IPSA Home

Russian Language School in Moscow:
Accommodations.

Our schools organise accommodation in host families, shared flats, hotels and apartments of all categories.

Homestay

What is a host family? Our host families are not always a traditional married couple with a child/children. Above all we look for someone who is sociable, likes to meet new people and can give a warm welcome to our students. Our host families have time to talk to our students, be patient, understanding, careful and prepared to provide help with any problem that may arise during a student’s stay in Russia.

The fee includes private accommodation with a single room and half-board, full board during the weekends. A student's room is furnished with at least:


• one bed or sofa-bed
• wardrobe
• desk with chair and light
• a mirror (in a wardrobe or a separate one)
  
  
The rooms are clean and, by Russian standards, spacious. Bathroom and kitchen are shared with the family. All our apartments have telephone. Maximum travel time to the school is 1 hour.

All our families and their homes are personally known to our accommodation officer. Families are inspected once a year. The standard of the families is monitored by questionnaires (entry and exit) given to students.

Students' wishes and needs such as non-smoking/smoking, allergies, vegetarian food, with/without pets etc. are taken into account as far as possible. Normally students should remain with one family for the whole duration of the course, even if things are not exactly the same as expected.

Hotels

We offer hotel accommodation at very competitive rates in in both St.Petersburg and Moscow. Certain hotels offer special long-term rates to students staying three weeks and more. All rates are on request.

Le ROYAL MEREDIEN NATIONAL Hotel **** The National has a perfect location in the very centre of Moscow providing picturesque views over Kremlin and Manezhnaya Square. The hotel has been welcoming guests from all over the world for almost a century. The National combines a historical context with the highest standards of service.

Most of the 221 rooms and suites at the National have individual design and decor, some have unique ceiling paintings. All rooms are equipped with radio and satellite television, direct phone lines (bathrooms included), minibar, climate control system, hairdryer. The hotel also offers good conference facilities: 14 banquet halls and conference rooms are beautifully decorated and can hold from 6 to 170 people. The hotels health club offers lots of opportunities, including heated indoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi, power shower, massage, fitness centre, sauna and steam bath.

Hotel SRETENSKAYA **** This hotel is located almost in the very heart of Moscow, nearby the well-known central public garden, Chistiye Prudi (Clear ponds). This is another newly opened small hotel which offers good accommodation and homelike atmosphere. The hotelÕs interior is designed in Russian folklore style following the popular Russian story Alenkiy Tsvetochek (a Scarlet Flower). Bright colours, oak carvings, hand-made mouldings, wall paintings, and a cosy winter garden really make a special atmosphere of the Russian fairy tale. At the same time the roomsÕ amenities are modern and convenient.

There is a nice Lobby bar and Russian restaurant also designed in folklore style. Underground parking is another advantage for guests. The 34 modern rooms are equipped with satellite TV, direct dial telephone with possibility of dial-up Internet connection, individual air-conditioning, minibar. Bathrooms have shower and hairdryer. The well-equipped business-centre and conference room can be used for corporate meetings. The health centre and billiards help relaxation in the evening.

HOLIDAY INN MOSCOW-LESNAYA **** Located almost in the very centre of Moscow, Lesnaya is situated in a busy area with a number of modern business centres, a variety of restaurants and coffee shops, and close to one of the most upscale shopping streets. At the same time the hotel has a calm and relaxing atmosphere. Rooms with modern design have all the necessary equipment for a comfortable stay on business or leisure.

The hotel offers 301 rooms including 2 rooms for disabled guests, 17 suites, 151 non-smoking rooms most of which are located on four non-smoking floors. The executive floor of the hotel provides additional comfort and convenience. The meeting area is over 600 sq. m. and offers flexible room sizes and furniture sittings. Every room features cable & satellite TV, coffee & tea maker, minibar, phone with voice mail, individually controlled air-conditioning, high-speed Internet access, desk, private facilities with bath tub and hairdryer.

SWISSOTEL KRASNYE HOLMY **** This newly opened 34-storey hotel is now one of the tallest buildings in Moscow. Situated on the eastern tip of Kremlin Island between the Moscow River and the Obvodny Channel it offers great panoramic views from the top floors. Business and leisure travellers will find comfort in the hotel's world-class facilities and feel Swiss hospitality as a combination of quality, efficiency and reliability.

