Tahar Hotel — Hotel in Almaty

Overall good value for the money and the location is a big advantage. In close proximity to various restaurants. Looking deeper into the pros and cons, the hotel has more potential than what it displays today.

Pros: Location is good, Yandex cabs are very easily available. Many money exchange offices and restaurants nearby. We had two rooms 37A and 33 out of which room 37A was definitely good. Large windows for natural light, well kept and clean bed. The washroom was decent enough and they gave dental kit and shower gel, shampoo. The check in staff on our day 1 was good, smiling and helpful. We checked in late at night, almost 1 AM. In general upper floor rooms are better.

Cons: First of all, guests should not have to ask the reception for toilet paper refill. The property is listed as a hotel so the services should be like that. We had to ask the reception for more toilet paper on our 3rd night. We expected room service as well to be done since we were here for 3 nights, which never happened. Secondly, the property policy is that they take money per night. So even if you stay for 3 nights, you can't pay for the three nights altogether. You need to go to the reception everyday and pay for every day. It is not convenient for guests. Not all receptionists have the same level of hospitality. The lady who checked us in on the night of 9th (10th basically 1 AM) was polite. Even the staff on 10th night was good. The staff on 11 th night however was not well trained. She came up to our room asking for payment for the night. Right after we told her that we'll freshen up and pay.

So overall fine for the amount you pay. But don't expect great...

For those looking for a place that's easy to get to from the airport, convenient to reach from the train station, and easy to leave without traffic, I recommend staying at this hotel. I first stayed here a few years ago, back before the renovations they’ve done now, but even then it was very clean and peaceful. I liked it, and now I try to stay here whenever I come to Almaty. What’s great is that it’s close to the train station—I can walk there after getting off the train and walk back when I’m leaving Almaty. If I need to go to the airport, I don’t worry about missing my flight because it’s quick to get there from here. That’s not something you can say about the upper part of the city, where you have to time your departure carefully to avoid being late.

The advantages I’ve noticed for myself:

Convenient location—you can walk to Arbat;

Right outside the courtyard, there’s a large pedestrian area in front of the Youth Theater. If you come in winter, there’s an ice rink, and in summer, the fountain is running, providing a refreshing coolness;

There are supermarkets right outside the courtyard;

The hotel is surrounded by avenues, so you can head in any direction easily;

There are plenty of cafes, diners, and fast-food spots nearby—you definitely won’t go hungry;

Friendly hotel staff and very clean rooms;

There’s a metro station nearby.

I could write a lot more, but even without that, this is more...

Prepare for 4th floor without lift or elevator. Only staircases. Only towel provided. Water boiler, oven can share at 1st floor. Surrounding is apartments that very very noisy at midnight, kids screaming, car racing sound will make you crazy. No soundproof wall. You can hear everything besides the other room. The staff cannot speak English. Pay by visa card or cash. Located very near to metro station and many tourists places. Walkable at night with many restaurants and mini markets. Parks everywhere. The room bed not so comfortable especially the pillow. The bathroom clean and hot water ready anytime. Door lock using key but not electronic card. Price not cheap but its reasonable if you want to explore Almaty. Good for light travellers. Lastly DO NOT ride Airport Taxi. I'd been scammed with the price which is KZT 17,350 one way compared to Yandex only KZT 1,570 same route. The taxi driver also very rude and he drop us far from the place, not like the Yandex driver pick us at the front door. Buy direct Kazakhstan simcard at airport and install immediately the Yandex Go. You can used it...