EXPERT OPINION
The hotel ’ s technical equipage had a specific significance : high-speed internet had to work everywhere and satellite communications had to be perfectly adjusted for twentyfour-hour operation of the headquarters . To do this we purchased the newest equipment . But now we are the best Internet Service Providers among all of Almaty ’ s hotels . In addition , the rider contained the needs regarding available parking spaces , as well as the pool and breakfasts in the hotel ; all the rooms needed to meet the technical standards of a five-star hotel , down to the smallest details – tea , coffee and so on . The great advantage is the hotel ’ s location in the very heart of the city – with an approximately equal distance from here to Chimbulak , Halyk Arena , Almaty Arena , Athletic Village and other facilities . As I have already said , the most important factor was the ability to provide parking for the FISU representatives and the Universiade guests 150 cars as well as for ten large buses that transported guests every day . Not every hotel can host such a large number of vehicles . Moreover , the FISU office was located in Almaty Towers , just a walking distance from the hotel , which was also convenient for our guests .
How many guests did you host during the Universiade ?
We had 200 people from the FISU , including the president , Mr . Oleg Matytsin , who lived in the presidential suite . The Rahat Palace was designed with 200 rooms ; therefore , all the rooms were occupied during this period . There were visitors from 17 countries : France , Germany , Italy , USA , China , South Korea and Russia . In addition , three hundred volunteers stayed here , and about five hundred people , Universiade guests , were coming on a daily basis . And , of course , that ’ s not including our employees – approximately 250 people . That is about a thousand people at the hotel every day . Special security measures are always required when there is such a large number of people . Therefore , our security worked around the clock with additional police officers on duty .
What impressions did the guests have from Rahat Palace and our city as a whole ?
Their comfortable stay in our hotel and city was our highest priority , so we did everything possible to ensure they were really happy . I would even say that they were surprised by the level of service . Probably , they anticipated less than ideal conditions were waiting for them in Kazakhstan . But , we met them each day , as our employees tried to fulfill each guest ’ s requests and wishes in a timely manner . The daily professional work of our employees made the guests ’ stay with us a memorable one .
Did you hold any special events for guests , offering them the national cuisine ?
Firstly , four types of menus were offered by us every day – European , Asian , national cuisine and vegetarian dishes . Foreign guests were excited about the national cuisine . In addition to the food for guests , we provided food for the three hundred volunteers who were here and helping the FISU representatives on a 24-hour basis . We organized a banquet in the Athletic Village for 2000 people as well . We received the request and had just one day to organize such a large-scale outside catering , so our employees were working 24 hours non-stop , creating the menu and delivering tablecloths , service , tableware and everything down to the napkins . Finally , the openair banquet went off perfectly , leaving a long-lasting memory for the guests and organizers .
Say a few words about the FISU award .
We have become the only hotel in Almaty that has been awarded by the FISU , despite the fact that the participants of the games and athletes were living in other hotels . This is not only a great honour for us , but also , we perceive this award as gratitude from the FISU for our work . During the time that they were staying in our hotel we became like one family . I want to say a special thank you to all the hotel ’ s employees who worked in several shifts and around the clock to ensure a proper level of service , who always greeted our guests with a smile and a willingness to help in any matter . We spent all our time side by side with the FISU representatives , visiting the Universiade opening and closing ceremonies together . Incidentally , this is another story . All the FISU representatives have badges , and they are free to go to all the games and activities . And our guests insisted that we , the hotel ’ s representatives went with them everywhere . So we really developed a very warm relationship with them , and the award is a sign of mutual gratitude to each other for the hospitality , our acquaintance and the high level of organisation our hotel provided for their comfortable stay in Almaty .
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