Grand Tien Shan Hotel

Good breakfast

Beautiful well-located hotel, with updated modern appointments throughout. Gorgeous pool area, jacuzzi, segregated wet and dry saunas. The room was huge and completely renovated with modern amenities throughout. One quibble: the room was very hot, with no way to cool it except opening a window, which brought in the polluted air of Almaty. Excellent high-end buffet breakfast One big issue was with the staff. Curt throughout, even considering the language barrier. When we checked-out they demanded we pay for a small hand-towel they claimed we had soiled. Whereas we had interacted entirely with women before, they had a male supervisor confront us, who spoke more English and sternly ordered us to pay. It wasn't much, so we decided to pay and leave rather than pursue it. Very strange experience indeed!

good locations and easy access to popular places

Ok

Since my stay was very short, I tried to obtain relevant information as much as possible in advance. I inquired several issues to Reservation Manger to make my stay more comfortable/efficient. But turned out to be negative. Some given information/promise were not realized with unappropriated internal communication of hotel side. Also, the driver for the airport transfer was so rude and dangerously drove the car using the mobile phone while driving. My payment, in particular for the airport transfer should have been canceled but they did no even I claimed such. The spa and the breakfast were good however, the fundamental aspects were significantly lacking, I must say.