We're already excited about next year's debut of the Four Seasons Hotel Moscow. First of all, it's all about location, and this hotel will be right by Red Square, the Kremlin and DUMA (Lower House of the Russian Parliament), with views over the domes of St. Basil’s Cathedral.
So what makes it special? Four Seasons Hotel Moscow is a modern replica of the historic Hotel Moskva, originally opened in 1935 and designed by architect Alexei Shchusev. The 15-story building has a central portico with a row of classical columns, framed by two asymmetrical wings. Even during the height of Soviet austerity, the hotel was known for its luxury accommodations. It closed in 2002 in anticipation of reconstruction. (Fun fact: The Hotel Moskva’s silhouette can be seen in a line drawing on the label of Russia’s Stolichnaya vodka.)
Now totally rebuilt with all-new construction, Four Seasons Hotel Moscow replicates the original exterior architecture, in accordance with local government regulations. Nice touch: Many of the Hotel’s interior details pay homage to the original design, while the layout and building systems have been brought up to date to meet today’s five-star luxury hotel classifications.
For business travelers, the hotel has more than 15,000 square feet of naturally-lit function space, including two ballrooms. The main ballroom (seating up to 400) includes a balcony overlooking Alexandrovsky Garden and offering partial views of Red Square and the Kremlin; the second ballroom (seating up to 150) overlooks the State History Museum with partial views of the Kremlin. A dedicated ballroom entrance includes a dramatic marble staircase with glass walls leading to the second and third floors. Five additional function rooms, including three boardroom-style meeting rooms on two floors.
Rooms and suites at the hotel have floor-to-ceiling windows with city views. Many rooms also have a step-out balcony, while the two Presidential Suites each open to a full terrace. In winter, ask for the suites with fireplaces.
Best of all, especially for those who travel with their four-legged companions, the Four Seasons Hotel Moscow is the city's only pet-friendly hotel.
Related: Four Seasons Moscow Gets First General Manager
In addition to the Hotel, the complex includes residences, a shopping mall, a cultural and entertainment center, Class-A office space, and (good for self-drivers) one of the largest underground parking garages in Central Moscow.
This hotel is only the latest push by Four Seasons into Russia: Earlier this summer, St. Petersburg's “House with Lions” reopened as the Four Seasons Hotel Lion Palace St. Petersburg. Much like the Moscow property, the St. Petersburg hotel is in a historic building and has a prime urban location, right next to St. Isaac’s Cathedral. (Cooler still, the house was designed by the same architect that designed the Cathedral.)
Related: First Look -- Four Seasons Hotel Lion Palace St. Petersburg
The Four Seasons Hotel Moscow will be at 2, Okhotny ryad Str. in Moscow.