Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sleeping
Advance reservations are highly recommended, especially if you intend to stay at a minihotel
or hostel, most of which only have a handful of rooms, which are often booked out. Week-
days (Sunday to Thursday nights) are especially busy - and more expensive - due to busi-
ness travellers.
Moscow has some of the world's highest average hotel rates (though this situation has im-
proved). Five-star hotels offer fabulous service and amenities, but you will pay for them.
Don't expect much value for your money at midrange hotels. Hostels, on the other hand, of-
ten offer friendly faces and loads of services for the price of a dorm bed. For much more on
Sleeping, see (
click here
)
Useful Websites
Booking.com
(
www.booking.com
) Often offers the best deals on rooms.
Moscow Hotels
(
www.moscow-hotels.com
)
Descriptions of rooms and services, plus on-
line booking.
Moscow Hotels
(
www.moscow-hotels.net
)
Room descriptions, plus online booking..
LGBT TRAVELLERS
Although homosexuality is legal in Russia, this is a socially conservative country
where open displays may attract unwanted attention. Watchdog groups have repor-
ted an increase in violence since legislation banning 'gay propaganda' was enacted in
2011. There have also been reports of police harassment around gay clubs and cruis-
ing areas in Moscow. Exercise extra caution around LGBT-specific venues (or avoid
them) and you are unlikely to experience any problems. For more information, see
(
click here
)
.
