Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Da, this hostel is worthy of your roubles, with a wide-open, spacious common area and kit-
chen, a game room with PlayStation, and a nice mix of clean dorm rooms with sturdy wood
beds. It has about 100 beds spread over two floors, including four-bed, women-only rooms.
Most of the guests are Russian - some of whom are longer-term residents - which offers a
unique vibe.
HOSTEL
BEAR HOSTEL ON SMOLENSKAYA
breakfast R130; ; Smolenskaya)
A smart, no-nonsense hostel with air-conditioned dorms (all co-ed) on the Garden Ring just
west of the Arbat. The 50 wide bunk beds have guardrails to protect the young or inebriated.
This is the nicest of the reliable Bear hostel chain, which also includes the run-of-the-mill
Bear on Mayakovskaya and the larger flagship Bear on Arbatskaya.
BOUTIQUE HOTEL
BLUES HOTEL
495-961 1161;
www.blues-hotel.ru
; ul Dovatora 8; s/d from R5800/6300;
; Sportivnaya)
The location is not exactly central, but is not a disadvantage. It is steps from the red-line
metro (five stops to Red Square) and a few blocks from Novodevichy, with several worth-
while restaurants in the vicinity. Considering that, this friendly, affordable boutique hotel is
a gem, offering stylish, spotless rooms with king-size beds and flat-screen TVs.
Further discounts on weekends.
BOUTIQUE HOTEL
MERCURE ARBAT HOTEL
495-225 0025;
www.mercure.com
; Smolenskaya pl 6; d from R7000;
; Smolenskaya)
We're charmed by this sweet boutique hotel. It's not much to look at on the outside, but the
rooms are attractive and rather plush to boot. The most affordable ones have queen-size
beds, work space, flat-screen TVs and chic bathrooms with basin sinks. It's surprisingly
quiet for its location right on the Garden Ring. Excellent value, especially on weekends.
You'll pay extra for the big buffet breakfast.
HOTEL
BULGAKOV MINI-HOTEL
495-229 8018;
www.bulgakovhotel.com
; ul Arbat 49; d R4000;
;
Smolenskaya)
