The location makes up for the numerous shortcomings and the host speaks fluent English, so communication was excellent. You're steps from a metro station and close to a lot of the best areas of Almaty. Kitchen was deficient in some areas (one knife, no corkscrew or ice tray) but lots of glasses and a full fridge.

I told the host that we couldn't sleep on the main bed's mattress since you can feel the springs poking through, so hopefully they will do the right thing and replace it. We slept on the other beds in the living room where the A-C is located and that was comfortable. Just understand that this is a very old Soviet-style apartment that has gotten minimal updates and renovations. You're booking for the location and a decent amount of space, not for a nice bathroom or bed...

It felt like home. Super clean and comfortable

супер локация, жили прямо на Арбате, все в пешей доступности, около подьезда метро Алмалы