Shymkent Grand Hotel

Hotel shymkent is on the best hotel in the south Kazakhstan region and is also not expensive .

The hotel's location is great. Just walking distance to the plaza. The bathroom looks new and the bedroom is spacious. Since it is located near the road, noise can be heard from the balconies. They provide a complimentary breakfast with good varieties. Staff are accommodating and helpful too.

There is nothing Grand about this hotel. At best three star, more like two star. It is old and worn. The bad experience started at check in, when there was one person at reception for more than 10 people waiting. Meanwhile three security staff stood around the lobby and chatted. The rooms are tiny and badly laid out with no thought for guests. Very small wardrobe with just two coat hangers and one drawer. Only one power plug I could access. The bathroom has no shelves for your toiletries. The 'balcony' is just an enclosed space where the air conditioning outlet is, so it is very hot and uncomfortable - it seems only useful if you want to smoke outside. An example of how badly thought out the rooms are - there is a kettle in the room on a special shelf, but the cord doesn't reach the plug so it can't be used. Breakfast is below average. I can't remember the last time I stayed in a hotel that only had instant coffee available ! Worst of all the security is terrible. I literally had a man walk into my room while I was naked and wet having just got out of the shower. My door was locked but there are no security bolts or chains. I have travelled to more than 40 countries in Asia, Europe, Africa and the Americas often in small regional towns and I don't expect the same standards everywhere, but this hotel is among the worst I have ever encountered.