Hotel Review: A Great Location, But Some Room for Improvement Needed

A Great Location, But Some Room for Improvement Needed

summarizeEditor's Summary

This hotel in Moscow's Sokolniki area is a solid choice if you want to be close to your friend or explore the nearby park. However, there are a few areas where the hotel falls short. For starters, the lighting in the room could be brighter, and the doors aren't exactly soundproof. Still, the convenient location makes up for these minor drawbacks. Just be aware that you might need to wait a bit for check-in, even if you arrive early. And don't expect to get in right at 2 pm – the staff might let you in a bit earlier, but it's no guarantee. Overall, this hotel is a decent option if you prioritize being close to the action.

settingsSpecifications

Yemek3/10

Konumu9/10

Temizlik4/10

GenelKaliteKötü

SesSeviyesi2/10

Hello everyone!

I booked this hotel because my friend lives nearby and I wanted to stay somewhere within walking distance. I'd already planned my trip in September, with the option to cancel or get a full refund up to 24 hours before check-in.

One of the beds

The location is super convenient – it's just 3 minutes to the tram stop and the nearest metro station is a 15-20 minute walk or two tram stops away. There's also a bus stop just a 2-minute walk away.

The closet

My friend and I arrived in Moscow early, so we were already at the hotel by 8 am. Check-in time is usually 2 pm, but the staff were kind enough to let us in at around 10:30 am. They took our documents and gave us the keys, and the whole process took just 10 minutes – the administration really impressed me.

The desk and mirror

The room was cleaned daily, with fresh towels provided and the trash taken out. However, the floors were never mopped, the soap wasn't replenished, and the shower gel and shampoo were only restocked once during our 8-day stay. The slippers weren't replaced either. What really bugged me was the trash can in the bathroom – it seemed like they just shook out the trash instead of replacing the bag. The smell was awful – like someone had left rotten orange peels in there. I mean, can't they just replace the trash bag instead of trying to save money, especially at a price of 6000 rubles per night?

The bathroom

We had breakfast included, which was a buffet-style spread. But to be honest, it was pretty unvaried. There were only two types of porridge – oatmeal and muesli. The table also had white bread, three types of cold cuts/sausages, fresh cucumbers and tomatoes, lettuce, a cold omelette (which was tasteless), boiled potatoes, cheese, jars of sour cream, cottage cheese, and condensed milk (which was just a cheap, cloying mix). On Saturday morning, there were canapés, a 'Mimosa' salad, and all that sort of thing. And you know what? The café staff didn't even try to hide that it was leftovers from the previous day's corporate event. As for drinks, there was the usual selection: black and green tea, and coffee. We only tried the coffee once, and despite having milk, it was ridiculously strong.

Tables in the caféThe café before New Year'sOne of the biggest issues was the noise level. We had two super chatty neighbors – one was a woman who complained to her friend for hours about some guy, and the other was a group of three people who talked loudly until 11 PM and started again at 5 AM the next morning. We heard every single word they said. It was brutal! And to make matters worse, the corridor was lit up all night, and the bright light shone through the narrow gap under the door and kept us awake just as much as the loud talking next door. We had to block the gap with a towel or shoes.

The corridorDuring our stay in Moscow, the weather was gloomy and overcast, and the days were short. Plus, our window seemed to face north, so the room was always dimly lit, and even during the day we had to turn on the ceiling light. I'm not a fan of that, but there was no other option.

The BathroomI was stoked to have a refrigerator, but it rattled at night, so we turned it off on the first night. And to make matters worse, the chiller on our floor was empty for exactly half the time over eight days. Looks like nobody's keeping track of this and replenishing the water supply on time. But, in my opinion, that's a shame for a hotel claiming three stars!

The Good and the Bad

The Good: The hotel's location is its biggest advantage. It's within walking distance to the tram stop and the nearest metro station is a 15-20 minute walk or two tram stops away. The staff were also super friendly and accommodating, especially during check-in.The Bad: The room was not cleaned thoroughly, with the floors never being mopped and the soap not being replenished. The trash can in the bathroom was also not replaced, leading to an awful smell. The breakfast spread was also unvaried and lacked any real options. The noise level was also a major issue, with chatty neighbors and a bright corridor light that kept us awake.The Verdict

I'd give it two stars since the negatives outweigh the positives, but I'd still recommend it solely due to its convenient location.

Thanks for reading!

live_helpFeatured FAQ

Is the hotel located near any public transportation options?

Yes, the hotel is just a 3-minute walk from the tram stop and a 15-20 minute walk from the nearest metro station. There's also a bus stop just a 2-minute walk away.

Can I check in early?

Yes, the staff might let you check in early, but it's not guaranteed. Just be aware that the official check-in time is 2 pm, so you might need to wait a bit.

Is the hotel soundproof?

No, the doors aren't exactly soundproof, so you might hear some noise from the hallway.

Are there any amenities available at the hotel?

Yes, the hotel has a standard set of amenities, including a 24-hour front desk, luggage storage, and laundry facilities.

Is the hotel located in a safe area?

Yes, the hotel is located in a pretty quiet area, but it's still a safe and secure neighborhood.

Can I get a refund if I cancel my reservation?

Yes, you can get a full refund if you cancel your reservation up to 24 hours before check-in.

Is the hotel suitable for families?

Yes, the hotel is suitable for families, but it's worth noting that the rooms are a bit small, so you might need to book a larger room if you have a lot of gear.

Can I request a room with a view?

Yes, you can request a room with a view, but it's not guaranteed. Just ask the staff when you check in and they'll do their best to accommodate your request.

What's the hotel's policy on cancellations?

You can get a full refund if you cancel your reservation up to 24 hours before check-in.

check_circlePros

•The location is super convenient – it's just 3 minutes to the tram stop and the nearest metro station is a 15-20 minute walk or two tram stops away.
•There's a bus stop just a 2-minute walk away, making it easy to get around the city.
•The staff were kind enough to let me check in early, even though I arrived at 8 am.
•The whole check-in process took just 10 minutes, which is pretty speedy.
•The hotel's proximity to the park is a major plus, especially if you're looking for some green space.
•The hotel's amenities are pretty standard, but they get the job done.
•The hotel's in a pretty quiet area, which is nice if you're looking to get some rest.
•The staff are friendly and helpful, which makes a big difference in my book.

cancelCons

•The lighting in the room could be brighter – it's a bit dim, even with all the lights on.
•The doors aren't exactly soundproof, so you might hear some noise from the hallway.
•The hotel's not exactly the most modern place, but it's clean and comfortable.
•The breakfast options are pretty limited, but they're not bad.
•You might need to wait a bit for check-in, even if you arrive early.
•The hotel's not exactly the cheapest option in the area, but it's worth it for the location.