Silk Way — Hotel in Almaty

We booked this hostel for two nights, and it was as expected, basic accommodation. The main reason for booking this property, was the proximity to attractions and the bus routes.We took Bus # 92 on exiting the airport. Note that there are many aggressive taxi drivers who will tell you that the bus no longer runs the route, but the bus is one of the most predictable in Almaty, and runs between 6:30am - 9:30pm. The taxi cost will be close to 3,000 tenge whilst the bus is approximately 200 tenge. ||||We told the bus driver that we were getting off at "Tole Bi stop". The journey is a little over half an hour (depending on traffic) , and the bus stop is a 5 minute walk from the hostel.It should be noted that the bus route from the airport is on Nauryzbai Batyr Street, but the return bus stop to the airport is on Zheltoksan Strett, which runs parallel but to the east.The hostel may be difficult to locate at night, but you will see the large Silk Way City Supermarket & KFC on the opposite side of the road, directly facing the hostel. The double coffee shop is right next to the hostel. You may have to knock on the door for entry, as it is usually closed, although reception is 24 hour.||||The reception area is downstairs and you will receive extra linen for the rooms here e.g. towels and robes. The rooms are located up the stairs. The passageway is narrow, and the room was smaller than we expected. As this is very basic accommodation, it will be perfect for backpackers who want a central base to explore the city.Our room had a bathroom, but some of the other rooms had to share a central bathroom. There were no views from the room, as the window opened to face the coffee shop next door. The internet quality was good||||The room was clean and comfortable, and we rested well. Besides the cramped space in the room, we had no other complaints.The property is near to Paniflov park and many other attractions.The supermarket opposite the property is well stocked, and there are many F&B options nearby. We walked the streets at varying hours and had...

The staff was extremely rude with negative body language, pretending to be least bothered about your concerns and comfort. They would roll eyes and shrug shoulders even if you highlight basics like no water in room, no wifi, electricity failure or room cleaning.||- There was no water in bathroom (both wash basin & shower area) on day 2. We had to waste until 1pm to take shower before we could go out. And no electricity for 30 minutes. There is no power back up. ||- The breakfast is terrible. Its not a breakfast, its an insult to the guest. The breakfast is served in a plastic tray which needs to be picked by yourself from a counter. Breakfast includes 2-3 pieces of tiny bread & butter, 3 thin cucumber slices, 3 thin cucumber slices and butter. Cappuchino or latte is not included, you need to pay extra. ||- There is NO daily housekeeping. Room cleaning is done once after 3 days. So be prepared to use the same bath towels and bed linens for 3 days. (In booking.com website, it states that daily cleaning is available).||- Wi-Fi connectivity is poor and gets disconnected often. It is NOT suitable to work from home.||ITS A HOSTEL,...

The reception staff is not very welcoming or helpful. The Russian babushka who staffs the reception is surly and unhelpful. Not a smile in sight. The rooms are pretty basic and small. The hotel is located in over of the main thoroughfares of Almaty and the noise of cars moving goes on all night. The Silk Way is conveniently located, and it is handy for buying supermarket supplies as the Silk Way supermarket is right in front of it. I was conned by a taxi driver and his mate at the airport who said that they had a meter and that it was all kosher. Avoid taxis that have 2 people in it. I had to barge out of the taxi about 2 kms out of the airport as the taxi meter was bogus. At the time I got out the meter read T5000. I paid him and his friend T1000 and got off in the middle of no where. Luckily I got a lift to the hotel from a "freelance taxi" who cost me T1000. Beware of the taxi drivers that approach you as you depart the airport and because of bogus...