Set in the upper floors of the Esentai Tower, the Ritz-Carlton Almaty looks out over the city to the snow-capped Trans-Ili Alatau. It is Kazakhstan’s most polished address, combining the brand’s quiet confidence with nods to the country’s nomadic heritage.
At a glance
Location: Esentai Tower, Al-Farabi Avenue, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Stayed in: Deluxe Room, mountain view
Best for: business travellers, celebrations and anyone who wants the best view in Almaty
Reviewed: February 2018
9.0 out of 10
Setting and arrival
The experience begins before you reach the hotel. A VIP meet-and-assist service collects guests at the aircraft, guides them through immigration and walks them straight to a waiting car. From the highway, the hotel’s silver tower is easy to spot on the edge of the financial district, beside one of the city’s smartest shopping malls.
A welcome desk greets you at street level, but reception is on a high floor, so the first proper look at the hotel comes as the lift doors open onto a bright, sleek lobby. The design is contemporary and restrained, with subtle Kazakh motifs that give it a clear sense of place.
The rooms
Our Deluxe Room, set up with two beds, was dominated by its floor-to-ceiling windows and a sweeping view of the mountains. A sitting area beside the glass makes the most of it. Beds were exceptionally comfortable, and the room had everything a frequent traveller expects: fast Wi-Fi, a well-stocked minibar, a safe and a coffee and tea station.
The marble bathroom, trimmed in dark wood, opens to the bedroom behind a sliding divider, so daylight reaches all the way in. It is an elegant, well-considered space.
Dining and drinks
Vista is the all-day restaurant, best known for a generous breakfast that mixes international dishes with Kazakh specialities. The star, though, is LT Bar & Grill, a high-floor steakhouse with a canoe-shaped bar and a view so romantic that it has reportedly hosted more than its share of proposals.
The Sky Lounge offers another panorama with a strong whisky list, while the ground-floor Chocolate Shop is worth a detour for its signature Golden Cappuccino, finished with real gold leaf.
Spa and facilities
Facilities match the brand standard: a fully equipped fitness centre and a Six Senses spa with a menu of massages, facials, scrubs and longer rituals. For events, a 788-square-metre ballroom is in high demand, unsurprising in a country where weddings are famously lavish.
The verdict
Few hotel names are as closely tied to five-star service as Ritz-Carlton, and Almaty delivers on the promise. Seamless airport service, beautifully designed rooms with remarkable mountain views and a destination grill make it the obvious choice in the city. My only regret was not booking more nights.
- Rooms: 9.0
- Service: 9.0
- Dining: 9.0
- Facilities and spa: 8.5
- Location: 9.5
The Ritz-Carlton Almaty, Esentai Tower, 77/7 Al-Farabi Avenue, Almaty 050040, Kazakhstan. Visit the hotel website.
Based on a stay in February 2018. Facilities, menus and prices may have changed since.
