[jroc]

All -

We plan on staying at the Marriott Tverskaya on our first night in Moscow, and then the Marriott Grand on the way out (gotta use those hotel points up). Does anyone recall if they have the standard shampoo, conditioner, and hair dryer in the rooms? I'd love not to have to pack those things.

We'll be on the train to Kirov for two nights following our arrival. I'll make sure to take a picture of my grease ladden, rat looking hair afterwards!

[kimber413]

Yes, they have those things at the Moscow hotels, but most likely not in the regional hotel rooms. Don't forget the Tyverskaya has free internet access on the 4th floor!

[Drazil]

2 years ago the Grand had all of the above mentioned items and then some. My personal favorite at the time was the heated towel rack . Of course room service was wonderful and the fitness room received alot of attention late at night when DH and DS were alseep (we were only in Moscow for our embassy appt on trip #2) and I needed some "me" time, it just felt good to work out (felt familar I guess) and made me feel great! The Grand is very close to restaurants and shopping (we had a guide and car for our stay there so we did not need to be close to tourist attractions as we could just drive there to do the site seeing thing) and made it easy to go for walks with our son. I loved the hotel and the staff was very nice and helpful with our son when we needed it. Good Luck!!!!

[Kasey]

As someone who has enjoyed the two nights without a shower Kirov trip, I can sympathize. We did the Grand on trip 1 and the Tverskaya on trip 2. Both have hiar dryers, shampoo, soap conditioner and lotions. Both hotels are wonderful to stay at.
Tip, take your shower as close as possible before being picked up to go to the train. I purposely let my hair grow long enough to get in ponytail or to pull up because of those trips! Easier to hide the grease that way!!

[marjo]

We loved both of those hotels. The Marriott Grand even had a curling iron I could use.

[LouLouBelle]

We stayed at the Tverskaya on trip 1 and Grand on trip 2. I almost wish we had done the reverse. The Grand was nicer than we needed...especially with our new little one. I like the intimacy of the Tverskaya. We took a laptop with us on both trips and paid the $40 (approx) daily fee. This worked well and was nice to be able to update our website or talk to home. The train to Kirov really isn't that bad...although I didn't sleep more than 10 minutes on the ride to Kirov on trip 1 (no fault of the train). I have been on worse trains in Western Europe. Happy packing and I can't wait to hear your trip details!

[DCD]

We stayed at the Grand on both adoptions. GReat hotel with all amenities!!! We had come off a tough night of travel on the first trip and do to overbooking we stayed at a dive in Moscow on the 2nd trip. So when we arrived at the Grand it seemed like the best place in the whole world. I kept saying to my husband is this just wonderful!! So in my mind I have such a positive vision.

Good luck!! I don't think you'll be disappointed at either hotel.

Dina

[Jim_in_PA]

In addition to the above mentioned items, the Grand also provided complimentary bottle water in the bathroom. They also have a very nice swimming pool on the lower level. The Executive Level lounge on 8 & 9 is wonderful if you have access to it. The food for breakfast and snacks is quite good and the staff is excellent. Internet access in the Business Center at the Grand is expensive, however...

[adopt_one_more]

Most likely you will fly into Moscow the day before the train trip to Kirov. Luba usually picks you up at the hotel around 3-4pm so be sure to ask the hotel for a late check out. We did this on all of our trips and it was great to be able to have lunch, a quick nap and that last shower right before you have to go.
We stayed at the Grand and they had no problem doing this for us at no extra charge.
Pam

[Mariarose]

I believe this hotel (Mariott Courtyard) has just been redone. Has anyone stayed there recently and do they have free internet access? Any feedback is appreciated.

[MominPA]

I stayed at all three, Grand for trip 1, Tverskaya for trip 2 and Courtyard for trip 3 earlier this year.

All hotels had shampoo, conditioner, soap, and bottle water in the bathroom. Also they had slippers, one a white terry cloth robe and a scale in the bathroom. I didn't have a lap top so I didn't need internet connection. The Tverskaya had the computer on the 4th floor lobby that you could use for free. The Courtyard, if you asked you could check your email quickly at the business center for free. Didn't inquire about using the business center at the Grand.

My favorite was the Courtyard since the adoption rate included the breakfast buffet and you could walk to Red Square and Arbat Street easily. They also had a playroom on the first floor for the kids. We were there in June so the weather was nice for walking.

Tverskaya had a great grocery store close by and resturants too, but it would be a walk to Red Square. We did it, but again the weather was nice.

Our stay at the Grand was short, only 2 nights. We left for Russia on Tuesday from JFK arrived in Moscow on Wednesday and left on Friday. We barely had time to unpack. We just crashed in our room when we were done running around Moscow.

[Jim_in_PA]

Originally Posted by Mariarose

I believe this hotel (Mariott Courtyard) has just been redone. Has anyone stayed there recently and do they have free internet access? Any feedback is appreciated.

Not redone...brand new in December of 2005. Reports are favorable in the various forums.

[sak9645]

One thing I learned in my travels, both domestically and internationally, is that the shampoos and conditioners in some hotels aren't very good.

They say that some champagnes are good only for christening ships, and in some places, hotel toiletries are good only for doing hand laundry! Or, I suppose, if the airlines lose your luggage and the alternative is going around with dirty hair.

Especially if your hair is very dry or very oily, or if you have a condition like psoriasis or seborrheic dermatitis or just a sensitive scalp, by all means bring your own hair care products.

And DO consider using the hotel shampoos for washing out your unmentionables. I usually do not bring Woolite, and use the hotel shampoos for washing underwear and pantyhose. So far, they haven't caused any of these items to self-destruct.

Sharon

[Jim_in_PA]

Relative to you shampoos, etc., please be aware of the current carry-on restrictions on personal hygiene and cosmetic items. 3oz max per item and ALL that you carry on must fit in one 1 quart Zip-Lock (or similar) clear bag. One bag per person and it goes on the X-Ray belt separately. Anything outside of those parameters must go in your checked luggage or be acquired at your destination. (Anything over the limits at the security check point will have to be discarded...and that costs you money)

[FloridaJewel]

Hi Jen,
The Marriott Tverskaya is great, especially after the horrible hotel we were in the night before which didn't even have cribs for babies.
The sheets are wonderful!
We went to the upscale market a block away and stored stuff in the mini fridge (baby food too). The hair products were fine. I'm blonde too, and when my hair looked "less than fresh" and couldn't wash it, I used a bit of baby powder in my hand, and patted it on my head to absorb oils. Looked pretty natural!
Can't wait to hear about your trip and hope all goes well!