubletree by Hilton. The hotel is located close to the city centre and about 25 kilometres from Almaty Airport. The hotel does not have a shuttle to and from the airport. However, they are happy to organize a transfer if it is requested by mail. Depending on the car type, the fare is between EUR40 and EUR90.

The lobby is very typical of the Doubletree chain, in that it’s very down to earth and unpretentious. At the far end of the lobby is a small bar that is open all day long.

Breakfast

Breakfast is served on the second floor and is served as a buffet. In addition, omelettes and other egg dishes can be ordered from the staff. The selection is quite extensive. Be warned, though, of the somewhat unruly toaster, which I’m convinced is possessed and will likely burn down the whole building down one of these days.

Rooftop Terrace Bar

Dinner is served in the enclosed rooftop terrace restaurant, which also doubles as a trendy bar. And that, right there, is the problem. While the food at the restaurant is good, the volume of the music coming from the loudspeakers in the bar area is deafening and makes it near impossible to keep a conversation. I know, I know: I’m getting old.

King Room

The architecture of the hotel is a bit weird, mainly because Almaty lies on a fault line. The hotel has been designed and enforced to withstand earthquakes.

I’ve booked a King room with mountain view, on floor 9. Straight up ahead from the entrance is a desk in the corner, up against one of the t-shaped columns that run the full height of the building to strengthen it’s structure.

Amenities

The room also has a credenza with a hot water kettle, tea, instant coffee and small tubs of milk. Bottles of still water are replenished daily. The room also has slippers and a bathrobe.

Up against the window is a small sofa that’s quite lumpy but still comfortable enough. By the way, the temperature in the hotel is generally very high, and it remains so even after I turn off the heating. Fortunately, you can open the window to let in some cooler air. However, fresh the air is not. It’s heavy with the smell of burning coals that are used for heating.

The bed is fairly large and firm. The pillows are also quite firm and with just the perfect thickness to offer good support.

The bathroom is surprisingly spacious and features a walk-in shower. The cosmetics are by Crabtree & Evelyne and have a nice, fresh smell.

The view of the outside and the mountains in the distance is brilliant on the ninth floor. Almaty is very unusual in that it’s a city of 2.5 million. Even so, a short bus ride of about thirty minutes will bring you to some really good ski slopes covered in about 1 meter of snow at the foot of Mount Shymbulak.

The Service

I find the people of Kazachstan generally very friendly and helpful. They go out of their way to make you feel welcome with their generosity and kindness. Sadly, interactions with them are not easy and hampered by language issues. Not everyone speaks English, and even if they do, it’s usually at a fairly basic level. As a result, whenever you ask for something at the hotel, you’re never quite sure they understood until you get it.

Conclusion

The Doubltree hotels are usually not my first choice when travelling. They’re okay, but the style of the rooms tends to be slightly old-fashioned. Nonetheless, the Doubletree Almaty is a pleasant enough hotel in a good location close to the city centre. I wouldn’t mind visiting Almaty again some day, and I would consider staying at the Doubletree again.