During my trip to Russia with Travel All Russia on their small group tour 'Treasures Of Two Capitals' visiting Moscow and St. Petersburg, I arrived into the country through Moscow's Domodedovo International Airport where I was met and escorted by private vehicle and transferred to the St. Regis Moscow Nikolskaya Hotel.
St. Regis Moscow Nikolskaya Hotel
After checking in I was personally escorted to my room by one of the friendly staff who explained to me all the amenities available in room. It took a while I have to say, with all that was on offer including my own personal butler who was on call 24 hours to meet any needs I may have throughout my stay.
St. Regis Moscow Nikolskaya Hotel
After orientating myself around the room and unwinding from the long and eventful trip from Australia, (see below) my swollen feet testament to the journey, I decided to thumb my way through the in room compendium to see what was on offer at the hotel generally.
Problems on board!
One of my swollen feet!
The hotel offered up a central location situated in the very heart of Moscow, smack bang in Lubyanka Square and just a 10-minute walk from the Kremlin. Room facilities included a free personalized St. Regis Butler Service and free in room WiFi.
The room included air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, minibar, a seating area and in the bathroom there were bathrobes and slippers. Some of rooms feature views of the Kremlin and Red Square while mine offered direct access into the interior courtyard.
After ordering my morning coffee in room which was delivered by my butler, I headed down the gold elevator to enjoy my daily breakfast which was served inside the hotel's Italian A Tavola Restaurant. The Lubyanka Metro Station is literally only steps away from the restaurant entrance.
Lubyanka Building, Prison and former Headquarters of the KGB
Guests can also graze throughout the day with a choice of Russian dishes or snacks from the Wok Menu at Orlov Lobby Bar and Lounge, which also serves as a great people watching location, while sipping a vodka (or two).
I spent a total of three nights at the hotel and my experience could not have been better. The rooms were quiet and comfortable allowing me to get over my severe case of leg lag over the next few days.
I highly recommend the St. Regis Moscow Nikolskaya Hotel for anyone planning a trip to Moscow due to its prime location and proximity to many of the city's historic museums and monuments.
One of the many impersonators in and around Nikolskaya Street.
GUM
GUM
Deciding to stretch my swollen legs I took a early morning walk outside the hotel entry, turned a corner and there I was on Nikolskaya Street within minutes of Red Square. On my way I passed a number of characters including Lenin and Stalin impersonators, however I pressed onward passing by the GUM Department Store and onto Red Square.