Where to Stay in Moscow
A regional guide to accommodation across the country
Find Hotels Across Moscow
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Regions of Moscow
Each region offers a distinct character and accommodation scene. Find the one that matches your travel plans.
The most prestigious and expensive accommodation zone, featuring luxury heritage hotels and international five-stars within walking distance of Moscow's iconic landmarks. This area offers unparalleled convenience for first-time visitors but commands premium prices year-round. Limited budget options exist, with most properties catering to luxury travelers and business executives.
Moscow's most vibrant central district along Tverskaya Street, offering excellent accommodation variety from boutique hotels to international chains. This area combines central location with better value than the immediate Kremlin area, plus abundant restaurants, theaters, and nightlife. Strong metro connectivity makes it ideal for balancing convenience and reasonable pricing.
Characterized by the famous pedestrian Old Arbat Street and quieter New Arbat, this area offers charming accommodation in a historic setting with excellent restaurant and shopping access. The district provides a more intimate Moscow experience than the grand central squares while maintaining excellent connectivity. Properties range from Soviet-era hotels to modern boutiques.
This historic merchant quarter south of the river offers a more residential Moscow experience with lower accommodation prices than the north bank. The area features excellent art galleries, the Tretyakov Gallery, and charming streets, while remaining well-connected via metro. Growing number of boutique hotels and apartments cater to travelers seeking authenticity over central location.
Moscow's modern business district featuring Moscow-City skyscrapers and the Expocentre, this area is dominated by international business hotels and serviced apartments. While less atmospheric than historic areas, it offers excellent modern facilities, English-speaking staff, and proximity to the business center. Weekend rates often drop significantly when business travelers depart.
A diverse district stretching from the central ring road eastward, offering everything from central boutique hotels near Chistye Prudy to budget options near the major railway stations. This area provides good value with authentic Moscow neighborhoods, excellent metro access, and proximity to Kursky, Kazansky, and Leningradsky stations for travelers needing early train connections.
The circular boulevard system marking Moscow's historical boundary offers accommodation along its entire length, providing a middle ground between central and outer districts. Properties here benefit from good metro access while offering more space and lower prices than the innermost areas. The ring's various sections each have distinct characters, from leafy residential to commercial.
The vast residential areas beyond the Garden Ring offer Moscow's most affordable accommodation, primarily in Soviet-era hotels, modern budget chains, and apartment buildings. While requiring 30-45 minute metro rides to central attractions, these areas provide authentic glimpses of everyday Moscow life and excellent value. Many have been revitalized with improved facilities and English-speaking staff.
Each of Moscow's three major airports has developed accommodation clusters serving transit passengers and early-flight travelers. Options range from basic airport hotels to international chains, with shuttle services and 24-hour facilities. While far from city attractions, these areas work well for brief stopovers or those prioritizing flight convenience over sightseeing.
The elevated area featuring Moscow State University, Sparrow Hills viewpoint, and Luzhniki Stadium offers a unique accommodation experience combining nature, panoramic views, and proximity to sports venues. While requiring metro travel to central attractions, the area provides a peaceful alternative with parks, the ski jump, and river access. Growing selection of hotels caters to stadium event attendees and those seeking quieter surroundings.
Accommodation Landscape
What to expect from accommodation options across Moscow
Moscow hosts all major international hotel chains including Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, InterContinental, Radisson, Accor (Ibis to Sofitel), and Four Seasons, primarily concentrated in central and business districts. Russian chains like Azimut Hotels offer reliable mid-range options across multiple locations with better local knowledge and competitive pricing. The Soviet-era Intourist brand has been modernized under various management groups. Budget chains including ibis Budget and local operators have expanded significantly, while aparthotel brands like Citadines provide serviced apartment alternatives.
Independent Russian hotels range from renovated historical buildings to Soviet-era properties of varying quality. Mini-hotels (small independent properties with 10-30 rooms) offer personalized service in residential buildings, particularly popular in central districts. The apartment rental market is extensive, with both short-term services and platforms like Airbnb offering everything from Soviet-era flats to modern luxury apartments. Guesthouses (pensiony) exist primarily in outer districts, while the hostel scene has grown dramatically with modern, social-focused properties catering to young travelers.
