WHAT’S IT LIKE?

One of Moscow’s top hotels, the 334-room Ritz-Carlton has been open since 2007 and, as you would expect from the brand, offers a luxurious base for your stay in the Russian capital. It’s a new-build property but you wouldn’t necessarily guess that from the classical façade, which blends in well with the neighbouring buildings.

Enter through a metal detector and revolving doors and you’ll find yourself in an opulent lobby with plenty of marble and gold leaf and a large seating area frequented by wealthy-looking businessmen. Reception is to the right and even though I arrived as part of a big group, check-in was swift, welcoming and professional.

WHERE IS IT?

It’s centrally located on Tverskaya Street, a couple of minutes’ walk from Red Square.

ROOM FACILITIES

Starting from 42 sqm, the categories are Superior, Deluxe, Executive and Club rooms, and Executive Studio, Carlton and Ritz-Carlton suites. They are traditional and quite masculine in style with plush fabrics and glossy cherry wood furniture. Facilities that come as standard include workdesks with power sockets, free wifi, flatscreen TVs, CD/DVD players, minibars, 24-hour room service, evening turndown service, Frette bedlinen, control panels for the lights and blinds, robes and slippers, and laptop safes.

The grand marble bathrooms are at least 10 sqm and have twin sinks and separate tubs and walk-in rainshowers. My Deluxe room had a comfy king-size bed and a view of the Kremlin and the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour. Executive rooms have a partially separated living area and an internal atrium view. Club rooms and suites have iPod docks, Nespresso machines, generously sized Acqua di Parma toiletries and access to the 11th-floor Club lounge, which offers Red Square views, private check-in and check-out, and five food and beverage presentations.

RESTAURANTS AND BARS

The highlight of the hotel’s food and drink offering is the top-floor rooftop bar, the O2 lounge, which offers panoramic floor-to-ceiling views on to Red Square and the Kremlin. It serves cocktails and bites such as sushi, and has an outdoor roof terrace. The rest of the offerings are on the ground floor – Caviarterra restaurant for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Asian restaurant Gingko, and the Ritz-Carlton bar and lobby lounge.

BUSINESS AND MEETING FACILITIES

The hotel has 1,100 sqm of meeting space located in a dedicated area on the second floor. The 650 sqm ballroom accommodates 700 people theatre-style and there is a big foyer area and seven other meeting rooms of varying sizes, along with a wine room and private dining room that can also be hired. There is also a business centre.

LEISURE FACILITIES

The 2,000 sqm Espa spa has 14 treatment rooms, a 12-metre pool, spa bath, sauna, steam and relaxation rooms, a gym with Technogym equipment, and a beauty salon.

VERDICT

A highly luxurious hotel with excellent facilities and a great central location by Red Square.

PRICE

Internet rates for a flexible midweek stay in June started from £358 for a Superior room.

CONTACT

Ritz-Carlton Moscow, Tverskaya Street 3; tel +7 495 225 8888; ritzcarlton.com