Swissotel features well-appointed rooms and suites with spectacular views of downtown Moscow. Two restaurants offer different dining choices. Guests can relax in the Amrita Spa & Health Club with a swimming pool, four private treatment rooms, a Jacuzzi, a solarium, sauna and relaxation room, and a workout area with cardiovascular equipment. All of the 235 rooms are large (from 35 square meters) and have flat screen satellite TV, desk with data port and 2 telephone lines, ergonomic chair, espresso coffee machine, electronic safe, spacious bathroom with heated floor and separate shower and bath tub.

NOVOTEL MOSCOW CENTRE **** The Accor Company has built two hotels in Moscow. The Novotel Moscow Centre is located in the historical part of Moscow, near two metro stations and only about 3 km from the Kremlin. Taking Novoslobodskaya metro one may get to Krasnaya Ploschad (the Red Square) in 10 minutes without changing. The hotel is known for the modern comfort, contemporary decor and unique architecture.

Besides 255 spacious rooms, there are 2 bars and restaurants; the top floor bar giving a splendid view of the Russian capital. Several conference halls are well-equipped with modern facilities. Parking and a fitness centre add to the comfort of the hotel, making it a good choice both for business and leisure travelling. Every room has a mini bar, satellite and cable TV, direct dial phone, WiFi and high speed transmission line for the Internet, central air-conditioning with individual control. Bathrooms include bath tub and hairdryer.

MARCO POLO PRESNJA Hotel **** This small 4-star hotel is located in the quiet area of the Patriarchy Ponds in the heart of Moscow. Built in 1904 by English architect Villiam Vallcott, it has welcomed many famous people since then. The hotel later became Ça house for the eliteÈ and was closed to the public. Before the revolution the building served for London's governesses and then for professors staff of Moscow State University who stayed and worked here. After the WWII it became a prestigious closed hotel for members of the Soviet Government. It was only renovated in the 1990's and became one of the finest hotels in Moscow.

The 72 suites and rooms are tastefully decorated with attention to every detail. All rooms are light and comfortable. In every room there is satellite television and movie channels, direct dial phone, individually-controlled heating and air-conditioning system, private bathroom, including shower, hairdryer and cosmetic mirror, minibar, WiFi Internet. The Marco Polo hotel also features a restaurant, bars, conference halls for up to 200 people, well-equipped business centre, laundry, small souvenir shop and 24-hour security.

TATIANAHotel **** This new hotel was recently opened in the central part of Moscow. It is located not far from the main cultural and business attractions of Moscow and just a short walk to the famous Gorky Park, a large resort complex in the centre of the city. The hotelÕs smaller size provides a comfortable homelike atmosphere.

Tatiana hotel has all the necessary facilities for leisure and for business travel. It has several conference halls (holding up to 100 people) as well as a fitness centre with Turkish and Finnish saunas and Jacuzzi. The Tatiana restaurant serves European and Spanish cuisine. The hotel features 76 rooms. All of them are large, comfortable and quiet and designed in warm colours. The rooms have a mini-bar, central air-conditioning with individual regulation, direct telephone with the possibility of dial-up Internet access, WiFi Internet, satellite TV, office desk. Bathrooms have showers and heated floors. Windows and doors are equipped with a special sound insulation.

KATERINA-CITY Hotel **** This hotel is a real Swedish corner in Moscow, designed in pure Swedish style with a touch of Russian hospitality and warmth. The hotel is situated close to the Moskva River embankment in a quiet district within close distance to the city centre. Some rooms have splendid views over the river and Novospassky monastery. There are many special things about this hotel. It is big but still keeps a homelike atmosphere, typical mainly for small privately owned hotels. Swedish cuisine is offered together with traditional Russian and European menus and the traditional Swedish pie is a famous delicacy. The library on the ÒPrivileged FloorÓ offers relaxing soft armchairs where guests may plunge into great Swedish, English, Russian or other literature. In a separated smoking area a selection of Cuban, Dutch and Swiss cigars can make reading and rest even more enjoyable, together with a fireplace to help get into a philosophic mood. For those who prefer activities, the hotel offers a fitness centre with gym, swimming-pool, solarium and sauna.

