InterContinental Hotel Okan Astana, Astana

Advantages: Helpful staff, lovely bedrooms, mini-bus service into the centre
Disadvantages: Not much in the local area, expensive, facilities not the best

...(which had a view of the Acropolis) was marble effect floor rather than carpet, and had a sofa, glass coffee table with a couple of glossy Greek tourism magazines, and a writing desk and chair. There was also a kettle with Lipton teabags and Nescafe coffee sticks. There was air-conditioning but even on full blast it was still quite warm. On opening the window the room became a bit noisy. At least the blackout curtains kept the room darkened. The Bathroom: Very clean, but showing it's age a bit. There was a white fluffy bathrobe and slippers, which is always a plus point, bathroom scale (not so good!) and lovely Korres toiletries and a hygiene kit containing face pads, cotton buds and a mini sewing kit. It's nice to see that the Inter-Continental is using a natural, Greek brand. This consisted of Aloe and Soapwort shampoo, Achillea... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Luxurious rooms, great views, helpful staff, great location
Disadvantages: Not cheap, but you get what you pay for.

...Yes, it is not cheap. But you get what you pay for. If you want luxurious rooms, great food, (the seafood "all you can eat" buffet is excellent), and friendly staff, then stay here. Go to the top floor, where the swimming pool is located, and take photos of the surrounding area from there. Also the location is good, 3 minutes walk down to Circular Quay, the Opera House, etc., can't be beat. If you need sundry consumables, water, fags, chocolate, toothpaste, etc., then there is a "Open all hours" store on the way up from the harbour. Very useful. Breakfast at the hotel is nice but expensive. Alternatively walk down the hill to Circular Quay and have a full English at one of the Al Fresco cafes, before going for a cruise around Port Jackson, or wherever your fancy takes you. Dinner at the InterContinental is also not cheap... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Western run and managed; new planes; most people make an effort
Disadvantages: inexperienced; same infratructures

...AIR ASTANA Air Astana is a new airline in Kazakhstan which started operating in Spring 2002, a joint venture between the Kazakhstan government and BAe Systems. It is named after the capital of the country, Astana. Air Astana was set up to be a high quality airline operating to western standards. Their fleet consists of three, brand new Boeing 737 jets and most of the senior management is British or European, formerly with leading western airlines. The airline mainly operates from Almaty, the largest city and commercial centre which was the capital until a few years ago when it was moved to Astana. They fly between Almaty and Astana of course and also from Almaty to two other domestic routes, Aktau and Aktobe. They have been taking over international routes from the former national carrier, Air Kazakstan, and currently fly from... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful