Doma Hostel in Almaty

The metal bunk bed had no safety rail, which felt quite dangerous, especially as the room was on the 3rd floor.

I have stayed at various hostels in East Asia and some parts of Southeast Asian countries, and I have to say that this hostel has the worst impression at how unprofessional it is. Yes, staff is friendly and people are generally helpful, but that is a low bar in Asian countries. I was glad that I was allowed early check-in, and amenities were fully provided at the kitchen, value for money and location, but that’s the end of it. Maybe bearable for 1-2 days but not more. Originally didn’t plan to stay long but had my thesis defense at the end of the week and decided just to extend the booking. Turns out the stay here leaves overall bad taste of my Kazakhstan trip. The hostel is clearly understaffed, trash often overflow both at kitchen and bathroom. Toilet paper is not always available. Some bathroom smells more than other and water heater is sometimes off without notice. Floor is very dirty. There is no female staff and the staff can barge to the room at any hour. There seems to be no concept of privacy around here, local people just leave the door open and there is no habit of closing.

I was somehow unlucky with the room mate. My shampoo got stolen, toothbrush and paste somehow always misplaced. There was always someone making loud noises at 2 and 3 pm. And what irritates me the most is how local people seems to allergic to AC, and how the AC is fixed at 16C without remote. I am pregnant and the high temperature makes it very hard for me to sleep. It was summer. What’s the point of having AC when you don’t even let it on at night? Ended up moving before my check out date because these people would not let AC on nor open the window. I cried all night until 3 am because it was impossible to sleep. I will not stay at this place again.