A TALE OF GLASS AND MODERNISM
LOCATION
Nestled in the towering glass-covered skyscrapers of Abu Dhabi Plaza, designed by British architect Norman Foster, the Sheraton Astana, opened in 2020 and brought a breath of fresh air to Astana. It is in the immediate vicinity of the most iconic structure in the city – the Bayterek Tower. From there, the main promenade leads to the largest tent in the world – the Khan Shatyr. Astana is Kazakhstan’s new capital, and its infrastructure is futuristic, colossal and well-maintained. Erected in the mid of the steppe, where strong winds blow, Astana quickly developed as a business and administrative centre, and international hotel chains swiftly saw the opportunity to expand their portfolios. Sheraton decided on a superb location near all the landmarks. Sheraton Astana is only a kilometre from the Expo International Exhibition Center, where Expo 2017 took place. Its location is one of the most noticeable advantages.
ACCESSIBILITY
The hotel is only fifteen minutes away from the airport. Considering the excellent connections provided by Air Astana, connecting destinations across Europe and Asia, guests have no issue arriving in Astana. The hotel is also easily accessible by car, and a spacious parking lot awaits guests in front of the hotel. Taxi service also functions well in Astana and is very affordable. Public transport, however, is less praiseworthy, as most locals do not use public transport and instead commute by car. Bike lanes are well-maintained across the city, but due to the strong winds, you will have some problems navigating the city. Nonetheless, the hotel is easy to reach, and with the growing demand of tourists coming to Central Asia, we do not doubt it will flourish in the future. Not least, the 325-metre-tall Abu Dhabi Plaza is the largest building in Central Asia and thus easy to find among the slew of imposing glass buildings in the youngest capital in the world.
COLD STARTER - Architecture and aesthetics
Not deviating from the design of most buildings in Astana, the Sheraton Astana gleams in its glass panels and well-illuminated exterior. Although under the shadow of its adjacent highest Abu Dhabi Plaza skyscraper, the largest building in the city, the hotel still exudes elegance and refinement. Norman Foster was given an empty canvas when designing several buildings in Astana. The Sphere, a remnant of the 2017 Expo, is his brainchild, as is the highest building in Central Asia, the Abu Dhabi Plaza. Within it, guests will find the Sheraton Astana. Its interior is bright and dotted with unique designer pieces, while the reception desk is typical of Sheraton hotels. From the Amaliya Restaurant, which boasts hues of red, guests can admire the Bayterek Tower while tasting the flavorful cuisine. The interior design turns heads because it includes typical Kazakh patterns on the walls and wooden panels. That gives the design a unique stamp and connects the story with the country’s tradition. Bright corridors filled with a pleasant scent lead to the rooms, where comfort and luxury prevail. Throughout the hotel, guests can admire unique ornaments.
WARM ENTRÉE - The staff and the culinary experience
Upon entering the hotel, incredibly kind personnel greet guests, showcasing immense kindness, youthful enthusiasm and professionalism. In Kazakhstan, they believe guests who visit them are God-sent. This approach is evident in Sheraton Astana, where every employee strives to meet the guests’ needs. The cuisine is equally impressive. Emiliya Restaurant offers an incredibly diverse and fresh selection of dishes. Breakfast included local dishes, freshly-squeezed juices and traditional dairy products. We believe they should start focusing on locally-produced food. Still, the staff works like a well-oiled machine, always willing to refill your tea cup or serve advice regarding the city. The bar in the lobby is inviting, and the price-quality ratio is incredibly appealing. The staff is easily one of the hotel’s trump cards.
MAIN COURSE – The meetings offering at the hotel
Hotel rooms
Rooms in the hotel are spacious, featuring furniture in dark oak colours, pleasant carpet flooring and the centrepiece – a king-size bed with premium bed lining. The bathroom is impressive, and the tiles and spacious shower exude a luxurious feel. The cosmetics by Gilchrist & Soames are great, too, and in line with the hotel’s sustainable aspirations. Business guests will appreciate the spacious writing desk and the numerous amenities that make the hotel perfect even for long stays. Illumination within the room is especially praiseworthy, most noticeably, the golden-coloured lights and imposing wooden headboard above the bed. Graphics of Kazakh traditional motifs caught our eye from the walls, highlighting the hotel’s connection to the country’s past and present. Details such as the wooden panels or the grey lounger overlooking the nearby landmarks make the room stand out from classic Sheraton hotels.
Meetings centre
As a business centre, Astana has a slew of eye-catching venues alongside the Expo International Exhibition Centre. Sheraton, too, offers several conference halls designed in the typical brand style. Even though the design appears slightly generic, the halls are spacious and fitted with modern multimedia equipment. Location is again one of the greatest advantages and another reason the hotel is often the first choice for regional event organisers.
DESSERT – The extras
The third-floor Spa & Fitness is incredibly spacious, and its modern saunas, pools and whirlpools offer a truly pampering experience. Adjoining the main pool, a spectacular terrace with a bar serves views of the cityscape. The terrace can seamlessly transform into an outdoor event venue.
FLOP – NEGATIVE SURPRISES
As the hotel is almost new, there are hardly any flaws. Still, the personnel in the lobby bar appeared slightly disoriented and slow in service. The check-out was also unusually long.
TOP – POSITIVE SURPRISES
Coupling the functional design with superb service and local gastronomy renders the hotel a sought-after venue in the heart of Astana. You will encounter smiling faces throughout your stay.
SUSTAINABLE ENDEAVOURS
The hotel advocates sustainability and reminds guests to reuse their towels and bed linens and thus save water. The same goes for the spa. Altogether, it seems Sheraton Astana strives to go green. The hotel also notes how much carbon footprint each room generates – 98.25 kg per room and 720.49 litres per room per night.
FINAL IMPRESSION AND CREDIBILITY
Sheraton Astana meets all expectations of a five-star hotel in the business and administrative centre of the city. The service is fantastic, and the youthful staff ensures every guest experiences the best of Kazakhstani hospitality. Even though the city boasts many international hotels, the Sheraton Astana is a safe choice, as the hotel meets all expectations of the international hotel chain. Kazakhstan is a leading destination in Central Asia, and its hotels, including Sheraton, are no exception. When visiting the futuristic city of Astana, the Sheraton Astana will amaze you with its holistic offer. More importantly, its proximity to local meeting venues and major landmarks gives it a competitive edge.
FINAL GRADE: 4.89 GOLD City Meeting Hotel
GOLD final score from 4.81 to 5.00
SILVER final score from 4.61 to 4.80
BRONZE final score from 4.41 to 4.60
