Room Category: Superior Room (Room 1901)
Hotel Status: Hilton Honours Gold Member
Overview
I have always admired the architecture of Moscow’s Seven Sisters. These seven skyscrapers, in Stalin neoclassical style, continue to dominate Moscow’s skyline. Of the seven skyscrapers, two function as hotels – Hilton Moscow Leningradskaya and Radisson Collection Hotel Ukraina. I have always admired these buildings and have placed it my bucket list to stay in, and experience, these hotels.
Background
Hilton Moscow Leningradskaya (formerly Leningradskaya Hotel) joined the Hilton brand in 2008 following a multi-million pound renovation to bring it up to date to modern standards. It was designed by Leonid Polyakov and has 26 floors, of which only 19 are usable. At 136 meters, it is the shortest of Moscow’s Seven Sisters. Construction was started on the orders of Stalin in 1949 and it was completed in 1954. I do wonder what Stalin would think now that the hotel is part of an American brand.
From the outset, it was designed to be the finest luxury hotel in Moscow. This is immediately apparent as soon as you enter the hotel. The reception area is basked under by an elaborate ceiling which would not be amiss in any Versace boutique. It reminds me of the barocco print. The combination of blue and gold accents and elaborate motif is unashamedly loud and opulent. Passing this entryway, you will be wowed by the amazing lobby. A grand space heightened with dark giant marble pillars, church like chandeliers, hand-carved wooden ceiling and two towering bronze lion statues guarding the east and west staircases leading to the hotel’s rooms and facilities. It is certainly a sight to behold.
The lifts are positioned in the centre of the lobby within an altar like ensemble. However, here, instead of religious figures, you have socialist realist art. There are carvings of fruits or produce of collective labour.
Location
Hilton Moscow is not in the very centre of Moscow as compared to other big brand 5 star hotels in the city. However, it is easily accessible. It is within 5 minute walk of the metro stations of Komsomolskaya and Krasnye Vorota (which would take you to Okhnotny Ryad (main metro station for Red Square) in less than 10 minutes. The hotel is also next to three main railways stations – Leningradsky, Kazansky and Yaroslavksy. These stations connect Moscow to Saint Petersburg, the Volga region, North Western Russia and Siberia.
Room
As a Hilton Honours Gold member, my room was upgraded to a King Executive Room which I was very pleased about. Even more so, I was allocated a room on the highest usable floor – the 19th floor. I have indicated when I booked a request to be placed on a high floor and I was impressed by how my preference was accommodated.
Upon reaching the 19th floor, you will pass through an elegant hallway panelled with dark cherry wood. This harks back to dark and old wood luxury. The room itself was bright and spacious. There are three large windows which provide excellent views across Moscow. We also have a great view of the Red Gates Building (another Seven Sister skyscraper which now houses apartments and office spaces). The views are certainly impressive and the highlight of the room. The bath is also large with separate bathtub and shower areas. As standard for Hilton hotels, the toiletries are from Crabtree and Evelyn.
The color scheme and furnishings may be a bit dated; however, I think it blends well with the building’s aesthetic.
I noticed that there were no bed runners or decorative pillows and I am glad that Hilton Moscow is following protocols and best practice guidelines to minimize the risk of Covid (I also note that masks are mandatory in public spaces (which are provided free by the hotel) and hand sanitizers abound aplenty in the hotel’s common areas).
Facilities
Unfortunately, the Executive Lounge was not open, presumably because of limited occupancy rates brought about by Covid. However, we were given complementary dinner at the lobby bar (which serves food and refreshments throughout the day). Dining under the lobby’s chandeliers was a great experience.
Janus Restaurant is the hotel’s main restaurant and offers buffet breakfast. The breakfast spread was excellent with cold cuts and usual hot breakfast items. The restaurant hall resembles that of a tavern albeit with higher ceilings and giant chandeliers.
During our stay, there was a tango competition in the hotel’s ballroom area and we decided to watch. The ballroom space was grand in every sense, with giant mirrors and porcelain vases, crystal chandeliers, painted ceilings and towering marble columns. One can only imagine the luxurious parties which occurred here during the Soviet Union.
The basement of the hotel hosts a beauty salon, the fitness centre and the swimming pool. While the pool is a bit basic, it is perfectly fine. There is also a jacuzzi and a sauna. Perhaps, my only criticism would be that the changing area definitely needs some improvements. It looks tired and looking more like a school locker room (with old fashioned keys instead of automated lockers).
The fitness centre is small but adequate. There is also a beauty salon offering a range of treatments. I had a relaxing massage and the prices are reasonable if not cheap as compared to other places in Moscow.
Service
The service is excellent. Garegin of the concierge team checked me in. He was professional and friendly and has an excellent command of English The staff at the lobby bar, the Janus restaurant and the fitness centre were also impeccable.
I would also like to thank Fedorin Konstantin – the duty manager who left us a basket of fruits and wine and a note to welcome me as a Hilton Gold Member.
I would totally recommend Hilton Moscow to anyone visiting Moscow.
Hilton Moscow | Staying on the TOP FLOOR of this STALIN SKYSCRAPER | Soviet Building