Crowne Plaza Moscow World Trade Centre

Completed in 1980 as part of Moscow's World Trade Centre, the city's chief architect, Mikhail Posokhin, certainly chose an imposing modern design over an eye-pleasing one for the adjoining Crowne Plaza. Stepping inside (and through metal detectors), the cavernous lobby was also built to impress through sheer size with a vast eight-story atrium lit by an enormous sloping skylight. Four glass pod elevators provide views over the space, which also includes illuminated fountains and a huge central clock sculpture with moving Russian folk-tale figures. The property also consists of the Club Tower, which has a more contemporary feel and some striking views from its upper levels. Security is clearly taken very seriously, both on entering and around the hotel, which some guests find reassuring and others deem annoying. Overall, it doesn't reach its advertised five-pearl rating. There's no mistaking that this hotel is aimed squarely at the upscale corporate end of the market, though there are the occasional tourists.

The hotel is located in Moscow's western Presnensky District, just across the road from the Moskva River and a 10-minute walk from the city's developing financial quarter. As well as adjoining the World Trade Centre, it is adjacent to the Expocentre exhibition complex. There's also good range of trendy bars and restaurants within walking distance, while the historic heart of Moscow -- including the Kremlin and iconic Red Square -- is less than a 10-minute cab journey. Buses also run from just outside the hotel to the center, though the nearest Metro stations are 20 minutes on foot. The closer of Moscow's two airports is Sheremetyevo International Airport, at around a 45-minute drive. 

The Crowne Plaza houses a whopping 724 guest rooms, including 149 Club-level rooms located in its modern tower wing. Standard rooms start at 270 square feet (25 square meters) with pleasant, if a little underwhelming, interiors that combine striped carpets, modern furniture, and colorful artworks. Business and Club rooms, however, distinguish themselves with smarter and more polished decor that includes velvet fabrics and back-lit paneling. In-room amenities include (32-inch or 40-inch) flat-screen TVs, minibars, and coffee- and tea-making facilities; Suites and Club Studios add separate lounges or sitting areas with extra TVs. Wi-Fi is free of charge and generally works well. Most bathrooms have shower/tub combos, all with wall-mounted hairdryers and bathrobes; top-level rooms also have separate showers, marble paneling, and high-end toiletries. Views across Moscow from some of the upper-level Club rooms are particularly spectacular.

Predominately a business-focused hotel, there's little in the way of on-site leisure options. The Crowne Plaza does, however, have the benefit of shared facilities with the World Trade Centre, which includes plenty of shopping and dining opportunities. Guests can use the WTC health club, featuring a full-length swimming pool, steam bath, and saunas, but it's only free for Club guests. A fitness center, equipped with modern exercise machines and a sauna, is available to all guests. The hotel's own eatery, the Real Food Restaurant, offers a breakfast buffet with an impressive quality and range of dishes, though it is not included in the rate and on the pricey side. The restaurant also offers an excellent a la carte menu with dishes cooked on a lava grill from the open kitchen. Club-level guests have access to a lounge serving free breakfast. Secure parking is free for guests, as is Wi-Fi throughout the property.