Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
R9930-11,400, breakfast R2000; ; Teatralnaya)
Nothing short of an art nouveau masterpiece, the 1907 Metropol brings an artistic, historic
touch to every nook and cranny, from the spectacular exterior to the grand lobby, to the indi-
vidually decorated (but small) rooms. The breakfast buffet is ridiculously priced, but it's
served under the restaurant's gorgeous stained-glass ceiling.
The lower end of the price range is available on weekends and during other discounted
periods.
HISTORIC HOTEL
FOUR SEASONS MOSCOW
Long a fixture on the Moscow skyline, the infamous Hotel Moskva was demolished in
2003, but Four Seasons has reconstructed the old exterior, complete with architectural
quirks. The updated interior, of course, is contemporary and classy, with over 200 luxurious
rooms and suites, as well as a fancy spa and a glass-roofed swimming pool.
The story goes that Stalin was shown two possible designs for the Hotel Moskva on
Manezhnaya pl. Not realising they were alternatives, he approved both. The builders did not
dare point out his error, and so built half the hotel in constructivist style and half in Stalinist
style. The incongruous result became a familiar and beloved feature of the Moscow land-
scape, even gracing the label of Stolichnaya vodka bottles.
