#5
Boutique at its best
This is a top notch boutique hotel in an excellent location in Moscow. I stayed in a junior suite on the second floor and was grateful for the extra space and the large couch to relax on, particularly as the common areas of the hotel were mainly related to the restaurant and were all tables. It made a bit difference to the feeling of the room and the days I spent there.
The hotel is decorated with tasteful decor and unique pieces in an art deco style. The bed and pillows were very comfortable. The amenities in the room were all very good (although not Molton Brown as stated on the website). Of note, there was no desk in my room which was a shame. It does say on the website that the Junior Suite has a desk so check this if it's important to you. It didn't bother me too much because I just set myself up on the couch and coffee table instead.
The only negative of the room was that it was too hot to sleep with a light duvet on which is all that is provided on the bed (no top sheet). I had to cool the room with the air conditioners before going to bed and I'd still wake up too hot after a few hours. Opening the windows meant having the cigarette smoke from people smoking outside pouring through the windows and I'd rather be hot than choke on disgusting smoke.
The reception and restaurant staff were excellent, very professional and attentive and nothing was too much trouble. Breakfast was included and there was a big selection to choose from and everything I ordered over the four days was very very good. You don't have to order your breakfast the night before, this is just an option if you'd like your breakfast ready at a certain time, otherwise it does take quite a while to be prepared after ordering in the morning. One day I was heading off early and so I pre-ordered and it was all ready for me right at the time I ordered it for.
It's been years since I last stayed in a hotel with a turn down night service and they even leave a very tasty chocolate dessert type sweet for you, a very welcome and nice touch.
If I ever return to Moscow I won't hesitate to stay in this hotel again, it was truly excellent and a wonderful start to my Russian holiday