Maqan Hotel Almaty — Hotel in Almaty

Hotel Maqan was more or less a well-designed but ordinarily-staffed hotel. The position of the hotel is not excellent - it is only 1.5km from the city centre, but you need to get a taxi to and from the hotel every time. The hotel use a “driver” rather than a cheap taxi. If you get a taxi from the city using an app like Uber or similar, it will cost around 400 Tenge, if you get the hotel’s driver, the driver will charge you 2000 Tenge every time. I thought this was a little silly and frustrating. ||||I checked in early at the hotel, but never once was I told that I would have to pay for that early check in. Then when I went to finalize the bill, they said oh and you have extra fee for early check-in - ah, if you had have told me I was going to have to pay extra, I wouldn’t have checked in early... communication was not excellent with this hotel. ||||On the last day I was there, the water supply was turned off by the city government, so I was unable to shower or anything. I understand that this was not the hotel’s problem, but still it was a very frustrating experience as I had a long-haul flight to take that afternoon. So by the time I arrived at my next destination, I hadn’t showered for almost 48 hours. I think the hotel could have at least apologized for there being no water when I checked out that day, but they didn’t say anything about it at all. ||||The hotel is well-designed and it’s nice to look at, but that’s about as far as it goes. The breakfast is ordinary, and it’s very awkward walking into the breakfast room, the waiter didn’t even smile or acknowledge me whatsoever. So I just thought ok, I guess I can help myself. ||||To be honest, even though the design is excellent, I would spend more money and go for an even higher-end hotel in the middle of the city, that way you don’t have to worry about getting a car to and from the hotel. Almaty seems to be a safe (ish) city, but you should still exercise caution, and trying to get a taxi from the city back to the hotel was almost impossible. Once I had to just get a ride with a random car, another time I got a taxi from a different hotel in the city and the third time, a lady in a cafe very kindly helped me get a very cheap cab through Uber. ||||When this reviewer, and others say “this hotel is not centrally located”, they mean this. YES, it looks as though the hotel is only 1.5km away from the city centre, but that is “as the crow flies”. 1.5km is an easy walk, but to actually walk in the direction that Google Maps suggests is the best route, is VERY difficult. It requires going through very small residential streets with barking dogs locked up on chains in very close proximity, walking along small trails down a steep hill, through almost a mini forest (with no track at all) until you get to the city centre. It’s basically a cab ride, and there is no other way you can do it. It’s also not a very well known location, so when you do (miraculously) get a cab or car in the city, they have no idea...

Upon arrival, the hotel appeared to be a cozy, chic and sophisticated boutique hotel near the airport. Danial, the front desk clerk greeted me. He was helpful with the check-in service. I didn't think I had enough money to get a taxi for the next day, but Danial reassured me by calling a taxi that charged a standard price to the airport. ||||Next, I went up to my room and was pleasantly surprised by the newness of it and modern design. It was very clean and comfortable. The only amenity that the hotel didn't have was body lotion, which I had forgotten to bring. The towels appeared white, fresh and new. ||||The next morning, I was greeted by friendly dining room staff for breakfast. I was pleasantly surprised by the fact that breakfast was included in the price of the hotel. It was not buffet style but served hot individually and in generous portions. First was the warm oatmeal/porridge, croissant, butter, and yogurt. I thought that was all the breakfast I was going to get. Then eggs, sausage and grilled vegetables were placed in front of me and when I thought I was finished, out came a platter of sliced fruit of oranges, pineapple, kiwi and apples served with coffee or tea. Wow!! was all I could say with my mouth full and looking out the large windows with the scenic view of the mountains in a cozy chic décor on one side and a classy European style on the other side of the dining room gave me a warm, fuzzy feeling. ||||The disadvantages of the hotel are no ATM machine, no body lotion and located far from city centre and isolated, but near the airport and great mountain view. Positive things are low price for high quality, clean, new, modern, wonderful hotel staff, great mountain view, peaceful, quiet and yummy breakfast. Overall, I enjoyed my 1 night stay and recommend this hotel to everyone who is...

This hotel is very good quality and a great location near an excellent Mall and of course, Kok-Tobe. Be sure to use the Y.Taxi app to get cheap trips to everywhere from here including quick and easy access to the airport.||||The staff here are fantastic and with less than a full days' notice was able to help us arrange day trips to Charyn Canyon and Almaty lake. I have seen other reviews where people report poor experience with the staff. I cannot speak for them but can say that our experience was excellent and they went out of their way to ensure we had water and were happy and able to do everything we wanted. Perhaps they are responding to previous feedback.||||Breakfast is good but a bit too expensive for what it is and it is better to eat out. The restaurant upstairs was not open while we visited but this was not an issue.||||Rooms do not generally have bathtubs but they are nice and comfortable.||||Inexpensive hotel which stands out...