InterContinental Hotels will be
increasing its presence in Kazakhstan with the opening of a second
hotel in Almaty, complementing the Intercontinental Astana,
bringing the total number of IHG branded hotel rooms in Kazakhstan to nearly
600.The InterContinental Almaty, a 290 room hotel is set to convert in October
this year, following an agreement recently signed between Ayt-Otel (Ahsel
Holding) and IHG.

Under this agreement, the former Regent Almaty Hotel, a well known landmark
in the centre of the city, will undergo a substantial refurbishment to
convert into the new InterContinental Almaty.  Many of its public areas
including the meeting space, lobby and bars, along with 15 additional suites
will be brought up to InterContinental brand standards during the
renovations. 

Commanding a prestigious location, opposite the presidential palace, with
fine views of the mountains outside the city, the InterContinental Almaty
will be the place to stay and an ideal base for the increasing number of
international travellers coming to Kazakhstan. 

The country has undergone rapid development thanks to rich oil, gas and
mineral reserves.  Almaty is now the economic heart of the country, and
attracts business from all over the world.  This in turn has lead to an
increase in demand for international branded guest rooms and top of the
range meeting and conference space and facilities.

The InterContinental Almaty is in a prime position to meet this demand.  Not
only will it provide superior accommodation with 290 guest rooms including
nine executive and two Presidential suites, it also boasts the most
extensive meeting and hospitality facilities in the city.  There is a ball
room which can host up to 400 guests, and two large meeting rooms catering
for up to 120.
The hotel will also offer a wealth of dining experiences from a rooftop
Belvedere Grill Room, Bosphorus Turkish restaurant, Asian Café - buffet all
day dining, an outdoor Tennis bar (during summer), and a Members Bar.  To
help guests unwind there is also a Spa with an indoor pool, Turkish bath and
saunas, outdoor tennis courts, and a fully equipped gym. 
Jennifer Fox, Chief Operating Officer, InterContinental Brand Europe
commented: “The InterContinental Almaty will strengthen our position in
Kazakhstan, and complement the InterContinental Astana already successfully
operating in the country.  With so much international business coming into
this region, we are looking forward to offering them luxurious facilities
and our unique guest service philosophy.”

Alper Can Bulcum, who will continue as the General Director of the hotel,
bringing a wealth of experience from international luxury hotels, added;
‘With more and more international competition looking to move into the city,
we look forward to securing a lead position in the city with the globally
renowned InterContinental brand.”

InterContinental has also been nominated at this year’s World Travel Awards in the category of World’s Leading Hotel Brand.
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