Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
In a traffic-ridden square dominated by a giant Lenin statue, but convenient for Gorky Park,
this Soviet-era oldie has been fully renovated, as evidenced by the sparkling, space-age
lobby adorned with lots of chrome, blue leather furniture and spiderlike light fixtures. The
new rooms are decent value for the location.
HOTEL
PARK INN SADU
495-644 4844;
www.parkinn.ru
;
ul Bolshaya Polyanka 17; s/d from R3900/
4500; ; Polyanka)
It's a very regular branch of the Park Inn - think slightly impersonal, predictable comforts -
which boasts a prime location within walking distance of the Kremlin and the Red October
cluster of bars and galleries. Prices fall to a jaw-dropping low in the middle of summer.
HOTEL
SWISSÔTEL KRASNYE HOLMY
from R17,000/19,800; ; Paveletskaya)
The metallic skyscraper towering over the Moscow River is the swish Swissôtel Krasnye
Holmy, named for this little-known neighbourhood of Moscow. Rooms are sumptuous,
subtle and spacious. The decor is minimalist: rich, dark hardwood floors and a few modern-
ist paintings, but nothing to detract from the striking city skyline.
If you don't want to dish out the cash to spend the night, you can still enjoy the views by
heading up to the City Space Bar on the 32nd floor.
HISTORIC HOTEL
HOTEL BALTSCHUG KEMPINSKI
view from R13,000/16,000; ; Kitay-Gorod, Ploshchad Revolyutsii)
If you want to wake up to views of the sun glinting off the Kremlin's golden domes, this
luxurious property on the Moscow River is the place for you. It is a historic hotel, built in
1898, with 230 high-ceilinged rooms that are sophisticated and sumptuous in design.
The on-site restaurant is famous for its Sunday brunch, or 'linner' if you prefer, as it's
served from 12.30pm to 4.30pm. Russian champagne and live jazz accompany an extravag-
ant buffet. Discounts on Friday and Saturday nights make this a great place for a weekend
splurge.
