Superior Double Room
- 1 Double bed,1 King-size bed
- Shower
- Heating
- Bathtub
- Balcony
Resort · Almaty · Almaty City
Samal Resort & Spa
A 4-star resort in the mountains above Almaty, with an indoor pool, spa, and views toward Medeo and Shymbulak.
- Mountain setting near Medeo and Shymbulak
- Indoor pool, sauna, jacuzzi and spa
- Breakfast and rooftop dining with mountain views
9.2
Perfect
880 reviews
Booking.com 9.2 · 880 reviews
About
Samal Resort & Spa
Samal Resort & Spa sits on Gornaya Street in Almaty, about a 25-minute walk from the Astrophysical Observatory. The 4-star property is a base for exploring the nearby Medeo ice rink and Shymbulak ski area, with rooms that open onto mountain views and a rooftop terrace for taking them in.
Inside, you'll find an indoor swimming pool, sauna, jacuzzi, and massage treatments, plus a fitness centre. The on-site restaurant serves breakfast and dinner, and there's a bar and lounge. Wi-Fi is free in public areas, and the 24-hour reception and paid airport shuttle make arrivals and late check-ins straightforward.
- Non-smoking rooms
- Free Wi-Fi in public areas
- Parking
- Safe deposit box
- 24-hour reception
- No pets allowed
In brief
What works, what to weigh
+
Strengths
5 reasons to book- Mountain location near Medeo and Shymbulak — Guests consistently highlight the proximity to the cable car, ski slopes, and the Medeo ice rink, with many praising the mountain views from rooms and the restaurant.
- Well-regarded spa and pool facilities — The indoor pool, sauna, jacuzzi, and massage services earn frequent praise, with several guests noting they had the facilities mostly to themselves.
- Strong breakfast and dining options — Breakfast is repeatedly described as varied and tasty, and the on-site restaurant and rooftop terrace offer mountain views with a range of meals.
- Friendly and helpful staff — Guests mention the attentive and accommodating team, with specific praise for reception staff and housekeeping.
- Spacious, comfortable rooms — Rooms are described as large and well-equipped, with balconies, extra beds, and good views in many cases.
–
Worth weighing
4 to weigh- Some facilities rated below expectations — The 'Facilities' category scores 5.5, notably lower than other categories, suggesting that certain amenities or upkeep may not meet the level of the rest of the stay.
- Isolated location may require transport — While the mountain setting is tranquil, several guests note that the hotel is somewhat isolated and a bus stop is in front, implying that getting to the city centre or other areas might need planning.
- No pets allowed — The hotel does not permit pets, which could be a limitation for travellers wanting to bring their animals.
- Paid airport shuttle — The airport shuttle is available but comes at an extra cost, unlike some hotels that include it.
01 — Rooms
Rooms & rates
High season: summer dates usually book out a few weeks ahead.
Apartment
- 1 King-size bed,2 Single beds,1 Double bed
- Shower
- Heating
- Bathtub
- Balcony
Deluxe Twin Room
- 2 Single beds,1 Double bed,1 King-size bed
- Shower
- Heating
- Bathtub
- Balcony
02 — Amenities
Services & amenities
Everything included at this stay — the facilities and essentials, at a glance.
General
- Non-smoking rooms
- Free Wi-Fi in public areas
- Parking
- Safe deposit box
- 24-hour reception
- Luggage storage
- Lift
- Paid airport shuttle
Dining
- Restaurant
- Bar/ Lounge area
- In-room breakfast
- Special diet menus
Wellness
- Indoor swimming pool
- Spa & wellness centre
- Sauna
- Jacuzzi
- Massage
- Fitness centre
Room Amenities
- Air conditioning
- Heating
- Mini-bar
- Terrace
- Ironing facilities
- Free toiletries
- Cookware/ Kitchen utensils
- CD player
- AM/FM alarm clock
- Carpeted floor
Services
- Room service
- Laundry
- Fax/Photocopying
- Cots
Photos
Gallery
03 — Reviews
What guests say
Recent verified reviews from guests who stayed here.
Guest-rated 9.2/10 from 880 reviews
Booking.com · 9.2 · 880 reviews
9.2Verified guest“Peaceful spot right at a bus stop, with a quiet setting and a room that even had a bidet.”
9.2Verified guest“The room was huge, with a balcony, an extra bed, and a great view. Location was excellent, about 16 miles from the airport and easy to reach.”
9.2Verified guest“Short walk to the cable car station. Loved the flat-screen TV, central heating, and personal safe.”
9.2Verified guest“The mountain setting was perfect, close to Medeo. The view was stunning. The indoor pool, jacuzzi, sauna, and steam room were a highlight, and I often had them to myself. The room was spacious with a comfortable queen bed. Breakfast and the rooftop restaurant were great. I'd recommend it.”
9.2Verified guest“Very near the ski slope, ideal for a ski holiday. Rooms were comfortable, breakfast varied and tasty. The pool and spa were excellent, with warm water and a relaxed feel. Mountain views from the restaurant made every meal special. Staff were friendly and helpful with families.”
9.2Verified guest“Beautiful mountains, clean air, solid wood furniture, a great spa, and good food.”
04 — Location
Getting around Almaty
The property sits in Almaty.
Medeo: The famous ice skating rink is close by, praised in guest reviews for its winter sports appeal.
Shymbulak: The ski area is a short distance away, making the resort a convenient base for winter activities.
Airport Transfer: Almaty International Airport is about 16 miles (26 km) away, with a paid shuttle available.
Gornaya Street 548, Almaty, Almaty City, 050000, Kazakhstan
05 — Good to know
Policies & conditions
Hotel details are shown for reference. Final rate terms are confirmed on the partner’s site at booking.
- Check-in
- From 14:00-23:59
- Check-out
- By 12:00
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation on many rates — terms on booking page
- Payment
- Pay-at-hotel available on many rates; final terms at booking
- Pets
- Not allowed
- Property
- 27 rooms
06 — Questions
Frequently asked
What are the check-in and check-out times?
Check-in is from 14:00 to 23:59, and check-out is until 12:00.
Is parking available at the hotel?
Yes, parking is available on site.
Are pets allowed?
No, pets are not allowed at Samal Resort & Spa.
Does the hotel offer an airport shuttle?
Yes, a paid airport shuttle is available.
Is there a swimming pool and spa?
Yes, the hotel has an indoor swimming pool, sauna, jacuzzi, and massage services.
Is Wi-Fi available and is there a charge?
Wi-Fi is available in public areas and is free of charge.
The bottom line
Samal Resort & Spa is a solid pick for travellers who want a mountain base with good spa facilities and easy access to Medeo and Shymbulak. Its strengths in service, dining, and location outweigh the lower facilities score for most guests, though those expecting top-tier amenities or pet-friendly policies might look elsewhere.
9.2Best for skiers and nature lovers seeking a quiet retreat with a reliable spa and dining.
Ready to book Samal Resort & Spa?
Tap through and we’ll open our booking partner’s site, with live prices and availability for your exact dates.
No payment on this site — you complete the booking on our partner’s site.