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Where to Stay in Moscow

Where to Stay in Moscow

Moscow Russia Travel Guide

Accommodation Types in Moscow

Variety of Choices

  • Hostels

    Budget-friendly hostels, especially in the city center, include dorms and private rooms. Book using Hostelworld.

  • Mid-Range Hotels

    A broad range of 3-4 star establishments, with foreign chains (e.g., IHG Hotels) and local properties.

  • Luxury Hotels

    Several 5-star global brands (some operating under new names) and high-end local hotels, mainly in the city center.

  • Boutique & Mini-Hotels

    Boutique hotels feature stylish designs. Mini-hotels, smaller and family-run, deliver intimate experiences.

Alternative Stays

  • Vacation Rentals

    Apartments with more space and kitchen facilities for longer stays or families. Available via Booking.com (functionality might change) and Vrbo, or local platforms.

  • House Sitting

    For prolonged visits, explore possibilities such as TrustedHousesitters for unique experiences.

  • Agoda

    Explore a wide array of accommodation choices with Agoda, known for its extensive listings.

  • Camping

    Camping and outdoor lodging are not available within central Moscow.

Moscow Neighborhood Guide

Each Moscow area features a distinct character, proximity to attractions, and ambiance, helping travelers select their ideal base.

Central Districts

Pros:
  • Proximity to major sights
  • Excellent transport connections
  • Wide dining and shopping choices
Cons:
  • Higher prices
  • Potential noise
  • Crowds of tourists

Quieter Central Areas

Pros:
  • More local atmosphere
  • Still heart of and charming
  • Good museums
Cons:
  • Less direct transport (fewer metro lines)
  • Fewer nightlife options
  • Less immediate "buzz"

Outer Central Districts

Pros:
  • More affordable
  • Often near large parks or specific attractions
  • Good metro connections
Cons:
  • Requires metro travel to main sights
  • Less immediate excitement
  • Less commercial feel

Safety and Ambiance Notes

Safety:

Central tourist areas are generally safe and well-lit. Apply standard precautions against pickpocketing in crowded spaces. Avoid poorly lit, isolated areas late at night.

Ambiance:

Tverskoy and Kitai-Gorod deliver lively and sometimes noisy atmospheres. Zamoskvorechye and residential parts of Presnensky feature a quieter ambiance.

Booking Strategies for Moscow Stays

Careful planning for accommodation booking is wise, notably considering Moscow's unique circumstances.

Booking Timing

  • For high season (summer, New Year), book 3-6 months in advance for the best selection plus fares.
  • For shoulder seasons, target 1-3 months ahead.
  • During low season, booking 1 month or less before your trip often results in good deals.
  • Seasonal price fluctuations mean prices are highest during summer (June-August) and major holidays (New Year, Victory Day). Prices are lowest in winter, outside of public holidays.

Platform & Policies

  • International platforms like Booking.com and Expedia may have limited functionality to make bookings within Russia.
  • Local Russian platforms (Ostrovok.ru, Yandex.Travel) serve as main alternatives. Places to stay also accept direct bookings.
  • Negotiating walk-in rates is generally uncommon in well-populated-known hotels. Online booking often delivers better rates.
  • Review deposit and cancellation policies carefully. Many include free cancellation up to a specific point.

Payment Considerations

International Payments:
  • Due to current restrictions, international bank cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) issued by non-Russian banks may not work within Russia.
  • Travelers from outside Russia should explore alternative payment methods or local currency options.
  • Consult your bank or travel specialist for the latest tips on payment in Russia.
  • Cash (Russian Rubles) remains a widely accepted and reliable payment method.
Local Payments:
  • MIR cards (Russian national payment system) and cards issued by Russian banks typically operate without issue.
  • Contactless payment systems (e.g., Apple Pay, Google Pay) may also face limitations for non-Russian cards.
  • Many local booking platforms may require Russian-issued cards for payment.
  • Pre-paid services or booking arrangements from outside Russia should verify payment acceptance.

Important Notice on Functionality

Platform Access:

International booking platforms may have limited access or functionality for users outside Russia or to book within Russia.

Sanctions:

Some international hotel brands have changed branding or management due to geopolitical factors and sanctions.

Verification:

Always verify the current operational status and booking conditions directly with the accommodation or platform.

Accommodation Recommendations

Moscow delivers excellent accommodation options for every budget and travel style.

Top Picks by Budget

Budget Options

Hostels like "Godzillas Hostel" or "Capsule Hotel Sleepbox" (near Belorussky station) make affordable dorms and private rooms available.

  • Godzillas Hostel
  • Capsule Hotel Sleepbox
  • Many independent hostels
Mid-Range Options

Hotels including "Ibis Moscow Centre Bakhrushina," "Novotel Moscow Centre," or "Azimut Hotel Olympic Moscow" deliver comfortable stays at a reasonable cost.

  • Ibis Moscow Centre Bakhrushina
  • Novotel Moscow Centre
  • Azimut Hotel Olympic Moscow

Luxury & Unique Stays

Luxury Options

Hotels like The Carlton, Moscow (formerly Four Seasons Hotel Moscow), "Hotel National," or "Ararat Park Hyatt Moscow" deliver five-star service and amenities.

  • The Carlton, Moscow
  • Hotel National, a Luxury Collection Hotel
  • Ararat Park Hyatt Moscow
Cultural & Historical Significance

Consider staying at the Hotel Metropol Moscow, an Art Nouveau landmark, or the Hotel National, located opposite the Kremlin, for an unique glimpse into Moscow's past.

  • Hotel Metropol Moscow
  • Hotel National, a Luxury Collection Hotel

Family & Solo Traveler Stays

  • Family-Friendly Options

    Search for hotels with family rooms, connecting rooms, or apartment hotels. Properties near parks, like Sokolniki or VDNKh, make good choices for families.

  • Solo Traveler Stays

    Hostels provide a friendly vibe for meeting other travelers. Well-located mid-range hotels deliver safety and convenience.

  • Business Travel

    Lodgings in the Presnensky District or near major business centers blend convenience with quality amenities.

  • Long-Stay Accommodations

    Serviced apartments or vacation rentals, booked via local platforms, represent good choices for extended visits. These often come with kitchen facilities and more living space.

Other Accommodation Types

  • Serviced Apartments

    Ideal for longer visits, offering home comforts and often better value than hotels for extended stays.

  • Guesthouses

    Smaller, intimate settings, sometimes family-run, for a more personal experience.

  • Boutique Hotels

    Stylish and individually designed hotels with distinct atmospheres for unique stays.

  • No Central Camping

    Camping and outdoor lodging are not available within central Moscow.

Helpful Travel Advice

Check Recent Reviews

Always consult recent reviews on local Russian platforms or other accessible sites to ascertain current conditions and service levels.

  • Current operational status
  • Guest experiences
  • The quality of service
  • Amenities available
Confirm Payment Methods

Before booking, confirm directly with the property about accepted transaction methods, especially for international travelers, due to potential card restrictions.

  • Accepted credit cards
  • Cash payment options
  • Pre-payment requirements
  • Cancellation penalties