Saraishyq Hotel

The hotel staff were quite friendly, though be prepared, not much English is spoken. Rooms were comfortable and furnished, though the bathroom was quite small and what we might consider "dingy", but it was functional and got the job done. The location I found out wasn't the safest area of the city, but it's much closer to the airport than other hotels. You can easily get a taxi or the bus into town if you know where you're going and can plan your route. Overall, decent enough, I'd recommend, but use commonsense, and keep an open mind.

The hotel was great, there was a little confusion about the air conditioning when we first arrived (they were recently installed, front desk clerk didn't believe they worked yet, and the units in central Asia only function with a remote control that wasn't in the room) but, it was quickly resolved by the staff. Looking at the pictures online one might believe that the hotel in located in a country/rural location but, it actually located in an urban area in one of the micro districts, and surrounded by a lot of small businesses (look to spend about seven dollars/one thousand tenge for a twenty minute taxi ride downtown from here). I was warned by an acquaintance in neighboring Kyrgyzstan that the area around the hotel is unsafe at night however, when my girlfriend and I walked around the area we never got the impression that we were in any danger, and the locals were actually quite helpful. The bed was the typical hard mattress that I've come to expect in central Asia, the staff spoke pretty good English, and the money saved by not staying in a downtown location made this hotel well worth the stay.

It was very quiet, conveniently located and the transportation arranged for us was top notch and extremely personalized. We really enjoyed the kind and thoughtful explanation of so much of what we saw.

They speak English well, nice indoor ambient, and close to the airport. About 20min drive to downtown Almaty.

It was something different going to Almaty but was worth it

We stayed for two nights at the Saraichik waiting for a flight connection. The hotel is situated in a suburb of Almaty and is basic but clean, we found the reception staff to be both friendly and helpful, although the majority only speak Russian or Kazak (Take a phrase book) The Hotel is a ride into the city centre and we were informed that a Taxi into town would be around £3 to £5 each way but would depend on your negotiation skills and ability to speak either Russian or Kazak. (The hotel can arrange this for you but the rate is higher) There are local buses that could transport you for around £1 rtn trip, unfortunately no one seemed to know which one to take. Breakfast was OK for a coffee ,but we skipped the food and opted for a pastry from one of the local bakers. There are a couple of decent restaurants very close to the Hotel and a currency exchange just around the corner , I would say that its good value if you are passing through, but for a longer stay a city hotel would be a better option. T & S Yorks

If you are in Almaty for a relaxing and carefree vacation, Sarayshik is just the right choice. The human touch can easily be felt. Yes, it is a bit far from downtown, but a few basic words of Russian will get you to downtown Almaty for less than 2000 tenge. Bringing a hotel card with you sure helps you to get home easily.

Staff were very helpful and arranged transfers speedily. Great fast food and congenial bar.

Clients arrived to find a car on fire outside the hotel and the rooms had no power or lights. Client too afraid to use the plugs as the wiring looked so bad.

Night shift receptionist not always available. Noise from other rooms. Breakfast basic.