Don't compare hotels in KZ to the rest of the world - only then you'll become happy. There's the aged & overpriced "Intercontinental", the newer & cheaply furnished "Holiday Inn" (with one of the most terrible restaurants I ever ate), the "Ex-Hyatt" which is out of discussion because of the lousy conditions of the hotel itself (wall-paper hanging down...) and the strange "Dostyk" with nice rooms but very strange service.

So this time it was the choice between the "Golden Tulip" and the "Worldhotel Saltanat" which was easy to decide looking at the design, prices & reviews.

So I made the reservation at the "Saltanat" for 2 nights, also asked them to arrange VIP service at the airport plus transfer (together at 16000 Tenge = € 80), to charge it to the room so I don't lose time paying VIP at arrival at the airport.

On arrival I was escorted through passport control and customs, 3 minutes after leaving the airport sitting in the VW Caravelle to the hotel. Check-in was easy and therefore 30 minutes after arrival already in the room.

The hotel itself has a modern look - but you also feel that everything was done a bit on the budget side: all furniture is new & well designed - but not expensive (e.g. the floor is of fake wood, some wardrobe doors not opening easily...). But at the price paid (€ 135/night) that's absolutely okay.

The real minors are:
1.) Wi-Fi very slow, especially when you're in a corner room (my first room was #300 which I changed to #312 for better internet reception)
2.) temperature of water in the shower not stable and not easy to regulate
3.) curtains too thin so not possible to blind out daylight
4.) air-condition is VERY noisy

But again, for ALA, that's still okay, especially considering the price.

Is it a Luxury Hotel? No, for sure not - but a good hotel to spend the few hours you're in the room during a business trip. Will I come again? As long the price is half of a decent 5* hotel: YES!