A Hotel That Won Me Over

I'm not exactly a hotel connoisseur, but I've spent a fair amount of time in Moscow, and I've learned to appreciate a decent place to stay. This time around, I needed a spot near the metro, and I was looking for something that wouldn't break the bank. I remembered a row of hotels called 'Izmailovo' near the Partizanskaya metro station from my last visit, so when it was time to book a room, I chose the 'Vega' hotel from that complex.

I got an email a day before my arrival with a link to an online registration form where I could fill out a preferences survey. I didn't end up registering, though.

When I arrived at the hotel at 2:30 pm, I was surprised to see a security checkpoint with metal detectors, just like at the airport. But maybe that's a good thing! The reception staff checked me in quickly, within 5 minutes, and offered me a choice between a glass of champagne or lemon water. I opted for the latter, as it was a hot day and I'm not much of a drinker.

The lobby is really nice, with a blue and yellow color scheme, plenty of tables, sofas, armchairs, toilets, a gym, and an entrance to the restaurant. To get to the elevators, you need to show your guest card, which adds to the security.

My standard double room was on the 9th floor, and the elevator took me up in literally a second, very smoothly and quietly.

The room had a huge double bed, two armchairs, a table, a wardrobe, a TV, a safe, an air conditioner, a fridge, a closet with hangers, mirrors, and carpet on the floor. The window didn't open, probably for security reasons.

There was a kettle, coffee, green and black tea, sugar, wooden spoons, bottled water, all of which were replenished every day. There were two cups with saucers and two glasses.

I also noticed an Alexa station, which I didn't need, and an electronic concierge that you can connect to your phone using a code.

The view from the window, both day and night:

The bathroom was stocked with essentials – a not-so-new but clean bathtub, sink, toilet, shower, hair dryer, and sets of toiletries like shampoo, body wash, conditioner, soap, a comb, toothbrush, toothpaste, and a shower cap. There were also slippers and robes, plus three towels per guest.

I paid extra for two breakfasts and two dinners at the 'Vega' restaurant, which offered a buffet-style meal for 1,990 rubles. That's a fair price for Moscow, considering the quality and variety of food. My first dinner was a real feast – grilled fish, boiled potatoes in a creamy sauce, a vegetable salad, stuffed peppers, and a delicious red velvet cake for dessert, accompanied by a refreshing drink and a selection of fruits and juices.

For breakfast, I enjoyed a fresh vegetable platter, a Sicilian omelet, zucchini with ricotta cheese, mushrooms in bacon, sausages, a cheese pie, and a sweet treat – a croissant pastry filled with raisins, nuts, and apples, paired with a cappuccino, apple juice, grapefruit, kiwi, and an apple.

My second dinner was just as impressive, with boiled potatoes with herring, pork in a sweet-and-sour sauce, a classic Olivier salad, and two slices of cake, accompanied by fruits and a refreshing drink.

The hotel had outdoor tables with a view of the Izmailovo Kremlin.

The room was spotless, cool, and incredibly comfortable and quiet. The hotel staff were all very polite and helpful – one day I had a headache, and the receptionists even gave me a blood pressure monitor to use.

Here's another photo of the cozy view from my nighttime room:

I have to say, I was thoroughly impressed with my stay here. I didn't want to leave, and I'm already itching to come back. Oh, and just across the street is the Izmailovo Estate and a pond that's perfect for a evening stroll – or any time of day, really. There are shops, a pharmacy, and cafes nearby, too. I'd give it a solid 5 stars plus.

The price for two nights was 10,200 rubles. I'd definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a place to stay.