InterContinental Moscow Tverskaya Hotel

The InterContinental Moscow Tverskaya Hotel aims for luxury and familiarity and succeeds at both. The lobby's three-story atrium space drips with marble and artwork, but none of it is exotic enough to make a statement. Given its central location, business amenities, and trusted brand, the InterContinental is favored by corporate travelers. But plenty of leisure travelers also take advantage of the hotel’s location and amenities -- especially the spa and popular restaurant. With dark wood paneling, a frosted-glass wall, and velvet bentwood modern seating, the Chekhonte restaurant feels like a midcentury twist on Moscow. Couples can be spotted dining in the hip, polished space, and work colleagues check in for a drink overlooking the city streets. But there is one category of guest that's rather absent: Few families choose to stay at the hotel (there are no adjoining rooms) adding to its very adult feel. The hotel’s capacity and relatively low price attract tour groups, and when these are present the spacious property can feel impacted. Note that security is low key but apparent, and some complain that the beefy personnel with the serious expressions put a damper on the vacation vibe.

The InterContinental Moscow Tverskaya Hotel is located in the Tverskaya neighborhood, popular with Moscow’s upper class in the 17th and 18th centuries. Occasional examples of Russian Art Nouveau architecture remain from that time, but today Tverskaya is a busy commercial neighborhood, with upscale shopping, good dining options, and excellent connections to downtown Moscow. Three metro lines are within a five-minute walk of the hotel. From the hotel it’s a 10-minute walk to the Bolshoi Theatre, a 20-minute walk to Red Square and St. Basil’s Cathedral, and a 25-minute walk to the Kremlin. It’s 32 minutes by metro to the State Tretyakov Gallery, 36 minutes to Gorky Central Park of Culture and Recreation, and 52 minutes to the Tsarytsino Open-Air History and Architectural Museum. Sheremetyevo International Airport is 45 minutes by taxi or an hour by metro from the hotel.

Rooms at the InterContinental Moscow Tverskaya Hotel are spacious and stylish, with marble bathrooms and views over the city streets. Decor varies room to room but is consistently smart and contemporary, with plush seating and hardwood accents. Standard rooms are 410 square feet and have carpet or hardwood floors; all have writing desks, coffee- and tea-making facilities, minibars, and generous storage space. In-room technology includes 42-inch flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, and free, reliable Wi-Fi. Large bathrooms clad in black and white marble have separate rainfall showers and bathtubs; some even have flat-screen TVs over the tub. All come equipped with hairdryers, Agraria toiletries, and rubber duckies perched on the edge of tubs -- a cheeky extra. On the downside, some guests complain that the frosted glass bathroom walls in standard rooms don’t offer enough privacy. In addition to extra space (550 square feet to a palatial 3,500 square feet), suites have lovely parquet floors and cushy velvet furniture; some have multiple bathrooms, all equipped with bathrobes, shaving kits, and toothbrushes and toothpaste in addition to standard amenities. Higher category rooms include complimentary business lounge access, a nice perk.

The InterContinental Moscow Tverskaya Hotel has all the amenities one would expect of a luxury hotel -- except, perhaps, a pool. On the second floor, Chekhonte restaurant has beautiful parquet floors, velvet seats, floor-to-ceiling views over Tverskaya, and a solid Russian and international menu. Breakfast (not included) is a lavish spread with fresh local produce and made-to-order options. With elegant curved marble tables and red leather stools, the P-Square bar is modern and comfortable, offering a good selection of top-shelf drinks. The large, staffed executive lounge is very popular with business travelers with separate seating areas and colorful animal sculptures that add a whimsical touch; access is free to those in higher-category rooms. The Mahash Spa, in low-key earth tones, offers full spa services as well as dry and steam saunas. Even the fitness room has parquet floors, as well as mirrored walls, large-format nature photos, and a large-screen TV. Equipment includes treadmills, cross-trainers, kettle bells, and free weights. The hotel has a well-regarded concierge and offers many paid services, including laundry and dry cleaning, private limousine and airport transfers, and on-site parking. Wi-Fi is free throughout.