All of the 119 rooms of the Katerina hotel are modern and cosy. They are equipped with direct-dial telephone, satellite TV, WiFi, computer switch-on port with possibility of Internet installation, self-regulated air conditioning and heating, desk, mini bar. Bathrooms have shower cabin, heated floors and hairdryers. Stylish and warm atmosphere together with the attentive and caring service makes this hotel one of the best choices for business travellers. There are 9 originally designed and fully equipped conference-halls. The hotel is managed by the ÒUMACOÓ company (Universal Management and Consulting Company).

Hotel UKRAINA **** The hotel's 34-storey building with a high spire on the top looks more like a huge tower and is actually an architectural monument. It represents the Stalinism classic style, which is so typical for Moscow, outlining the CapitalÕs difference from any other Russian city. But despite the massiveness of the construction it leaves quite a delicate and light impression. Ukraina is the tallest hotel in Russia and, situated on a very picturesque turn of the Moskva River, it presents the guests with one of the best views of the city panorama. Right opposite the hotel and over the river is RussiaÕs White House, where the Russian government sits. Taking the Ògovernmental routeÓ along the Novy Arbat street, the Kremlin entrance is 5 minutes drive away.

The interior of the Ukraina hotel is also a good example of the mid-20th century style. Most of the design elements were restored and preserved, keeping natural bronze lamps, oak floors, wooden doors and furniture. Another peculiarity is the picture gallery, which consists of more than a thousand of canvases of well-known Soviet and Russian artists. There are 34 floors and 860 rooms at the hotel. Each room has a telephone, mini-safe, satellite and cable TV and fridge. Renovated rooms are more comfortable while standard ones are offered at quite reasonable prices. Minor improvements have been recently done at the hotel and more is planned for the near future.

TOURIST HOTEL COMPLEX IZMAILOVO (GAMMA-DELTA Hotel) *** This huge complex of two 30-storey buildings makes up part of EuropeÕs largest hotel compound Izmailovo, which has been included in the Guinness Book of Records. It was built specially for the guests of the Olympic Games held in Moscow in 1980. The hotel overlooks the old Izmailovsky Park with nice Russian-styled wooden houses from the times of Peter I, and one of the best souvenir and crafts centre in Moscow. It takes only 20 minutes by the nearby metro to get to the Red Square (Krasnaya Ploschad) and Kremlin. At the same time there is everything either at the Gamma-Delta Hotel itself, or in the neighbouring hotel buildings: casinos, night clubs, various restaurants and cafŽs, Internet-cafŽs, a bowling club and billiard, fitness and health centres as well as all kinds of shops, exchange centres and banks.

Most of the 1800 rooms are quite modest, those without renovation are less comfortable but the prices offered are very reasonable for Moscow. Due to its good combination of price, location and service offered, Izmailovo Gamma-Delta hotel is always busy and popular both among Russians and foreign guests. Every room has a private bathroom, writing desk, armchair, fridge, satellite TV and direct-dial phone. Internet can be accessed 24 hours at the Internet cafŽ downstairs. Safety boxes are also available at reception. Rooms from the 6-7 floors and higher have views on the neighbouring park and the city. Corporate travellers may make use of the several conference halls at the hotel.

Apartments

Shared flats

Those students who prefer to stay on their own but at the same time wish to experience a student atmosphere may choose our shared flat option. Our flats have single bedrooms (usually 2-3), shared bathroom and kitchen. Bed linen, cutlery and dishes are provided. The flats are all equipped with TV set, telephone, washing machine and vacuum cleaner. The shared-flat option is not more expensive than staying in a host-family.

Studio-apartments

Students who wish to live on their own can rent an apartment with the help of the school. We cooperate with a couple of reputable real-estate agencies and private landlords who rent out apartments of all kinds. Monthly rent rates range from 500 Euro (basic studio in the outskirts) to 1000-2000 Euro (nicely renovated two-room apartment in the centre). The real-estate company will charge a handling fee, which depends on the contract length and the kind of apartment. Rents are always paid in cash in USD or Roubles. Students opting for this kind of accommodation are asked to stay for the first week either with a host-family or in a hotel to allow plenty of time for choosing the right apartment. Apartments make sense for students studying at least eight weeks.