Hotel Almaty
Hotel Almaty, established in 1967, holds the distinction of being one of the oldest hotels in Almaty. Its eight-story building, shaped like a curved bow, was a remarkable architectural achievement of its time. The hotel's facade featured a distinctive design, characterized by light and dark horizontal lines of loggias and windows, accentuated by a shade of blue. This style became synonymous with the hotel, creating an instantly recognizable landmark.
Right from its inception, Hotel Almaty set itself apart by providing guests with amenities that were not readily available in other hotels across the USSR. Visitors were treated to the luxury of heat supply and hot water in their bathrooms, a rarity at the time. Consequently, the hotel became a favored accommodation for esteemed guests such as politicians, ballet dancers, and foreign dignitaries.
In 2007, the fate of Hotel Almaty hung in the balance as plans to demolish it for a modern hotel complex were proposed. However, the citizens of Almaty rallied together to preserve this iconic landmark. Their efforts bore fruit, and a few years ago, the hotel underwent a refurbishment that retained its original charm while incorporating modern elements.
An interesting fact: Hotel Almaty's first director, Rakhimzhan Koshkarbaev, was a legendary figure. He served as an Officer in the Red Army and participated in World War II. Notably, alongside his comrade-in-arms Grigory Bulatov, Koshkarbaev raised the Banner of Victory over the Reichstag, a defining moment that symbolized the defeat of the Germans in the war.
How to get there?
Address: Kazakhstan, Almaty, 85 Kabanbay Batyr St.
Hotel Almaty is accessible by various transportation options. Trolley bus #9 runs along Kabanbai Batyr St., providing a direct route to the hotel. Additionally, buses #2, 12, 63, 79, 86, 98, 118, and 127 serve neighboring Nazarbayev Ave. and Abylay Khan Ave. For subway travelers, the Almaly station is a mere 300 meters (328 yd) away.