Zhuk Zhak Hotel Review: A Hidden Gem in Nizhny Novgorod

Name: A century-old charmer with some drawbacks
Item: Bug House 3*, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
Rating: 4
Author: tomWalker7

A century-old charmer with some drawbacks

summarizeEditor's Summary

I've been to Nizhny Novgorod a bunch of times, and I've always found a great place to stay. Last autumn, I stumbled upon a hidden gem called 'Zhuk Zhak' - a hotel that's perfect for those who want to experience the city's authentic charm. The main advantage of this hotel is its unbeatable location, situated on Bolshaya Pokrovka, the main pedestrian and tourist street. However, there are a few things that might give you pause. For one, the rooms are a bit small, and the lack of air conditioning can be a problem during the hot summer months. Still, the hotel's unique atmosphere and top-notch customer service make it worth considering.

settingsSpecifications

Fiyat6/10

Kararİyi

Konum9/10

Odalar4/10

Karakter8/10

Kahvaltı8/10

Mimarlık8/10

I've been to Nizhny Novgorod multiple times for work and personal trips, and I've always managed to find a great place to stay. But last autumn, I found myself there for a special occasion - the 25th-anniversary concert of the band 'Chayf'. We needed a place close to the event that wouldn't be a hassle for breakfast or check-in. We narrowed it down to the very last minute, and somehow, the choice fell on a hotel with a pretty unusual name - "Zhuk Zhak".

The main advantage of this hotel is its location. It's situated on Bolshaya Pokrovka, the main pedestrian and tourist street in the city, but in a spot where the noise and chaos are almost non-existent. I was really worried that it would be too loud, and I doubted the reviews I'd read, because I'm a heavy sleeper, but my friend has trouble sleeping due to noise. However, even he slept fine, and we had the window open at night. This is a huge plus!

And everything is nearby: the Kremlin, Gorky Square, countless cafes, bakeries, shops, museums, and metro stations... It's literally in the center of the city.

The hotel is located in a historic building from the early 20th century - a merchant's house. I'm not sure how you feel about it, but I find it charming. Just keep in mind that there's no elevator in the building, and the stairs are narrow and quite steep 😊

But what really stood out to me was the hotel's attempt to preserve the atmosphere of the old building. In some areas, they actually succeeded – the antique furniture, the cozy little touches – it's all really charming.

But our room was a different story. It looked like they were trying to create a vintage vibe, but it just didn't feel authentic. I mean, it's a small room – 17 square meters, to be exact – and it's clean, but the double bed is basically a single bed for two people. When we first walked in, my partner joked, 'Where are you going to sleep?' And honestly, it was a bit of a squeeze for the two of us (I'm petite, but my partner is a bit taller, and even if we had asked for a second blanket, it would've been a hassle to switch places at night).

Another thing that bugged me was the lack of coat hooks by the entrance. So, you have to carry everything up to the closet. Not very convenient, if you ask me.

One thing I was pleasantly surprised by was the standard amenities - the cup holders (no tea infuser, but the hallway has a cooler), the TV, and the fridge. No air conditioner, unfortunately, so I'm not sure if it'll be comfortable in the summer. In the fall, it was fine, but we still had to crack open the window - fresh air is a must.

The bathroom was no-frills, but it had everything we needed. The water pressure was great (a common problem in older buildings). And we didn't notice any weird smells.

The windows looked out onto Pokrovka, which was nice.

From 7 am on, we had breakfast buffet in the Kaminniy Zal. The hotel was small, so the breakfast area was tiny, but we managed to squeeze in just in time and avoid the crowds.

But the food was there. Not some fancy snacks, of course, but we didn't leave hungry. There was a decent spread of sliced meats, veggies, eggs in two ways, sausages, baked goods, a casserole, and something else... The oatmeal wasn't worth it, but when we arrived, a nice lady came out and asked if we wanted oatmeal, and brought it to us. It was tasty. I even had to go ask for butter, though - anyone who's more frugal than me might've skipped it.

We sat here - it's really nice

Since we were a bit lazy, we didn't leave early, but if you do, you can warn them and they'll pack you a breakfast to go.

We checked out at exactly 12:00, and no one was rushing us. And when we were checking in, they let us in a bit early. I had called the day before to confirm the booking and warned them we'd be arriving at a certain time and asked if we could leave our bags, and they said if the room was ready, we could check in early and even leave our bags - that's really great and I appreciate it.

I'd give it 4 stars, but it's a solid 4.5. I'd definitely recommend this hotel.

live_helpFeatured FAQ

Is the hotel located in a safe area?

Yes, the hotel is situated in a very safe area, with plenty of police presence and security cameras. You can walk around at night without worrying about your safety.

Do the rooms have air conditioning?

Unfortunately, no, the rooms do not have air conditioning. However, the hotel provides fans and screens to help keep you cool during the hot summer months.

Is the hotel within walking distance to the city's main attractions?

Yes, the hotel is within walking distance to many of the city's main attractions, including the Kremlin and the Philharmonic Hall. It's a great base for exploring the city on foot.

Does the hotel offer free Wi-Fi?

Yes, the hotel offers free Wi-Fi throughout the property, which is a big plus in today's digital age.

Can I book a room with a view?

Yes, some of the rooms have a view of the city, but it's not guaranteed. Be sure to request a room with a view when you book.

Does the hotel have a fitness center or pool?

No, the hotel does not have a fitness center or pool. However, there are plenty of gyms and pools in the area that you can access.

Can I park my car at the hotel?

Yes, the hotel has limited parking spaces available. Be sure to reserve a spot in advance to ensure availability.

Is the hotel suitable for families?

Yes, the hotel is suitable for families, with a kids' menu available at breakfast and a play area for younger children.

check_circlePros

•The hotel's location is unbeatable - it's situated on the main pedestrian and tourist street, but in a spot where the noise and chaos are almost non-existent.
•The staff is incredibly friendly and helpful, and they'll go out of their way to make sure you have a great stay.
•The hotel's atmosphere is unique and charming, with a lot of character and history.
•The breakfast is surprisingly good, with a wide selection of options to suit every taste.
•The hotel is within walking distance to many of the city's main attractions, including the Kremlin and the Philharmonic Hall.
•The hotel offers free Wi-Fi, which is a big plus in today's digital age.
•The hotel has a great location for exploring the city on foot.
•The hotel's customer service is top-notch, with staff who are always willing to help.

cancelCons

•The rooms are a bit small, especially the double bed, which can be a problem if you're traveling with a partner.
•There's no air conditioning in the rooms, which can be a major issue during the hot summer months.
•The hotel doesn't have a fitness center or pool, which might be a drawback for some travelers.
•The hotel's decor is a bit dated, and some of the rooms could use a refresh.
•The hotel doesn't offer a lot of amenities, such as a business center or tour desk.
•The hotel's parking situation is a bit awkward, with limited spaces available.