Moscow Hotels and Accommodation

(Moscow, Central Federal District, Russia)

Moscow is an extremely popular city to visit and most of the lodging here is far from cheap. Hotels and similar accommodation options expanded greatly during the 1990s, when many top-end hotels were built.

However, the typical, mid-range European-style accommodation that most tourists come to expect is quite scarce in Moscow, or simply rather overpriced. Many of the cheapest hotels are either quite modern or date back to the rather concrete influenced Soviet era, offering little in the way of soul and taste. A number of these hotels are perfectly functional and affordable, and conveniently close to the Moscow Kremlin and the Moskva River.

Where to Stay

Much of the accommodation near to the Arbat and Red Square is pricey and many visitors choose to stay outside of central Moscow, where a number of good-value hotels and guesthouses are to be found. If possible, always choose lodging close to a metro station, which means that you can still reach the main sights with relative ease.

Be aware that foreign tourists may be charged more than Russians staying in the same hotel, with dual pricing schemes in operation. Also some of the cheaper accommodation in Moscow may include a rather high reservation charge of up to 50 percent for the first night, so do shop around.

Mid-range hotels in Moscow are extremely variable and whilst some 25 years ago they were the best that the city was able to offer, many are now dated and a little tired. Their rates have not risen excessively and so this type of accommodation generally provides the best value and service standards are definitely improving, although slowly. Look out for the centrally located Hotel Moskva on the Okhotny Ryad and the Hotel Belgrad on the Smolenskaya Ul.

The top-end Moscow hotels offer a high standard of international accommodation and service, as guests would expect. Many are now owned by western chains and do cater well for business travellers. One of Moscow's very first luxury hotels was the Hotel Savoy on the Ul Rozhdestvenka, which arrived in 1989 and is known for its glamorous chandeliers and murals. Situated on the Tverskaya Ul, the Marriott Grand features excellent views across the Moscow cityscape from its rooftop patio.