Radisson Collection Hotel Moscow

Originally built as one of Stalin's Seven Sisters skyscrapers in 1953, the building was first home to Hotel Ukraine. The Soviet Baroque building (it takes up most of the block) looks almost like a castle, built in the wedding cake style with winding spires that are impressively lit up at night. Inside, the design and atmosphere is opulent and grand from the gold laden decor to the receptionists with old-fashioned uniforms topped with charming hats. Floors are made from Indian granite and columns were constructed from Italian marble. Paintings by Russian artists, such as Vasily Polenov, hang on the walls. 

This property attracts a top clientele of politicians, dignitaries, business travelers, and couples wanting a luxe stay. Their personal drivers and cars are parked right out front and ready on cue. With a demanding clientele comes high prices and strict security. Officers are stationed at the hotel's entrance to do a full security screening of every guest through a metal detector. Though the practice ensures top safety at the hotel, it can feel a bit intimidating and cold.  Despite the high-quality design and luxe atmosphere, there are some complaints about issues with checking in such as being placed in the incorrect rooms or chilly reception from staff. 

This waterfront hotel's location is for those who don’t mind taking public transportation or a car to visit Moscow's city center. Attractions like the Kremlin, Red Square, and Saint Basil’s Cathedral take about a 15-minute drive or a 17-minute bus ride to reach. The hotel is surrounded by parks, restaurants, and the picturesque Moskva River. Expect a 15-minute walk to a mall and the nearest metro stop. It’s a 35-minute drive to Sheremetyevo International Airport.

The hotel has 497 rooms and suites, all of which offer an elegant Recency-style decor that features opulent colors of gold, cream, and soft blues. The overall look is luxurious with sumptuous carpet or wooden floors, high-quality fabrics, and substantial furniture. Guests have noted that Classic Rooms are unsatisfactorily small for their tastes. Though the rooms are on point when it comes to style, in-room amenities aren’t very impressive. Sure, they have flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, laptop-sized safes, and air-conditioning, but they lack minibars and coffee- and tea-making facilities. Deluxe Rooms and above, however, are equipped with espresso machines. Grand Executive Suites and Romantic Suites offer Bang & Olufsen entertainment centers, discounts to the on-site Farsi Restaurant, a Netbook or iPad, and a free cruise on a yacht. The Presidential Suite gets all of this, plus extra rooms and a kitchen. Unless you're a head of state or dignitary, you won't get access to the suite anyway. 

Bathrooms, like the rooms, are luxe. They come with Penhaligon's London toiletries, bottled water, hairdryers, bidets, and shower/tub combos. Some suites have jetted tubs and tropical rain showers. A few bathrooms have stunning river views and striped or floral wallpaper. 

For those with extended stays in Moscow, consider booking one of the hotel’s 38 serviced one- or two-bedroom apartments. They include their own separate entrance and are located on the higher floors for the best views of the city. 

The Radisson Royal Hotel Moscow’s features are really quite impressive. The standout amenity is the fleet of yachts that guests can book for river cruises along the Moskva River. There’s also a wellness center that offers beauty treatments, massages, and a large lap pool that’s complemented by two hot tubs. The gym is well-equipped with Technogym cardio and weight equipment, though it has limited hours.

As far as dining options go, there are five restaurants that range from Russian cuisine to Middle Eastern fare like Iranian food. The Tatler Club Restaurant offers beautiful river views during the meal. Each morning a huge breakfast buffet spread is laid out. It includes hot and cold Russian and Western selections, for a fee. Room service is available 24 hours. The hotel’s three bars offer something a little different at each. There's 24-hour service with food, high-rise views of Moscow, or karaoke with drinks. Tourists and locals alike visit the Troubadour Karaoke Bar which spans the top three floors and has a fun atmosphere. Business travelers will appreciate 14 fully-equipped meeting rooms that hold up to 1,000 guests, plus free Wi-Fi throughout. Parking is available for a fee. For guests who want to do a bit of shopping, the hotel features boutiques with high-end jewelry and fashion.