Hotel Metropol Moscow

The legendary Metropol Hotel, which first opened in 1901, is essentially a cross between a five-star hotel and a world-class museum, oozing history from top to bottom. History buffs and romantics will feel at home. Fans of high tech and ultra-modern interiors should stay away.

The Metropol is enjoying a renaissance of sorts. Plans have been announced for a complete renovation that will preserve its historical appearance and spirit. The renovation will take place in stages, allowing the hotel to remain open for the duration. On top of this, the Metropol has introduced a slew of new offerings that will delight guests and non-guests alike: afternoon teatime, family brunch, and some of the city's best aperitifs. All this makes the Metropol a meeting place for those who appreciate Russian history and have a soft spot for old Moscow.

The hotel has 388 unique rooms, including 69 luxury suites. Contrary to popular belief, the price for a standard room is quite reasonable, so you won't have to break the bank to enjoy a "historic" weekend. Moreover, hotel staff will happily regale you will tales of the hotel's storied past.

To widen our horizonsWe chose several rooms "with a past," the Metropol's pride and joy, whose walls preserve the memory of famous guests from years gone by.

Presidential Suite No. 3364 consists of four rooms (a bedroom, large and small guest rooms, and a small office), decorated with silk wallpaper. Antique furniture made from Karelian birch, an heirloom piano, and 18th-19th century porcelain have won the admiration of guests Queen Sofia of Spain, Prince Philippe of Belgium, Michael Jackson, Giorgio Armani, and Julio Iglesias.

Montserrat Caballe's favorite room is the Metropol Grand Suite No. 4440, with its elegant, classical design and spectacular view of the Moscow Manege and Revolution Square.

Luxury Suite No. 3305 is fairly small, but thanks to a wide bay window and delicate ceiling mural, it's airy and full of light. No wonder Diana Vishneva took a special liking to this room, as did Pierre Cardin, Pierre Richard, and Marcello Mastroianni.

We were smitten by Luxury Suites No. 3317, which has a wonderful Austrian table lamp shaped like a column (Patricia Kaas and Melanie C have stayed here), and No. 5564, with its view of Teatralniy and Tretyakovsky Proyezd.

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