Rixos, Almaty is about as good as it gets for first class luxury in this city. The eight or so high story ceiling inside the lobby shows off its sheer opulence with gold-coloured lifts, statues under porticos in the walls and tropical plants beautifully presented on arrival at the reception. The settees look almost too perfect to sit on! Prices are high charging 6 US dollars for just a coke. Go weekdays however from 12 to 3pm and you can pick up a great offer on their business lunch for less than $20 US (2500 Tenge) in their restaurant at the back of the main lobby. Inside and outside seating is available with a snug carpeted restaurant indoors. I had the prawn cesar salad to start before tucking into their delicious thai green curry for a main. A soft drink is included and a scruptious variety of bread. What I particularly liked about the hotel is that service charge is not added to the bill unlike most other establishments in Kazakhstan and my travels through Kyrgyzstan. Service is good and unevasive. #luxury #dinner #lunch #snack #hotel #free-wifi