Best Western Plus Oskemen

I recently stayed at the Best Western Plus in Ust-Kamenogorsk and had a generally positive experience, with a few important caveats. The hotel is very well located, right in the city center, with plenty of cafés, restaurants, and a supermarket nearby, which makes it extremely convenient for both short and longer stays. That said, this is definitely not a Best Western that follows the typical American standard or pattern, so expectations should be adjusted accordingly. The breakfast is reasonable, but the variety is somewhat limited—especially when it comes to fruit, as apples were typically the only option available. The staff are friendly and welcoming, although the team seems quite small, which can occasionally affect service speed. One downside is that the hotel allows smoking on certain floors (smoking rooms). Unfortunately, this results in cigarette odors in the corridors and sometimes even in the rooms, which can negatively impact rest—particularly for non-smokers. Another issue is the room thermostat, which does not seem to function properly. As a result, the room can either become too cold (if you open the window) or too warm (since temperature control is not effective), making it difficult to maintain a comfortable environment. The hotel restaurant offers good food and is a convenient option if you want to have dinner on-site. However, it was closed on two nights during my stay, and there is no room service available, which can be inconvenient. That said, I would like to highlight Dipak, who is an outstanding staff member. He seems to handle multiple roles in the hotel and does so with great professionalism and dedication. Overall, the room itself is decent, with a comfortable bed. I would recommend the hotel with some reservations, especially for guests sensitive to cigarette smells, as this was a significant drawback during my stay.