Below you can find some links:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pavlodar (Pavlodar info);

http://www.pavlodar.kz/ (offocial site, in English);

farecompare.com/flights/…airport.html (flights);

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9C5p6HBPF2E (3 min. movie;

http://www.pavlodar.ru/building.shtml (photos);

virtualtourist.com/travel/Asia/Kazakhstan/Pa…

Hotels:

http://ertishhotel.kz/en/index.html;

http://www.a-adamhotel.kz/ (Hotel rate is $100 per day per person);

http://hotpvl.kz/main.php?pageid=sar (see the left column for hotels/pictures - in Russian only);

http://hotpvl.kz/;

www.pavlodar-online.kz/relax/place/… (all hotels are listed here, Russian only, but you can find some pictures and www addresses)

I don't know which one is the best (I am in Almaty), but if you indicate a rate, that will be suitable for you, I can ask my colleagues who used to travel there.

The city is quite safe.

Sorry, don't understand what you mean under "transport freely" (taxi? public transportation? rented car with a driver)?

Difficult question about mentality. I think very different from Qatar, but usually people are friendly and supportive.

Kazakhstan is in general a fairly safe place to visit. There are a few do's and don't just like there are in so many other places. Of course it would be foolish to disrespect the local people and culture anywhere, so this is not unique to Kazakhstan.

The main thing to bear in mind is that most Kazakhs are very proud and demand the respect they think they deserve. They also don't take kindly to being told how bad their city or country is, even when they know that what you are saying is true. So it is probably best to keep opinions like that to yourself unless you are in company with people that you know very well and that you know will not get offended by the truth.

While most Kazakhs are very friendly and open towards foreigners, it is also sadly true that many resent foreigners being in the country. This is particularly true with respect to expats that are working there and "taking jobs and women away from the locals". It is quite common for foreigners to be charged more for a certain service than locals (e.g. taxis - "because they can afford it") and in general expect that you will be taken advantage of if you try to buy anything and don't speak the language.

With respct to travelling freely, there are few restrictions on movement in Kazakhstan. There are some travel restrictions for foreigners in some border regions and other sensitive areas. In particular be aware that you may need a special permit to travel into the border areas with Russia and China in the eastern parts of Kazakhstan.

The police have the authority to stop and ask you for identification papers at any time and for any reason, but this has only happened to me once. And that was at the airport when going for the check-in for a domestic flight. A valid ID will have to be shown when checking in for a flight, and you will also be required to show it when buying train tickets. And don't forget that you are required to have your passport and visa with you at all times.