When it was built in 1977, Hotel Kazakhstan was the tallest building in Almaty. As such it became one of the most well-known buildings in town, and although it has now been surpassed by the more modern constructions, it remains somewhat of a Soviet institution, even making an appearance on the 5,000 KZT banknote. The vast lobby – with its impressive chandelier – is always buzzing with people meeting and greeting. Meanwhile, the rooms have impressive views, either of the hills behind or of the city below. We highly recommend going for the more recently renovated rooms, and the superior doubles, which are considerably more comfortable (and less threadbare) than the older rooms. For an additional 5,000 KZT it is well worth it for the sleek, modern bathrooms and updated décor alone. Located in the same building as Barfly, Cosmopolitan, the Guns and Roses pub and The Noodles, found in the older, more central part of town only a short walk away. Dostyk (still often referred to by its old name Lenina by locals) is itself one of the more pleasant avenues in the city, leading straight down to Panfilov Park