Available Hotels
Cheap Hotels in Almaty — What to Expect
Almaty is Kazakhstan's largest city and former capital, set against the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains in the south-east of the country. The city stays at about 700 m elevation while ski resorts at Shymbulak rise above 2,300 m — accessible by a half-hour cable car from Medeu, the world's highest-altitude Olympic skating rink. The grid street layout, leafy boulevards, and Soviet-era Panfilov Park give Almaty a calmer feel than its newer rival capital Astana.
We list 336 hotels in Almaty, concentrated around three areas: the centre (around Abay and Dostyk avenues) for embassies, Western chains, and the InterContinental and Ritz-Carlton; Medeu for ski-season stays close to the slopes; and the Esentai district for malls and modern apartments. Almaty International Airport (ALA) is 15 km north of the centre — a 25–40 minute drive depending on traffic. From the airport, Yandex Go and inDrive are both reliable.
The Kazakhstani tenge (₸) is the local currency. Most hotels accept cards but smaller restaurants and bazaars prefer cash. Citizens of 80 countries — including the EU, US, UK, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey — enter visa-free for up to 30 days; longer stays need an e-visa. The best months are May–June and September–early October; January–February is ski season with sub-zero days but bright sunshine. Free cancellation is available on most Almaty rooms when you book through Hotevi.
Updated
Popular Amenities
Frequently Asked Questions
Which area of Almaty should I stay in?
For business and walkable sightseeing: the centre around Abay and Dostyk avenues. For skiing: Medeu, 25 minutes from the cable car at Shymbulak. For shopping and modern apartments: Esentai. The InterContinental and Ritz-Carlton are both in the centre.
How far is Almaty airport from the city?
Almaty International Airport (ALA) is 15 km north of the centre. By taxi the drive is 25–40 minutes depending on rush hour. inDrive and Yandex Go are widely used. Airport bus #92 runs to the city for ₸150 (about $0.30).
When is the best time to visit Almaty?
May–June and September–early October for green parks and 18–25 °C days. July–August is hot and dusty (up to 35 °C). January–February is ski season with -10 to -15 °C but bright clear days and very low hotel rates.
Do I need a visa to visit Kazakhstan?
Citizens of 80 countries — including the EU, UK, US, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and most CIS — can enter Kazakhstan visa-free for 30 days. For stays longer than 30 days, apply for an e-visa online before travel.
Is Almaty good for a ski trip?
Yes — the Shymbulak resort is reached by cable car from Medeu, only 25 minutes from the city centre. The season runs December to early April with reliable snow at 2,260–3,200 m. Many city hotels offer ski-equipment rental partnerships.
