Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
102
Foreigner Tax
Price lists are a dizzying affair in Russia. After you've figured out what currency
is being quoted (see the box “Currency Confusion,” earlier in this chapter), the
most perplexing part for visitors from capitalist economies is that most muse-
ums and some older hotels still charge foreigners more than they charge Rus-
sians. This is a leftover from Soviet days, when Soviet citizens enjoyed deep
subsidies to offset low salaries. The newer hotels, and everything in the “Expen-
sive” range and up, do not employ this practice and charge all clients the same
regardless of citizenship. Some hotels, however, still offer lists that include:
• rates for Russian citizens
• rates for citizens of the “near abroad” or the Commonwealth of Independent
States (basically a discount for friendly ex-Soviet states)
• rates for everyone else
It's no use protesting this system. If it's any consolation, Russians staying in
such facilities often suffer worse service than international (and higher-paying)
guests.
In addition, you'll find different prices depending on how upgraded the
room is or how recent the renovations are. These rates are often euphemisti-
cally labeled, such as “tourist” rate for the newer rooms and “standard” rate for
the older ones. Don't hesitate to ask to clear up any confusion.
Warning:
Some hotels don't include the 18% VAT in their advertised prices,
so make sure to check the final price before booking. Many don't include
breakfasts, and standards change frequently. Always best to ask on check-in or
before.
5
Patriarch's Ponds
(p. 151). Despite the hotel's relatively modest size, its rooms, bath-
rooms, closets, and corridors are spacious and airy. Room designs vary, but all are modern
and subtly decorated, making good use of natural light. In case of emergency, the private,
international-standard European Medical Center is right next door.
4 Spiridonevsky Pereulok.
&
499/244-3631.
Fax 495/901-9700. www.presnja.ru. 72 units. From 15,000
rubles double; from 23,000 rubles suite. AE, DC, MC, V. Metro: Pushkinskaya, Tverskaya, or Mayakovskaya.
Amenities:
2 restaurants; bar and lounge; concierge; executive-level rooms; sauna.
In room:
A/C, TV w/
satellite and pay movies, fridge, hair dryer, minibar, free Wi-Fi.
Sheraton Palace
A sleek modern hotel perched at the top of Tverskaya
Street, the Sheraton offers little historic value but plenty of modern convenience. Its
child-friendly weekend brunches are a key draw, with multilingual clowns and an activity
room that allows parents to indulge in the all-included caviar and champagne and admire
the ice sculptures that decorate the dining hall. Despite triple-paned windows, rooms
facing Tverskaya still feel its 24-hour hum; those facing the courtyard are more tranquil
but have a gloomy view of apartment blocks. The hotel's glass-and-chrome style may lack
character, but it offers a refreshing relief from city grime. The Sheraton is still one of the
few hotels in town with a real fitness center, including a small jogging track and aerobics
classes. Spacious, sumptuous rooms offer various mattress styles upon request. Popular
