Rarely does a hotel’s name define five-star luxury, but that’s exactly the case with Ritz Carlton. When visiting Almaty, I was excited to find their newly opened location right on the mountains edge, near the financial district.
The experience starts right in the airport where VIP airport service is offered. An assistant will escort you through the immigration process and straight to the transfer vehicle.
From the highway you will see the silver high-rise that is occupied by the hotel. Located right next to a fancy mall, the property is well situated with convenient road access.
There is a welcome desk on the ground floor but you’ll have to take the elevator to reach the reception. By some miraculous coincidence, I happened to bump into a friend from Beijing in that very elevator who was at the hotel for a bachelor party. Seems like people travel from all over the world to just to attend events here!
The brightly lit lobby set the design tone for the hotel. It is modern, sleek, with an homage to traditional Kazak roots.
My friends and I stayed in a Deluxe Room with a two bed configuration. The view of Almaty’s mountains was spectacular. The room was really plush with comfy beds, a flat screen tv, and a seating area next to the floor to ceiling windows. Amenities included fast wifi, iPod station, minibar, safe, and coffee/tea set. The dark wood accented marble clad bathroom was elegant and opened up to the room with a divider so you could enjoy the daylight.
The property offers several restaurant selections. Vista is the main breakfast restaurant (also opened for lunch and dinner) featuring an international buffet as well as local specialities.
One of the most popular locales is the LT Bar & Grill. I heard that many newly weds proposed here due to the breathtaking view and sophisticated atmosphere. The grill specializes in steaks while the canoe shaped bar dishes out fancy cocktails.
Another place with a view is the Sky Lounge and Bar with a healthy whisky selection.
On the ground floor, don’t miss the Chocolate Shop where I had a chance to try a “Golden Cappuccino” topped with real gold flakes!
This Ritz has all the facilities you’d expect from the brand including a fully decked out gym and Six Senses spa offering massages, facials, scrubs, and distressing riturals.
A property of this stature in the main city of Kazakhstan is also set up to host some grand events in their 788 sq m ballroom. My understanding is that extravagant weddings are a tradition in the country, so this venue is much sought after.
With a few nights in Almaty at the start of our Stantastic Tour, this was truly a pleasurable stay. I only wish I had planned to stay longer!
Contact
The Ritz Carlton Almaty
Address: Esentai Tower, 77/7 Al Farabi Avenue
Almaty, 050040 Kazakhstan
Tel: +77273328888
Website: http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/kazakhstan/almaty