The room struck me immediately with its thoughtful design—natural colors, subtle traditional accents, and an atmosphere that felt both modern and rooted in Kazakh culture. Every detail seemed intentional, and together they created a space that was warm, stylish, and calming. I especially appreciated that every room had its character and unique art. I love their vision of supporting the local art and craft community.
We were lucky to have an upgrade during the check in and our junior suite had a king size bed that was big enough for our fam. The staff was very thoughtful to check if we needed anything extra for our baby and we appreciated the attention.
Dining at Yurta
The hotel’s restaurant served beautifully prepared Kazakh dishes like Besbarmak and Lamb’s Head that gave us a real taste of the country’s culinary heritage. But the most surprising discovery was the Qymyz Bar, where guests can sample more than twenty different types of kumyz. Each had its own character—some smooth, some sharp, all deeply connected to tradition.
Breakfast turned out to be one of my favorite moments of the day. There was a generous mix of classics—eggs, porridge, cereal, fresh vegetables, and fruit—but what made it truly special were the local touches. Golden baursaks and savory kazy were irresistible, and quickly became my personal favorites. My French family members were delighted to find freshly baked croissants, a small but meaningful detail that made them feel instantly at home.
One of the best things about Yurta is its location. From the hotel, we could explore the old centre of Almaty entirely on foot. One morning we set out on a small photo walk, pausing to admire the striking silhouette of the Kazakhstan Hotel, wandering through small green parks and lively fountains, and discovering hidden shops that gave us a feel for the city’s vibe. And if you have time and want a change of scenery, the mountains are within easy reach—Medeo with its legendary ice rink and Chymbulak resort for those of you who love to ski or snowboard.
Looking back, our stay at Yurta was more than just a comfortable hotel stay—it was an experience that allowed me to share the love for my home city and its rich traditions with my French husband and son.
For anyone coming from abroad, I can’t recommend it enough. It’s a place where design, culture, and location all come together, making you feel both at home and at the center of something truly special.
With love from the city of apples and slow conversations over a cup of tea,
Slava Noor
For more information and reservations, please visit yurtaalmaty.com and follow yurta.almaty
About the Project
Yurta Boutique Hotel & Restaurant opens its doors in Almaty — the first boutique hotel inspired by the Turkic world, its culture, the voice of the steppe, and the heart of the nomad. This is not just a beautiful location or a trendy restaurant. It’s a place where you suddenly remember who you are. Where the food smells like childhood, silence sounds deeper than music, and the air is filled with authenticity.
The project was created by the Sun Group restaurant holding, under the direction of Alexander Orlov. This is not just another venue — it’s an invitation to pause, reflect, and feel: here, there is essence, warmth, and sincerity.
