[lakimnafite]

OK, I am trying to figure out where to stay for our 6 days in Moscow (August 25th thru the 31st, for anyone who will be there during the same period of time!).

We have an option of a 'home stay' situation. It's actually staying in an apartment of a couple that we know. Probably not very spacious, but it's an apartment, living room, bedroom, kitchen, bathroom.. It's also about $80 per night. However, probably no internet or cable - certainly no pool or fitness center! No room service...

Then there is the apartment route. We did that for our first trip to Moscow. LOVED the rooms!! Didn't always love the locations. Since they are apartments, no pool, fitness center, room service. However, they are wonderfully comfortable and spacious! They are probably around $200 a night.

Hotels - potentially pools, fitness centers, room service. Probably just a 'hotel room' with no kitchen or separate area for talking or whatever while baby is napping. And then, which one?!?! So many to chose from and I have no idea where to begin. Also, seems hotels are closer to $300 a night.

We will be there over a weekend, so there will be nothing to do during the day. DH thinks he can work out, swim, enjoy some down time with the baby. He doesn't want to go sightseeing for fear that locals will not be kind to Americans with a baby.

I'm all for saving some money...

What did you do?

[drazil65]

We stayed at the Marriott Grand and loved it! Our agency had made the arrangements so I do not know the details of the rates etc, but we had a suite and it was the perfect location for us (near many restaurants and shopping etc.). DH did alot of sight seeing after our first day there and our embassy appointment was over (our guide took us to Red Square that day so we all could see it together) but I opted for staying at the hotel with our son for the other 2 days. Room service worked out really well for us, we really liked all the things that were available for us (especially for me being able to use the fitness area late at night for some me time ).

[claricey]

I've heard several people say they stayed there and that it was wonderful.

Although I don't have 1st hand experience, I've looked it up online and it is really beautiful. I hope that when the time comes we will be able to afford to stay there as well.

(The costs of the hotel is not included with the fees that we pay the agency we are going to go with)

Take care and best of luck!!

Claricey

[Amysue1112]

We stayed in the Marriot Grand for trip 1, and although it was very nice, we definitely did not want to stay in one for Trip 2. It was way too expensive..in May we could not find anything cheaper than 350/night. We got a BEAUTIFUL apt a block off of Red Square, and our agency driver said they sell for 1-4 million dollars! And we paid 185/night.
We had 2 rooms, a big hall/entrance, beautiful bathroom, very nice kitchen. They had toys, a crib, a baby potty...even baby utensils. I LOVED the free internet (they also had a computer to use) AND free calls to home. Trust me, when you get that baby, you are going to want to call EVERYONE YOU KNOW! We were there a week, and believe it or not...Hannah kept us busy enough...we did not need other activities. I think it was also very good for bonding. T was just us...we played, cooked, ate and took naps at the same time...soo nice not to have to do anything more when you are with your new baby. We went out once a day, but other than that, no outside stimulation...no people in the lobby, noise in the halls...etc.
It was right off of Treviskya street (sp?) so no back alleys or anything). Oh yes...washer and dryer too! OH that was sooo nice..especially with a baby who is eating food they aren't used to!
We could also keep Hannah right on her schedule, since we could put her in her room and she would go right to sleep.

You see, i am a HUGE fan of apts...we got it with go-Russia.com...I think that was it..it is the travel agency a lot of people use, pm me if you want the address. And they will also rent you a cell phone if you need, but with free calls in the apt, who needs one?

The ONLY thing I wonder about, since everyone talks about how hot it is there...air conditioning. I am sure they must have it in hotels, but I don't know about all the apts.

Anyway, how exciting that you are at the pt. that you have to ask these questions!!!! WOOO HOOO!

Amy

[Amysue1112]

another thing to keep in mind....we found when we checked out that the amt per night were in EUROS! So it was more than we thought...the apt. was in US dollars.

[lakimnafite]

bumping because I'm sure more of you stayed in at least one of the three options during your stay in Moscow...!

[jp007]

We stayed at Marriott Tverskaya (about 2 years ago) and it was great. You can book on-line and use the adoption code (promo code "A23"). We were able to get a "suite" for about $250 a night which had a microwave 2 TV's and a DVD player. The living room was a nice option, when our son needed a nap we could place him in a bedroom and watch TV or eat in the other room. Not real convenient to Red Square, but in walking distance (5 min) to a big supermarket.

Good luck,
JP

[lakimnafite]

Thanks everyone. After I bumped this, I received an email from the people that own the apartment where we can home stay for under $100 a day. They have cable with English channels and free internet. That will keep DH busy I suppose.. With the extra room of an apartment, he can jog in place and do push-ups if he needs a work out fix (he's a personal trainer and lives in the gym!). I responded that we will take it

So, all that's left is a hotel in region.

[Amysue1112]

How exciting to finally be making the court trip plans! I think you will be very happy in an apt...you will have a lot of time to bond with your little girl!!! SOO happy for you!!!!

[nungesser]

Originally Posted by lakimnafite

Thanks everyone. After I bumped this, I received an email from the people that own the apartment where we can home stay for under $100 a day. They have cable with English channels and free internet. That will keep DH busy I suppose.. With the extra room of an apartment, he can jog in place and do push-ups if he needs a work out fix (he's a personal trainer and lives in the gym!). I responded that we will take it

So, all that's left is a hotel in region.

Sounds good. With a child you'll be glad you are in an apartment; the kitchen especially. I was.

If you can speak passable phrasebook Russian, consider getting out. You'll have to go to the store anyway. So see some of the sight and definately get don't miss Stardogs.

[lakimnafite]

We ventured out quite a bit on our first trip. However, DH is afraid that we will have problems with the baby. Did anyone have problems with the locals in regards to being an American couple with a little Russian baby - or were people pretty accepting once you had the child.... Thanks!

Yes, Stardogs is on the list! As is going back to the Kafe Haus for fresh juices!

[drazil65]

Thats sounds great (you're right DH can do push ups on the floor and go for lots of walks), sounds like you made the right choice for your family (especially the money part ) it also sounds like you prefer to do everything for yourself (cooking, cleaning etc.) so this should work out great for you (I am sure DH will adjust). Things have a way of working out the way you want them to!

We did not have any issues when we did go out for walks but we were staying in the heart of Moscow with many english speaking people so we felt quite comfortable. I am sure you will be comfortable and make the best of it (I think people should be just fine). Have a great journey and safe trip!

[lakimnafite]

Ahhh.. sorry to be misleading -- I never said I liked to cook and clean for myself!!

[becky26]

We took our son (then 18 months) everywhere - it was never a problem. I won't forget changing him on the windowsill in the McDonalds on Old Arbat... I carried him as much as possible in my Ergo Carrier, but we also had a stroller with us. I cannot stay indoors all day long - and we all had a great time exploring more of Moscow together.

[drazil65]

Oh, sorry , I thought you mentioned how great the kitchen and washer and dryer situation would be and I took it that you might like that setup better so you can cook and do whatever for yourself. Hopefully you won't have to do too much of either, enjoy your baby and forget the chores !