Moscow's unique accommodation options include stays in converted kommunalka apartments that showcase Soviet-era communal living (now private), artist studios in creative districts, and historical merchant houses in Zamoskvorechye. Some properties occupy Stalinist-era buildings with period architecture and grandeur. Dacha-style accommodations exist in Moscow's greenbelt areas, offering countryside experiences within city limits. A few hotels occupy former Soviet institutions, providing historical context. The Aeroexpress train stations offer capsule hotels for ultra-short stays, while some properties feature Soviet nostalgia themes with period furnishings and décor.
Booking Tips for Moscow
Country-specific advice for finding the best accommodation
Russian law requires foreign visitors to register their stay within seven business days of arrival, though this is often handled automatically by hotels. When booking apartments or non-traditional accommodation, confirm that registration will be provided, as it may be required when departing Russia. Hotels should provide registration automatically, but always verify you receive the registration slip (migratsiоnnaya karta) during check-in.
International sanctions have affected payment systems in Russia, with many Western credit cards not functioning. Book through international platforms before arrival and confirm payment methods accepted. Many properties now prefer cash rubles or Russian payment cards. Some international hotels can process payments through their global systems. Always clarify payment options before booking and consider booking through platforms that handle payment externally.
Moscow's vast size makes metro access more important than walking distance to attractions. A hotel near a metro station in an outer district often provides better overall access than a central location poorly connected to the metro system. Prioritize properties within 5-10 minutes' walk of metro stations, and check that your station connects to major lines without excessive transfers. The metro is efficient, safe, and runs frequently until 1 AM.
Moscow hotel rates fluctuate dramatically based on season, events, and even day of week. Business hotels in commercial districts often offer weekend discounts of 30-50%, while tourist-focused properties peak during summer and holidays. Book major holidays (New Year, Victory Day) several months ahead. Winter months offer the best value, with January-February rates sometimes half of summer prices. Check for major exhibitions, conferences, or sporting events that might inflate prices during your dates.
While central hotels and international chains have English-speaking staff, budget properties and outer district hotels may have limited English service. When booking independent properties or apartments, confirm language support if you don't speak Russian. Many booking platforms offer translation services, and properties increasingly use translation apps. Having your hotel address written in Cyrillic helps with taxi communication. Consider properties with 24-hour reception if arriving late or needing assistance outside business hours.
When to Book
Timing matters for both price and availability across Moscow
For summer travel (May-September) and major holidays (New Year, Victory Day), book 2-3 months in advance to secure better rates and preferred locations. Central hotels fill quickly during peak season, and prices rise steadily as availability decreases. The 2-3 week window around New Year sees the highest rates and earliest booking requirements, often needing 4-6 months advance reservation for central properties.
April, October, and November offer moderate demand with 4-6 weeks advance booking usually sufficient for good selection and reasonable rates. These months provide the sweet spot between availability and pricing, with many properties offering promotions to fill capacity. Business travel remains steady, so weekday rates stay higher than weekends even during shoulder periods.
Winter months (December excluding holidays, January-March) offer the best last-minute availability and rates, with booking 1-2 weeks ahead often sufficient except for specific event dates. Many hotels offer winter promotions and packages. This period is ideal for flexible travelers seeking value, though be prepared for harsh weather. Some properties undergo renovations during this period, so check for potential disruptions.
For Moscow, booking 6-8 weeks in advance generally provides the best balance of selection, rates, and flexibility across most periods. Monitor prices after initial booking, as Moscow hotels sometimes reduce rates closer to dates during low-demand periods. Consider cancellable bookings during uncertain times, and always verify registration provision and payment methods before confirming. Weekend rates in business districts and weekday rates in tourist areas often offer the best value.
Good to Know
Local customs and practical information for Moscow