Originally Posted by
demue
Oh and to the OP. I stayed at both the Hyatt and the IC and room rates were about the same for me (~450 USD a night - daylight robbery). If rates are not vastly different then I would definitely go with the IC or if you have PC points you could even use the HI Almaty (brand new) for 5K points breaks rate. Actually if the company is paying I would even prefer the HI Almaty at paid rates over the Hyatt as it only opened 5 months ago.
The Hyatt is probably the worst one I have stayed in in my entire life given the price paid. Rooms are bare bones and oldish. If you don't have status you don't even get the obligatory free water as one is not supposed to drink the water from the faucet. No they want 8USD from you. Tea kettle also not avaialble and I had to beg for it almost. Now I was Nobody status wise back then so if you are Diamond it may be much better. The IC is better overall though and I'm not just saying it because I got all the RA upgardes and perks.
I could not see any change in the Hyatt since my last visit nearly 5 years ago.
Air conditioning was still inadequate in the rooms, no safe in most rooms, no kettles as you say. Rooms beginning to look a little tired. Bottled water was left every eveing with the turn down service. Breakfast is ok and staff, IME, not bad. Pool, gym, spa facilities still really good.
I would have thought the greater competition would have forced them to raise their standards, especially as the location is far from great or convenient for most.