Fleewinter

If you’re looking for a great-value stay in Almaty, the three-star Grand Voyage Hotel is a top choice. It’s a brilliant base for sightseeing, as you’ll be close to the city centre and either a short walk or drive away from Almaty’s main cultural landmarks. Wander outside the hotel and you can reach Alatau Metro Station in just five minutes on foot, linking you to Panfilov Park, Ascension Cathedral and Abay Opera House. Hop in a taxi to visit Kazakhstan’s largest art museum, the Kasteev State Museum of Arts, a 10-minute drive away. Here, you can browse more than 23,000 classic and contemporary works by artists from all over Asia and Europe.

The service is slow at the Grand Voyage Hotel, but the friendly English-speaking staff will make you feel very welcome and the front desk is open 24 hours a day. There are 64 rooms here, all with a private bathroom, flat-screen TV, air conditioning and Wi-Fi. Breakfast is continental at the hotel’s à la carte restaurant and there are some superb restaurants nearby for lunch and dinner. On a warm summer evening, stroll over to local restaurant Veranda Tbilisi for al fresco dining and local Kazakh cuisine.