Hotel Metropol Moscow

Opened in 1907, the Metropol is the largest existing Moscow hotel built before the 1917 Russian Revolution. Over the years the hotel has hosted the likes of Sergei Prokofiev, Mao Zedong, George Bernard Shaw, Marlene Dietrich, and John Steinbeck. The Metropol still evokes pre-Revolutionary Russia and retains many original Art Nouveau elements. The classic and clean white facade features a brass entrance complete with topiaries and retro signage. An ornately patterned rug leads down a hallway to the two-level marble lobby. There's a striking elevator bank, with wood paneling and stained glass, and a mirrored elevator carpeted in rich ruby-red. The high-ceilinged dining hall is another particularly impressive space. It features stained-glass windows, marble pillars, a leaded-glass roof, ornate lamps, and a central fountain. Michael Jackson once played the piano in this room, and these days, breakfast is accompanied by soft harp music. The Metropol attracts well-heeled tourists, who appreciate its elegance, antique feel, and prime location that's just a short stroll from Red Square. With its extensive meeting facilities, the hotel also attracts a fairly brisk conference trade.

It's hard to beat this hotel's excellent location in central Moscow, as it's just across the street from the Teatralnaya Metro station and a three-minute walk from the Bolshoi Theatre. The State Historical Museum is an eight-minute walk from the hotel, and it will only take 10 minutes to reach the center of Red Square and Lenin's Mausoleum on foot. The Kremlin is a little under 15 minutes away on foot, as is the colorfully iconic St. Basil's Cathedral. Dormition Cathedral is just under 20 minutes away on foot. Expect a 15-minute metro ride or 25-minute walk (if it's warm enough) to reach The Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts. The center of Gorky Park is about 30 minutes away by a combination of walking and metro. Guests coming from Domodedovo International Airport will drive about an hour to reach Hotel Metropol. Sheremetyevo Airport is about 40 minutes away depending on traffic. Alternatively, both airports can be reached by metro in an hour as well.

The elegant rooms and suites at Metropol Moscow come in a variety of categories and bed configurations. They get good natural light and are clean and quiet, despite the hotel's city-center location. Evocative of the hotel's late 19th- and early 20th-century origins, rooms embrace classical decor that includes liberal use of dark woods and heavy, floral-print curtains and upholstery. Many rooms feature elements like parquet wood floors, silk wallpaper, crown molding, crystal chandeliers, antique furniture and lamps, and original paintings. Some room walls, however, feel a little under-decorated, a look that's created by the sheer size of the rooms and the small gilt-framed artwork that's been hung on the walls. The palette is mainly shades of gold, brown, and green, while some rooms have touches of rose and pink, and pretty brass mirrors hang above wooden writing desks in many rooms. 

Standard and Superior Rooms range from 269 to 323 square feet (25 to 30 square meters), and most Superior Rooms have views of the neighboring Teatralnaya Square and Bolshoi Theatre. Minibars and free bottled water are provided, though not all rooms have coffee- and tea-making facilities. There are flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi in all rooms. Air-conditioning and safes come standard as well. Free bonbons from the hotel pastry chef are a nice added touch. Suites have elegant sitting areas, and some have bedrooms with alcoves, while others have two separate small rooms. Rooms at the Metropol are all non-smoking. 

Bathrooms are clean and well lighted, but some are a little small. All have shower/tub combos with deep-soaking tubs, as well as premium bath products by Molton Brown or Asprey (suites have higher-end products). Bathrobes and slippers come with all rooms. 

Metropol Moscow has a good array of features for its guests, and unlike many historic city-center hotels, the Metropol offers leisure facilities, including a small indoor pool, a sauna, and a fitness center. A definite highlight of a stay at the hotel is breakfast in the grand dining hall under the leaded-glass dome. Accompanied by soft music, the buffet features a blini pancake station with caviar and salmon, seasonal fresh fruit, cereals, egg dishes, and freshly baked pastries. Unfortunately it's not included in room rates. Savva Restaurant serves New Russian and Scandinavian cuisine, which combines traditional Russian dishes with fresh seasonal ingredients and innovative cooking techniques. Set in a classic space with marble columns, stucco ceilings, and Art Nouveau chandeliers, the elegant Chaliapin Bar serves classic cocktails and also offers light fare and an afternoon tea. Room service is available 24 hours. The hotel also has a business center and extensive meeting facilities, including 18 rooms and a conference center. Concierge service, baggage assistance, and free limited self-parking are available. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.