This little gem 2km west of the centre has just a handful of rooms, all individually and pleasingly designed with features like half-timbering and exposed brick – one even has an African theme – and equipped with tea/coffee makers and well-stocked minibars. Young, attentive receptionists, fluent in English, inhabit the conservatory-like upstairs lobby. Price includes one of the best breakfasts in Kazakhstan.
There's a restaurant downstairs and several others along the leafy street. It offers free airport pickups too.