Almaty is a sprawling city on a gentle slope toward the mountains, and where you sleep affects how much time you spend in taxis. The good news is that taxis are cheap and the city is easy to read: the center and the avenues to the north, the mountain edge to the south and the modern business district around Al Farabi Avenue. Here is how our five hotels map onto the city.
Dostyk Avenue and the Medeu district: the classic central base
Dostyk is one of Almaty's main boulevards, running toward the mountains, and it puts you close to Kok-Tobe, Panfilov Park, museums and the Republic Square area. Hotel Kazakhstan is the landmark here, a large four-star tower with 355 rooms, three restaurants and two bars, and the Kok-Tobe cable car is a short walk away. It is the best pick for first-timers who want sights close by and mountain views from upper floors, at a mid-range price.
Seifullin Avenue: upscale and value in the middle of the grid
Seifullin is a major north-south artery, and two of our picks sit on it. Rixos Almaty is a full-service five-star with 235 rooms, a spa floor with a pool, a buffet brasserie and a patisserie, and suits travelers who want comfort and facilities. Holiday Inn Express Almaty is the value alternative a few blocks along, with free breakfast and free parking but no pool. Both are well placed for taxis to Zenkov Cathedral, the Green Bazaar and tour pickups.
Al Farabi Avenue and Esentai: the luxury district
Al Farabi in the south is where modern Almaty lives, with towers, a big shopping mall and polished restaurants. The Ritz-Carlton, Almaty occupies the Esentai Tower here, with mountain-view rooms, high-floor restaurants and bars, an indoor pool and a club lounge. It is quieter and more business-oriented than the old center, and it is closer to the road toward Medeu and Shymbulak, which helps on mountain days. Expect to take a short taxi ride to the central sights.
Gogol Street: good value with a pool
Hotel Kazzhol is a four-star on Gogol Street with an indoor pool, sauna, spa, gym, free breakfast buffet and free parking. Fantasy World, the Auezov Theatre and St Nicholas Cathedral are a couple of minutes by car, and MEGA Park is a short walk. For travelers who want wellness in the budget, this is the one.
How to choose
If you want walkable sights and the cable car, choose Hotel Kazakhstan. If you want a polished five-star with a pool, choose Rixos. If you want an indulgent splurge with views and top dining, choose the Ritz-Carlton. If you want value and breakfast, choose Holiday Inn Express, and if you want a pool on a budget, choose Hotel Kazzhol.
Practical advice
In winter, check that your hotel has reliable heating and ask about airport transfers, since snow can slow the road. If you have early tour pickups to Charyn or Kolsai, ask for an early breakfast or a packed one. Ask for a higher floor on the mountain side for views, and a quiet room if you are sensitive to traffic noise. Confirm parking if you drive, and whether winter tires are used on any rental car.
When to book
Almaty is busiest in summer and during the ski season, when Shymbulak fills the city. In November rates are generally calmer, but check for conferences and holidays. Book the Ritz-Carlton and Rixos earlier for weekends and events. Whichever you pick, you are never more than a short taxi ride from the main sights, so choose by budget and facilities first.
