Balchug St., 1, Moscow, Russian Federation | (618) 248-8274
Beautiful riverfront views of the Kremlin and St. Basil’s Cathedral
Common areas have Old-World Victorian grandeur
Elegant rooms have iPod docks and flat-screen TVs
Design Suites and Suites with panoramic city views
Indoor pool, hot tub, sauna, and juice bar
Spa with a full menu of treatments
On-site restaurants offer continental cuisine, including pizza
Lobby bar and lounge serving drinks and light fare
Meeting space includes 12 banquet rooms and a stately library
Free Wi-Fi
Moscow traffic can make reaching hotel a time-consuming drive
Rooms with great views often cost much more
Breakfast is an extra fee
Set inside an 1898 building, the luxury Hotel Baltschug Kempinski Moscow is an updated take on a grand Victorian hotel, and filled with marble, brass, and ornate ironwork. Some of Moscow's hotels sit closer to the city's big sights, yet few have this property's views, overlooking the Moskva River, the Kremlin, and St. Basil’s Cathedral. Its 227 guest rooms, which have detailed molding and marble-lined bathrooms, also come with free Wi-Fi, designer toiletries, and minibars. However, standard rooms lack the luxe finish of Suites that can have panoramic views of the city center. By comparison, the Hotel Metropol Moscow is another nearby, historic luxury hotel that can be slightly cheaper, but it hasn't been refurbished as recently.
Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.
Scene
A grand Victorian hotel with stately, atmospheric decor
The lobby of the Hotel Baltschug Kempinski Moscow has an Old-World splendor rarely seen in modern hotels. The lobby floors are made of polished marble with flowery details, and the ceiling has detailed molding. It's easy to envision a countess balancing a cigarette holder on her fingertips as she descends the majestic, curving staircase from the mezzanine to the ground floor. Once at the end of the wrought-iron banisters, she would likely flip a mink stole over her shoulder before exiting through the brass-frame doors. The restaurants, with their dark wood tables and velvet-backed chairs, aren't quite as cinematic, but still exude the eminence of a state room -- with service to match. Refurbished in 2012, the hotel offers board rooms with panoramic Kremlin views, and tends to draw a crowd of refined business travelers.
Location
Just across the river from many of Moscow's historic attractions
The Zamoskvorechye section of Moscow was first built up in the 14th century and home to tanners, royal garden attendants, and court translators. Centuries later, a mix of historic baroque churches can be found in the district as well as homes that exemplify 18th- and 19th-century architecture. The location of the Hotel Baltschug Kempinski Moscow makes it a 15- to 20-minute walk to some of the most historic destinations in the city, including the Kremlin (20 minutes on foot), Red Square (15 minutes), and St. Basil’s Cathedral (14 minutes). The hotel's neighboring streets have a mixture of night clubs, banks, and restaurants. The city's airport is a 10-minute drive without traffic, but that's a rare occasion, and often gridlock can make the drive 20 or 30 minutes.
Rooms
Contemporary decor with Victorian and Art Deco influences
The interior designer for Hotel Baltschug Kempinski Moscow has carefully picked contemporary room furnishings that display a reverence for the building's history, which dates back to 1898. The intricate molding remains a notable design element on the ceiling and walls. The nightstands, armchairs, beds, dressers, and cabinets all appear to be recent interpretations of furniture that could have been in a hotel in the early- to mid-20th century. But there are plenty of modern perks: free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, safes, coffeemakers, iPod docks, and minibars. The spacious bathrooms have marble floors and counters and 21st-century fittings, complete with shower/tub combos and bidets. As expected, Suites have much more seating area, separate soaking tubs, and better views than the Superior Rooms, though Deluxe Rooms also have lounge areas, and most have views of the Kremlin, Red Square, or city skyline.
Features
Restaurants with views, a pool, and plenty of event space
For guests who need a little extra pampering to go with their Victorian grandeur, the Hotel Baltschug Kempinski Moscow spa offers facials, body wraps, and massages and includes an indoor pool, hot tub, sauna, and juice bar. An on-site Beauty Center styles hair, nails, and makeup. The Baltschug Grill serves up views of St. Basil's Cathedral and a pricey combination of Nordic, Russian, and Italian cuisine. A breakfast buffet is available for a fee. The Lobby Lounge and Café Kranzler both offer drinks and light fare. Event planners can utilize one of the 12 event spaces that range in size from boardroom to ballroom, and most have great views. Business travelers are able to utilize fax and photocopying services.
