The Ritz-Carlton, Astana

The Ritz-Carlton, Astana is a city-centre hotel on Dostyk Street, close enough to Baiterek Tower to reach it on foot. The House of Ministries and the business district sit nearby, so the location suits both meetings and sightseeing in equal measure. Inside, 157 rooms and suites look out over the skyline, furnished with the brand's signature beds and Diptyque bath amenities. Club Level guests get a separate lounge, dedicated concierge and their own dining, a useful buffer from the lobby traffic below. Mökki serves Italian food under an Italian chef, with a seasonal terrace that faces the Baiterek monument directly; it runs from May through September. The Өzen Lobby Lounge, named for the Kazakh word for river, handles cocktails, coffee and afternoon tea at street level. A rooftop space adds a glass dome and European menu above the city. Downstairs, the spa runs a 20-metre heated indoor pool, saunas, a hammam and a 24-hour gym, with yoga and personal training on request. The hotel holds Green Key certification and Forbes Travel Guide's Responsible Hospitality verification. Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport lies 12.9 km away, with a shuttle available on request. Check-in runs from 3pm. Staff speak English, Russian and Kazakh, and pets under 10kg are welcome for a fee.