Located steps from Red Square, the former Hotel National is an elegant old-world hotel that has improved in the careful hands of Meridien Hotels. This local landmark is graced with a subdued period ambience that has lured the likes of Lenin, among others.
The intimate granite and inlaid-marble lobby displays bold statuary and landscape paintings, and the staircase shines with touches of stained glass. Oak paneling, ironwork, leather furniture, palms and fresh flowers add polish to the pubic rooms. Deep purple walls showcase paintings of the Kremlin.
Moscovsky restaurant serves well-regarded meals
under an ornately painted ceiling. Its windows open directly to the Kremlin. There's also a bar, Alexandrovsky, on the ground floor, leading to the ailing but sunny winter garden which looks off-key with its bad reproductions of Wiener Werkstatte chairs. But when snow piles up outdoors, guests lounging cozily in this garden setting rarely complain. The bar's LCD TV shows Eurosport, and in the evenings there's a pianist performing anything from '60s Soviet songs to ABBA.
The rooftop fitness center has a gym, sauna, white-tiled pool (4.5 m by 9 m), whirlpool and health bar with Kremlin views. The 14 banquet rooms hold five to 150, and the business center provides high-tech support.
Upstairs, tall double doors of opaque etched glass and recessed doorways behind thick curtains line delightful marble hallways. The moderne-style guest rooms range from spacious to small. Each is lovingly decorated with lacy period lamps, rich fabrics, fine contemporary or empire-style furniture and tasteful rugs atop parquet. Sitting areas are roomy, most with marble topped tables. Mirrored foyers, heavy doors and high ceilings with ornate art-nouveau borders add more Old World elan to the private quarters. TVs, minibars, trouser presses and phones with data ports add convenience. Renovated baths have sparkling tile, robes, phones, magnifying mirrors and towel warmers. Maintenance is better than at the Kempinski. Nostalgic Bolsheviks may want to opt for 107, where Lenin lived in 1918. Rooms in the modern wing are larger, but low ceilings and squarish layouts undermine the charm. About half the rooms survey the Kremlin. Avoid rooms facing north as most have plastic taped over their windows, thanks to the construction of the new Hilton next door. Room service is on call day and night.
Security is excellent, and the attractive young staff is friendly and efficient. Traditionalists will find this hotel more fairly priced than the more opulent Metropol or the more modern Baltschug Kempinski. The National is a lovely choice for frugal travelers who prefer cozy over fancy.
