The St. Regis Moscow Nikolskaya

This luxury hotel from the St. Regis chain is a grand dame with polished, classically-styled interiors that attract well-heeled travelers. Gilt, gleaming marble floors, and a grand chandelier set the tone upon entering into the lobby. Once past the reception area, a large and impressive stained glass dome ceiling commandeers over the spacious seating area where a double staircase leads to clusters of plush armchairs and sofas in the lobby bar and lounge. The hotel's dining spaces, which include an Italian restaurant, a more casual burger place, and a restaurant focused on meat, differ in ambience and decor, ranging from a classic style to hip contemporary design. Guests here are a mix of tourists keen on exploring the city and business travelers.

The hotel occupies a prime location by Lubyanka Square that's close to shopping, dining, and most of the city's main attractions. Red Square is 10-minute walk down the street and home to many top sites like the State Historical Museum, Lenin's Mausoleum, and St. Basil's Cathedral. Just past Lubyanka Square is the Senate Square, as well as the Kremlin and Dormition Cathedral. The Bolshoi Theatre is also a seven-minute walk away. There is a metro station right outside of the hotel (the Lubyanka station), while the Leningradsky train station is about 15 minutes away by metro. Sheremetyevo International Airport is about an hour drive away or an hour and 20 minutes via public transportation. Domodedovo Moscow Airport is an hour's drive or an hour-and-a-half by public transit. Vnukovo International Airport is a 50-minute drive or 65 minutes by public transportation. Zhukovsky International Airport is an hour and 20 minutes away by car or around two hours by public transit.

Rooms here feature elegant and polished decor in a tasteful color palette of cream, silver, and gold hues accented by jewel tones. There are several different room categories and color schemes and furnishings differ a bit among them, but they all provide a plush experience with sumptuous textiles, fine furniture, and lush bedding. Chandeliers add an opulent touch, as does fine art on the walls. All rooms have sitting areas and work desks, while one- and two-bedroom suites add even more living space. Other standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, well-stocked minibars (including free bottled water), electronic safes, free Wi-Fi, and personal butler service, but there are no tea/coffee facilities -- though guests can request free coffee/tea from the butlers. Bathrooms, even entry-level ones,  gleam with marble and gilded details, including eye-catching decorative tiling festooning the walk-in rainfall showers and separate soaking tubs. Bathrobes and high-quality toiletries are provided.

The hotel has an impressive spa, the highlight of which is its heated indoor pool and hot tub that are situated in a lovely, elegant space with a ceiling fresco of blue skies. Spa facilities also include a sauna, steam room, and nine treatment rooms offering a wide menu of massages, facials, and other treatments, plus hair services are available. The fitness center offers a solid set of Technogym equipment with individual media screens.

The hotel has three dining options, including an Italian restaurant that's open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner; a meat-heavy restaurant that serves lunch and dinner; and a casual burger joint. The plush lobby bar and lounge serves cocktails, coffee, and pastries, as well as a light a la carte menu. The Robusto Cigar Club And Cognac Room offers an extensive selection of cognacs and cigars in a handsome setting. Other features include meeting and event space, a business center, and free Wi-Fi throughout the property. The 24-hour concierge services here get great reviews from guests.