How to Find Luxury Hotels in Russia

Russia is a huge country with coastline on several seas and oceans, including the Arctic Ocean, the Pacific Ocean and the Baltic Sea. Moscow, the capital city, and several of the larger Russian cities, such as St. Petersburg, offer luxury accommodations. Russian is the official language; and rubles are the Russian currency. Follow these steps to start planning your trip.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Passport
• Computer with Internet access

Book Luxury Accommodations in Russia

1. Call the Russian National Group at 877-221-7120 for more information on booking travel accommodations in Russia, or visit their Web site (see Resources below).
2. Book accommodations at the Sheraton Palace Hotel by calling 011([phone] or by visiting their Web site (see Resources below).
3. Reserve a room in a large chain hotel to get standard luxury amenities available in Western Europe and America. These feature dining, babysitting and health spas in addition to comfortable rooms. Prices range from $150 to $400.
4. Stay with a local family. Many Russians are happy to rent out a tidy room in their home and serve a meal each day.
5. Choose large cities such as Moscow for the greatest variety of accommodations in Russia.
6. Expect that many hotels operate in old buildings. These may be in need of repair.

Familiarize Yourself with Russian Customs

7. Apply for a travel visa early. Booking a room with a major hotel or travel agent will get you a "tourist invitation," which can be exchanged for a visa (stamp in your passport).
8. Pay a Russian visa service to exchange your tourist invitation for a visa on your behalf.
9. Ask your hotel to register your migration card. This card will be given to you when you enter Russia. Keep it on you while in Russia. The card (and its registration) will be checked when you leave Russia.
10. Exchange your dollars or euros for rubles. Only Russian currency will be accepted in many places. ATM's are available; but they may be out of order or won't serve non-Russian cards.

Make Your Way to Russia

11. Jump on a plane into Moscow or St. Petersburg. International flights depart daily from across Europe and from major American cities like Los Angeles and New York.
12. Save money by booking a seat on a low-cost European airline.
13. Hop on a train. The Russian train network is extensive. It's tied into the railways of several other countries.

Tips & Warnings

• International phone numbers here include the U.S. international prefix "011." When calling internationally outside the United States, substitute that "011" with "00."
• All country codes are within parentheses and begin with a "+" sign.
• Use banks to get the best current exchange rates.
• Pay restaurant bills with only the amount you owe and a tip. Do not expect to get change back.
• Carry your passport with you at all times. All Russians must carry their identification. You should, too.
• Study Russian phrases before you go to Russia. Beyond large tourist areas, not many people speak English.
• Drink only bottled water during your stay in Russia.