Visiting Russia. Part II

Where to Stay

Hotels in Moscow are very expensive. Most of the good hotels are joint ventures with foreign partners which have opened in the last few years. The old style Soviet hotels may be cheaper but are lacking in terms of service and sometimes cleanliness or safety. There are also a few budget places to stay. If you are a tourist, the best way to book a hotel is through a travel agent in your own country. Reservations in the most expensive hotels may be made directly, and the staff are bi-lingual.

Popular hotels among business travelers are:

Aerostar - Located northwest of the center of town
Address: Leningradsky pr 37
Tel: 213-9000
Fax: 213-9001
Prices from $284 per night

Baltschug Kempinski. Located across the Moscow river from the Kremlin
Address: Ul. Baltschug 1
Tel: 230-6500
Fax: 230-6502
Prices from $400 per night

Marco Polo Presnya - located in the center of town
Address: Spiridonyevsky per. 9
Tel: 956-3010
Fax: 926-5404
Prices from $246 per night

Metropol - located next to Red Square
Address: Teatralny Proyezd ?
Tel: 927-6000
Fax: 927-6010
Prices from $330 per night

National - located across the street from Red Square
Address: Ul. Ohotny Ryad 14/1
Tel: 258-7000
Fax: 258-7100
Prices from $300 per night

Renaissance Moscow - located in the northern part of town
Address: Olimpiysky Pr. 18/1
Tel: 931-9000
Fax: 931-9076
Prices from $345 per night

Palace Hotel - located west of the Kremlin
Address: 1 Tverskaya-Yamskaya 19
Tel: 956-3152
Fax: 956-3151
Prices from $350

Radisson Slavyanskaya - located in the western side of town
Address: Berezhkovskaya nab. 12
Tel: 941-8020
Fax: 941-8000
Prices from $294 per night

Savoy - Walking distance to the Kremlin
Address: Ul. Rozhdesvenka 3
Tel: 929-8500
Fax: 929-8555
Prices from $360

For budget hotels and hostels, we recommend you check current guide books.

Useful Cultural Tips

Russian people are generally well educated, hospitable and loyal to their country and friends. However, their country and society has changed so dramatically over the past few years that they are still adjusting to emerging democracies and free enterprise. While many young people are now learning English, most people do not speak English so you can't count on being understood verbally as you make your way around town. When visiting a Russian home, only the best will be served and guests are honored. Much entertaining is done in the home.

General

• Russians are well-educated and will probably know more about your country than you will about theirs!
  
• Russians are critical of their own country. But it is wise and polite to refrain from negative comments because deep down they are very patriotic.
  
• Avoid the "West-is-best" syndrome.
  
• When entering a Russian home you will be expected to remove your shoes, for the practical reason of not tracking in snow and mud. Slippers may be provided, but walking around in socks is completely acceptable. You might consider bringing your own slippers or a change of shoes.
  
• Russians love music, art and culture. You can expect to sit for hours around a table discussing all kinds of things with your Russian friends.
  
• The vast majority of Russians live on less than $200 a month for the entire household. (The exception is Moscow where per capita income is substantially greater, but yet way below western norms). Many people work more than one job to keep food on the table.
  
• When in public, Russians present the most positive impression they can, regardless of their income. Shoes and clothes are kept clean, and in Moscow the women dress quite stylishly.

Business

• The best arrangements can go wrong. Make sure to confirm your appointments and carry contact numbers should you encounter problems.
  
• Use business cards.
  
• Allow plenty of time to get to your destination. Traffic in Moscow is usually very congested during business hours, and it can take a very long time to go a short distance.
  
• Written communications and agreements are all important. Verbal agreements can easily or conveniently be forgotten.
  
• Russia is a more chauvinistic society that you may be used to. Women should dress conservatively. Russian men in general will give up seats, carry bags, and open doors for women.
  
• Do not be surprised if bottles of vodka are cracked open in the middle of a business meeting.
  
• The two most important Russian holidays are New Years Eve through Russian Christmas (January 7th) and May Day / Victory Day celebrations, the first two weeks in May. During these times many foreigners and Russians take time off work, so little business gets done.

Superstitions. The following superstitions are taking seriously by Russians of all ages:

• When giving a gift, such as flowers, only give an odd number. Russians give an even number of flowers only for funerals and cemetaries.
  
• Don't whistle indoors or money will fly out of the window.
  
• Don't shake hands over a threshold or you will argue with the person you are visiting.
  
• Women should not sit at the corner of a table; otherwise they will never get married.

Reprinted by the courtesy of the American Chamber of Commerce in Russia.