The Sheraton Hotel in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, is considered one of the city's leading hotels, attracting both business and leisure travelers. Since opening in 2006, it has established itself as a central part of the hotel landscape, but there are some aspects that require closer examination.
The Sheraton Hotel is located in the heart of Astana, close to the business district and major attractions. The building's modern architecture is in keeping with the city's futuristic design. However, not everyone finds the striking facade appealing. Critics complain that the building complex seems rather cold and impersonal, which does not necessarily contribute to a welcoming atmosphere. There is a shopping center within walking distance, which also has a supermarket, so the hotel's sometimes high food and drink prices can be avoided.
The hotel's location is convenient for business travelers, as it is close to government buildings and businesses. However, the surrounding area is not particularly lively, which means that leisure options outside the hotel are limited. There is access to Nur-Sultan International Airport, but the journey can be time-consuming depending on traffic.
Rooms and facilities
The Sheraton offers 421 rooms and suites equipped with modern amenities. The rooms are modernly furnished and offer a range of technical gadgets. A positive aspect is that in addition to normal sockets, there are also USB-A charging sockets, for example for smartphones. The closets are large and offer sufficient storage space for travelers' belongings. In terms of service, for example, a kettle, a coffee machine and two free bottles of water are provided. Otherwise, there are very few "free accessories" that would actually be usual in a hotel in this price range.
The bathrooms are of high quality and the shower surprises with a special rain function. This is very pleasant. One critical point is that the ventilation in the bathroom is suboptimal, so that the humidity in the entire room rises to a somewhat unpleasant level. This can only be counteracted with the help of the air conditioning.
The beds are comfortable and pleasant. Guests can have alternative pillows brought to their rooms at no extra charge. It should be noted that the Wi-Fi internet is a bit complicated to use, as it first tries to get you to sign up for the Marriott Group's customer loyalty program. In terms of speed, it is mediocre at best anyway.
Gastronomy
The Sheraton Hotel's gastronomic offerings include local and international cuisine in the "Daididau" restaurant. The lounge offers a relaxed atmosphere, but is often perceived as overcrowded, especially in the evening. This leads to an uncomfortable ambience that does not meet the expectations of a premium hotel. In general, the price level in the gastronomy of this hotel is rather high.
Breakfast offers a large selection and also the option of having the staff prepare something fresh for you. It should be noted that it is a little British breakfast-heavy, but there are enough options so that everyone should be able to find something. There are also 0,5 liter bottles of mineral water available, which you can take with you if you wish.
Leisure and Wellness
The wellness area of the Sheraton Hotel, which includes an indoor pool, a sauna and a steam bath, is attractive but not particularly large. The fitness equipment in the gym is modern. There were no shortcomings in terms of cleanliness in the spa area of this hotel.
Conclusion: Good hotel, but something is missing
The Sheraton Hotel is a typical chain hotel that tries to implement an international concept in the Kazakh capital. The hotel staff does a good job and always tries hard. Nevertheless, the hotel seems a bit cold and lacks any real flair. This is probably due to the modern furnishings, which exude a bit of clinical cleanliness.
There is a kind of running gag in the elevators. Films with sound are played on screens. Whether guests really need this on the mostly very short elevator rides is another matter. In general, the Sheraton Astana can definitely be recommended, but it is a typical upper-class chain business hotel, so travelers must be aware that they can expect a standard product that the Marriott Group also offers at many other locations. There is hardly any regional individuality.
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