BACKGROUND The imposing Stalin-era Radisson Royal is in one of Moscow’s Seven Sisters towers – it opened as the Hotel Ukraina during the 1950s and is still often referred to by this name despite a large-scale three-year revamp by the Rezidor Hotel Group. It became the Radisson Royal in April, and both monikers are now installed above the entrance.
WHAT’S IT LIKE? The 34-storey tiered edifice is a fine example of Soviet might, and the rococo interiors continue the theme of Russian opulence, with plenty of marble, yellow gold, floral upholstery, plush carpets, murals and chandeliers. The Tatler Club restaurant and some of the Executive rooms have a more modern look. About 1,200 paintings by prominent 20th-century Russian artists are displayed in the public spaces and bedrooms. The five-star service is formal yet friendly.
WHERE IS IT? On the southerly banks of the Moskva River – it is easy to spot from almost any point in the city centre. The nearest metro station is Smolenskaya, about 15-20 minutes’ walk, but there are plenty of taxis outside the hotel – agree a fare beforehand. Traffic permitting, it is about 15 minutes’ drive to Red Square and 45 minutes to Domodedovo airport.
ROOM FACILITIES I stayed in a standard Classic room (23-25 sqm) – it had river views, heavy curtains, a small workdesk, free wifi/wired internet, a flatscreen TV, robes and slippers, a safe, minibar and small wardrobe. The modest-sized bathroom had a combined tub/shower, bidet and Penhaligon’s toiletries. There are smoking and non-smoking floors and although my room didn’t smell of cigarettes, the corridors did. A motion-sensitive light in the entry hall of the room went on and off unnecessarily. Iron/ironing boards are not provided, but when I called reception for one it was brought up promptly. Room service is available 24 hours.
Executive bedrooms are on levels ten and 11 and provide more space (from 34 sqm), a free daily newspaper, Frette robes, espresso machines, bullet-proof windows and access to the 11th-floor lounge. This offers private check-in and check-out, a restaurant serving a buffet breakfast, and snacks and drinks throughout the day.
RESTAURANTS AND BARS Veranda serves an extensive buffet breakfast (6.30am-11am daily) and informal lunches (12pm-4pm Mon-Fri) – expect white tablecloths, bright lighting and opulent décor. There is also a 24-hour lobby bar offering snacks, pastries, coffee and cocktails. On the 29th floor is the fine-dining Italian eatery Bono, which has stunning views of the city at night – it is open from 12pm until late. The 31st-floor Troubadour karaoke bar opened in July.
The independently run Tatler Club on the ground floor has an eclectic menu offering everything from Russian to Spanish cuisine, and is lauded as one of the hottest new dining spots in the city – judging by the fashionable clientele and flash cars driving up in the evening, this is probably true. However, when I ate there one evening, none of the impossibly attractive staff understood any English. I was given a different main dish to the vegetarian one I had ordered, before my companions had even finished their starters, and then had to explain what I wanted to several people. When my truffle linguine did eventually arrive, it was small but delicious. Hopefully any teething problems have now been overcome.
BUSINESS AND MEETING FACILITIES The conference venues are all on the second floor and include four meeting rooms for ten to 28 delegates, a 160-capacity hall with columns, an oak floor and natural light, and two spaces holding up to 350 theatre-style in each. Veranda can also be used for events, and there is a grand business centre, known as the Library, with workdesks and about a dozen PCs and laptops. It’s open 7am-12am but guests can also use it after hours.
LEISURE FACILITIES The sleek Royal Wellness Club, is in the basement – it has a 50-metre pool, sports bar, large fitness centre with Technogym equipment, two spa baths, a training room with body balls, wet and dry saunas, and 12 treatment rooms. The gym and pool are open 7am-12am (from 8am weekends), and the spa 10am-10pm. The hotel has its own fleet of river cruisers offering twice-daily two-hour trips with optional lunch or dinner.
VERDICT An impressive historical hotel that has benefited considerably from an extensive refurbishment. It offers excellent facilities for business travellers, from well-equipped Executive rooms to the luxurious wellness club. A very good choice.
Jenny Southan
FACT FILE
- HOW MANY ROOMS? There are 505 across nine categories – Classic, Superior, Deluxe and Executive rooms, and Executive, Grand Executive, Business, Ambassador and Presidential suites – and 38 apartments on floors 22-25 for long-term stays.
- ROOM HIGHLIGHTS The free internet, city and river views, and good security – key cards are needed to access all room corridors.
- PRICE Internet rates for a midweek stay in December started from 15,930 rubles (£334).
- CONTACT Radisson Royal Hotel Moscow, 2/1, Building 1, Kutuzovsky Prospekt; tel +7 495 221 5555; radissonblu.com
