Room Category: Studio with Kremlin views (Room 474)
Hotel Status: Marriott Gold Member
Overview
Hotel National is the oldest luxury hotel still operating in Moscow. I have been at Hotel National multiple times; however, never as a hotel guest (the hotel houses two of Moscow’s best restaurants - Dr Zhivago and Beluga - some of my favorite places for dinner and brunch).
I have always wanted to stay in this hotel and experience waking up with a view of the Kremlin. Well, I finally had the chance and this hotel did not disappoint. This may be the best hotel in Moscow I had the pleasure of staying in. This is my second time at a Luxury Collection hotel; I stayed at Hotel Imperial in Vienna before and my experience at Hotel National has likewise been amazing.
Background
Hotel National opened in 1903. Its exterior is a mix of Renaissance and Art Nouveau styles and was designed by architect Alexander Ivanov. It is opulent, rich and luxurious. Prior to the Revolution, it has welcomed members of European royal families, members of the Russian aristocratic elite and famous foreign writers such as Anatole France and H.G. Wells.
Following the Revolution, it became the home of the first Soviet government and even housed Lenin and his wife (now Room 101 on the third floor). It joined the state-run Intourist Hotels in 1933 and became the hotel of choice for many foreign dignitaries and important guests. Van Cliburn, John Steinbeck, Bill Clinton and Jacques Chirac all previously stayed in the hotel.
It joined the Luxury Collection brand in 2009. Previously, it was part of the Le Meridien brand.
Location
Hotel National is located along the corners of Tverskaya and Mokhovaya Streets. It is right across Red Square and the Kremlin and right next to Okhotny Ryad metro station. All of Moscow’s major highlights (including the Bolshoi Theatre, GUM, Patriarch Ponds and top restaurants and bars) are within a 15-minute walk or metro ride away. Despite the central location and being along busy roads, the hotel is an oasis. I hardly heard the noise from the outside when I was inside the hotel.
Room
I booked a Studio (these rooms have a courtyard or Tverskaya street view). However, as a Marriott Gold Member, I was upgraded to a Studio with Kremlin views. I was also allocated a room on the top floor (the hotel has 6 floors). The room numbering is quite confusing as rooms starting with number 4 is on the 6th floor. I understand that the hotel rooms start on the 3rd floor and have room numbers starting at number 1. Lenin’s previous quarters for example, room 101, is located on the third floor. The hotel has 202 room and 55 suites.
Upon entering the double door entrance, I was welcomed by a bright and spacious studio. I love the wooden parquet flooring, the 19th century furniture pieces and the colour scheme which lifts the room to modernity. The bed is a signature Luxury Collection bed and the duvet and the pillows are super comfortable. There is a wooden headboard; I usually prefer a cushioned one but the pillows were super plump so this was not an issue for me. There is also a wide LCD TV and a well-stocked bar. I also found the relatively small wooden desk to be adequate.
The marble bathroom is also very spacious. There is a wide shower cabin (some rooms have bathtubs) and underfloor heating. The toiletries are provided by Elemis and the towels and robes were of a very high quality. I am very happy with the bathroom – it is indulgently rich.
However, this room’s main highlight is the view. This must be one of the most incredible views I have seen from a hotel room window. Definitely, Hotel National has the best Kremlin views. The Four Seasons across the street also has a great view of the Kremlin but the vantage point from the Hotel National is better. From my balcony, I can also see St. Basil’s Cathedral and Red Square as well as the Church of Christ Church the Saviour. I can stay at this balcony for hours and just be amazed by the view. At night, the views were magical. The next day, I was lucky to wake up to a Moscow blanketed with snow – the views were simply wonderful.
Facilities
The opening foyer of the hotel leads to the main staircase and the reception area to the left. The entrance welcomes you with four full sized cartayids by the lifts, mosaic tiled floors and gilded ceilings. The reception area features antique furnitures, beautiful chandeliers and regal carpets.
The staircase is a work of art. The use of stained glass windows, intricate brass metal work and exquisite design carvings are so rare in this age. It is such a delight. I imagine the countless royalties and celebrities who descended this staircase.
The hotel also has a well-equipped gym and a beautiful pool and jacuzzi. There are also excellent city views from the pool area. The pool area and changing areas, while adequate, can do with a design refresh to keep it more in line with the Luxury Collection brand. The colour scheme is a bit clinical and bland. Unfortunately, the sauna was not working when I visited.
Dining Options
This hotel has a beautiful lobby bar on the ground floor. The lobby bar is decorated in 19th century style; however, I love how this hotel managed to use period antique pieces while keeping the feel fresh at the same time. The lobby bar leads to the Alexandrovsky Bar. This courtyard bar is lit with natural light. I had a few drinks here with a friend and found the cocktails excellent. The club sandwich was also delicious.
The ground floor also houses Dr Zhivago – this restaurant serves traditional Russian cuisine with a modern touch. This was the very first restaurant I have visited in Moscow four years ago and has been my favourite weekend brunch place ever since.
The second floor houses Beluga restaurant. In my opinion, this is one of the best restaurants (if not the best) in Moscow. The space is tastefully decorated and the food is simply divine. This restaurant offers innovative cuisine with excellent views of the Kremlin. The staff are also friendly and command a good level of English. They are attentive and explain the dishes well.
The second floor also houses the Moskovsky Hall. This is where the hotel’s buffet breakfast is served. The breakfast spread was generous, offering traditional Russian choices and classic continental fare. The staff were also attentive and bring your drink of choice to your table. This hotel has an amazing breakfast venue. Having breakfast with views of the Kremlin from the hall’s panoramic windows definitely recalibrates one’s usual expectation of a boring hotel breakfast.
Service
The service is friendly and attentive. A week before my stay, I have received an email from the hotel’s concierge – Julia Pasechnik, checking whether there is anything I will need as part of my stay. This level of personal service is so rare in this age (even with luxury hotels) and really sets Hotel National apart. I had the pleasure of meeting Julia as part of my stay and she was very friendly and professional.
Natalie at reception was very professional and greeted me with a big smile and made the check-in and check-out process smooth and efficient.
I would totally recommend this hotel. This must be the best hotel in Moscow I have stayed in.
Hotel National Moscow | Studio with INCREDIBLE KREMLIN VIEWS | BEST HOTEL in Moscow Full Tour