Located just 200 metres from Almaty Circus and Central Stadium, this 5-star hotel offers free private parking, rooms with panoramic views and a spa centre with heated indoor pool. Rahat Palace Hotel’s classically furnished rooms feature cable TV and a minibar, and all rooms have a balcony with views of the city or Alatau Mountains. The bathrooms include toiletries and a hairdryer. International cuisine and Kazakhstani dishes are served in the Dzhambul Restaurant and the Grill Restaurant. Exotic cocktails are available in the stylish Yourt Bar & Lounge, or outside in the summer beer garden. Massages can be booked at the Rahat’s spa, which also features a well-equipped gym, hot tub and sauna. Almaty’s sights are easy to reach from Rahat Palace, with the city’s central tram line just 200 metres away. Almaty Airport is a 30-minute drive from the hotel.

Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 9.2 for a two-person trip.