For a city that is known for its consumption of luxury goods, there is a limited offering of top luxury properties in Moscow. Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis and Kempinski each have outposts in the capital. Recently I spoke to Largay Travel’s Gail Rosenberg, a well regarded luxury travel advisor with over 30 years experience, and in her opinion the two that stand out are the Four Seasons and Park Hyatt. Below are her recommendations.
Four Seasons Moscow
“There wasn’t one thing I didn’t like about Four Seasons Moscow. It looks at St. Basil’s and the Kremlin and it’s steps from Red Square. You can walk to shopping, and it truly is the best location of any of the top hotels,” Rosenberg told me.
While the main focus of this newsletter is suites and villas, Rosenberg adds, “Even the regular rooms are huge and fabulous.” There are seven suite types, and she says, “The entry level suites are gorgeous. The way the building is situated, you have good views from virtually every room or suite.” In total, there are 41 suites out of the 180 total keys.
Pozharsky Royal Suite
Top suite is the 3-bedroom Pozharsky Royal Suite at 5,597 sq. ft. on the seventh floor, which is designed for heads of state and VVIPs with a security desk area in the foyer and a bedroom designed for security or a traveling assistant.
There is over 3,000 sq. ft. of furnished terrace with views of Red Square and the Kremlin, and inside you can host a formal dinner for up to 10, and with occupancy of six it is also perfect if you are on a family vacation.
Minin Presidential Suite
Also on the 7th floor is the 5,038 sq. ft., 3-bedroom Minin Presidential Suite with views of the Duma, Manezhaya Square, Alexandrovsky Gardens and Bolshoi Theatre, and over 3,000 sq. ft. of terrace. You can also host sit-down dinners for up to 10 people, and there is a kitchen with separate entrance for service.
Grand Premier Suite
Next in the hierarchy of suites is the Grand Premier Suite, a category which features suites on the 5th, 6th, 8th, 9th and 10th floors, featuring Red Square, St. Basil’s and Kremlin views. This type varies from 1,700 sq. ft. to 2,304 sq. ft. Only one Grand Premier Suite has a balcony, so you will want to request it if having a balcony is your thing.
Premier Suites
Premier Suites are on the 4th, 5th, 6th, 8th, 9th and 10th floors, are similar in size to the Grand Premier, but feature views the Bolshoi, Alexandrovsky Gardens and the Duma.
Rosenberg also likes the “clubby” Moskovsky jazz bar, plus there is an indoor lap pool with glass roof, as well as full spa and 24/7 fitness center.
Ararat Park Hyatt Moscow
If you want a more modern take on Russian luxury, Largay’s Rosenberg recommends the Ararat Park Hyatt Moscow. Located on the opposite side of the Bolshoi Theatre from the Four Seasons, there are several notable suites.
Winter Garden Suite With Terrace
The Winter Garden Suite With Terrace is 1,400 sq. ft., featuring contemporary design, two large living rooms, a separate work area, marble bath with deep tub and walk-in shower. Highlight is the spacious private terrace with dining area with panoramic views of The Kremlin, Bolshoi Theater and State Duma.
Penthouse Suite
The Penthouse suite was recently renovated under the guidance of Tony Chi making the 1,950 sq. ft. one of the city’s top picks. There is a pantry for guests who travel with personal chefs, and the upper floor can function independently with a private living and dining space as well as a full service bar. After a long day, you can unwind in the marble circular jacuzzi tub with a full mirror television entertainment and views of the skyline.
In terms of dining, Rosenberg compliments Cafe Ararat for its Armenian culinary offerings and design.