Katerina City Hotel

Although Katerina City Hotel's building dates back to 1824, that history is more apparent from the outside than inside. The sloped green roof and framed windows suggest an older vintage. In the lobby and common areas, however, numerous updates have occurred over the years to modernize and decorate in a contemporary Scandinavian style. The angular reception stand is made out of blonde wood that complements the salmon-colored walls. Across the room, red chairs are lined up in front of the bar with a bank of TVs above it. The decor favors a minimalist functionality with cloth or wood chairs in many of the common areas. Occasionally, a bank of comfy chairs next to a fireplace interrupts the streamlined style. On the whole, the hotel isn't high style, but it's pleasant and sunny. Most guests are business travelers seeking stylish functionality and proximity to the metro, though the hotel also lures some leisure travelers and small families. 

Situated near the Moscow River, south of central circle, the Katerina City Hotel isn't near any major tourist attractions. A closer look around the Zamoskvorechye district, however, reveals notable examples of 18th- and 19th-century architecture in the surrounding streets. But most tourists will want to head to the Paveletskaya metro station, a 15-minute walk away, to take the 10-minute ride to central Moscow. Several sights accessible by metro include the Bolshoi Theatre (23 minutes), Red Square (24 minutes), and the Kremlin (29 minutes). While the location doesn't offer much to tourists, business travelers frequently stay here to be near the Riverside Towers business complex, a six-minute walk away. The Domodedovo Airport is about 45 minutes away by car and one hour and 10 minutes by train.

The rooms at Katerina City Hotel are upbeat, comfortable, and clean with blond-wood furniture and jaunty canary-yellow and royal-blue walls. Many guests note, however, that rooms are closer to three pearl than four. All rooms have air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi and bottled water, minibars, safes, and coffee/tea facilities. Each of the Small Rooms has little more than a bed, wall-unit closet, and nightstands. Medium Rooms add couches and desks. Large Rooms each have a separate lounging area. The heated-tile bathrooms parallel the size of the rooms, with the small ones each having a shower, toilet, and sink. The large bathrooms offer more space and bathtubs. Free toiletries and hairdryers are also included. Most rooms have views of the Moskva River, Novospasskiy Monastery, or the hotel's backyard.

For travelers who want to work off those calories from traditional Russian cuisine, the Katerina City Hotel gym has machines and free weights. In addition to offering massages, the spa has a steam room, sauna, and hot tub. The restaurants are well-reviewed and offer a combination of Russian, Scandinavian, and Western fare such as "Bar Burger on Dark Bread," "Swedish Meatballs," and "New York Cheesecake." Business travelers can make use of the hotel's generous amount of meeting space -- eight rooms that range from an intimate space resembling a country inn's dining room, to a rooftop presentation hall with atrium windows and a terrace overlooking the river. There's also a cozy library lounge that can host cocktail gatherings of up to 40 guests. Wi-Fi is free throughout.