Hotel Baltschug Kempinski

The first western hotel to venture into the Moscow market post the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Baltschug is now celebrating its twentieth anniversary. Occupying a site just across the river from the Kremlin, St Basils and Red Square, it couldn't be better placed in the heart of the city, yet just far enough away to retain an atmosphere of peace and quiet. Most of the rooms, which have undergone extensive renovations over the last couple of years, have views of this iconic cityscape. All are very comfortably furnished with everything you'd expect from a five star hotel; Molton Brown toiletries, thick fluffy robes, super comfy beds. Decor is stylish, but not over the top - the purple Murano chandeliers in the lobby might sound a step too far, but actually they're rather beautiful. If you have deep pockets and fancy something a little special (or a touch of home from home perhaps) then book either the Linley suite or the Princess suite - designed by David Linley and Princess Michael of Kent respectively! If you're dining in, then the Baltschug Grill offers international cuisine, plus some signature dishes, including Beef Stroganoff, which you certainly have to try when in Russia. The wine list will satisfy all geeks and gadget fans - it comes on an iPad! Breakfast is also a bit of a treat - exotic fruits, blinis and even champagne and caviar if you feel you've got the stomach for it first thing.

Why do people love staying in your hotel?

In the Baltschug they say – a room “with a view onto history”. The history lives in the building and surrounds it! With a few steps the hotel guests reach the Kremlin and its museums, Red Square, the GUM and Tretyakov gallery – one will not need a taxi to visit main sightseeing attractions at all! This year the hotel completed a major upgrade, and the team and guests adore the superb setting. The hotel has many long-stay guests, and all of them choose the hotel foremost for its impeccable service.

What is there to do in the area or on site?

The Baltschug must-dos are: yoga with Kremlin view on Saturday, Baltschug afternoon tea with tasting of 3pm-apple strudel and wine degustation under the guidance of Chief Sommelier. In the evenings one shall visit Café Kranzler to hear the inspiring duo of piano and violoncello from famous Moscow musicians.

What kind of breakfast do you offer?

Sumptuous buffet breakfast in the Baltschug Grill Restaurant where one can taste fresh pancakes with caviar, honeycombs, exotic fruits not to mention various home-made pastries and traditional dishes, or in-room breakfast with Kempinski European Breakfast as signature option - a taste of the European art of hospitality, a feast for the eyes and the palate in the peace and comfort of the guests’ own sanctuary.

Do you offer other meals? And can you recommend good places to eat out
locally?

The Baltschug’s F&B calendar inspires guests to try the Chef’s creations 24/7. In April these are: Wednesday beef carving in the Baltschug Grill (whole-piece slow roasted beef on a carving trolley), rhubarb desserts and milk-fed spring lamb, which is extremely tender and delicate to taste during this season!
Among the hotel’s neighbours are: Balchug 5 Restaurant with international and pan-Asian cuisine, a cosy Italian restaurant Mamma Giovanna and a casual tavern to try traditional Ukrainian food – Korchma Taras Bulba.

Which are your most popular room types, and why?
Kremlin suites are mostly popular for their unparalleled view from the tower rotunda, serving as the living room. If you stand in the middle of the living room you will see in three windows respectively - Spasskaya tower and St.Basil’s Cathedral, Kremlin churches and Moskva-river.

What message would you like to give Hotel Guru readers?
Staying at the Hotel Baltschug Kempinski Moscow one can discover the capital of Russia from one of the best vantage points.