This hotel is a true relic of the Soviet Era. Stalin had his own understanding of what luxury was, and this hotel represents his vision to the best. Marble walls and staircases, authentic rugs, elaborate chandeliers, white grand pianos, 20-foot ceilings, huge hand-painted portraits of Stalin, Zhukov, Khrushchev and Brezhnev in gilded frames...
The interior of the hotel is meticulously preserved, but there are signs of aging here and there. The staff is doing its best to keep the 1950-s spirit of the place intact: innumerable maids in vintage uniforms clean the place constantly; a harp, or a piano player is there every morning to brighten up a rather basic free breakfast menu. A much better selection of traditional food is available, however, for an extra charge. Admittedly, musicians are not top-class, but who would expect better at 10am in a hotel?
Rooms, even the basic ones, are spacious and comfortable. If you want to impress, for an extra of $100 per night you can have an apartment that looks like it was set up for Churchill's visit. The only annoyance that I had was a set of artificial fibre pillows, which was the only option.
This place is truly over-the-top in so many ways... It shares the building with one of the most famous restaurants in Moscow named "Yar". If this is not enough, there is also the only in Russia a real Gypsy theatre "Romen" performing every night.
Obviously, this is Kitsch, but Kitsch of the most impeccable degree of refinement.