Hotel Baltschug Kempinski Moscow

The hotel offers a truly exceptional experience, distinguished by its prime location directly opposite the Kremlin and Red Square, providing stunning views that captivate guests from their rooms and dining areas. This central position makes it an ideal choice for sightseers eager to explore Moscow's iconic landmarks, as well as couples seeking a romantic and luxurious getaway. Many guests highlight the consistently outstanding service from every team member, creating a welcoming atmosphere where visitors feel genuinely cared for. The hotel's blend of luxury, history, and impeccable service ensures a memorable stay. For an enhanced experience, guests are advised to request a room with a direct Kremlin or Red Square view. Additionally, while the concierge is generally highly praised, it is recommended to independently verify details for external activities like husky adventures to ensure expectations are met.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides a range of facilities designed for guest comfort and relaxation. The spa zone is frequently praised as an oasis of tranquility, featuring a heated swimming pool that is clean and well-maintained, though some note it is not very deep. Guests can also enjoy the sauna and jacuzzi for unwinding after a day of exploring. The lobby bar is a popular spot, known for its excellent coffee, including a special cinnamon coffee, and a selection of cocktails, all served with good service. Parking is available, and staff are often helpful with arrangements. While most guests find the Wi-Fi adequate, some have reported it to be slow. There are mixed opinions on the elevators, with some finding them old or slow, though others report no issues. The concierge service is consistently highlighted for its exceptional helpfulness and local knowledge, assisting with various bookings and needs. Luggage storage is also available and appreciated by guests. Some guests have noted issues with the mini-bar, including unexpected charges or fees for its removal.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests consistently commend the hotel for its spotless cleanliness throughout the property and within the rooms. The room size is frequently described as generous and spacious, providing ample comfort. Most guests rave about the comfortable beds and magnificent mattresses, ensuring a restful night's sleep on high-quality, snow-white linen. The bathrooms are generally spacious and well-equipped with a range of amenities, including bathrobes and toiletries, though some guests have noted that fixtures can appear outdated or that the quality and completeness of toiletries can be inconsistent. While many appreciate the good sound insulation that contributes to quiet rooms, some guests have experienced street noise in rooms facing the city. A recurring concern for some is the presence of an unpleasant smell in corridors or the lobby, attributed by some to an open kitchen. Additionally, a few guests mentioned issues with the hair dryer being an older model or the lack of conveniently placed sockets near mirrors.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's breakfast consistently receives high praise, often described as excellent, varied, and a true celebration. Guests appreciate the extensive buffet selection, which includes luxurious items such as caviar and champagne, alongside traditional Russian blini, European delicacies, fresh fruits, and quality coffee. A live egg station is a popular feature, and halal options are available. The restaurant, Baltschug Grill, is noted for its exquisite dishes and cozy atmosphere, while the Baltschug Bar offers great cocktails and impressive views. Most guests find the food quality to be very high, though some long-term visitors have expressed that the breakfast, while still good, has seen a slight decline in its previous exceptional standard. A few guests have also commented on a noticeable food smell in the lobby and corridors, which they attribute to the open kitchen in the bar area.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is overwhelmingly cited as one of its strongest assets, placing guests directly in the heart of Moscow. It offers unbeatable proximity to major landmarks such as the Red Square, the Kremlin, St. Basil's Cathedral, and the Moscow River, with many rooms providing stunning views of these iconic sights. Guests find it incredibly convenient for walking distance access to various shopping districts, vibrant restaurants, and cozy coffee shops. While the location is highly advantageous for sightseeing, some guests have noted that traffic can be heavy during peak hours, potentially making it challenging to reach the hotel. Parking facilities are available, and the staff are often commended for their assistance with parking arrangements, contributing to a smoother arrival and departure experience for those traveling by car.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff consistently receives high commendation for their attentiveness, helpfulness, and professionalism, contributing significantly to a positive guest experience. Many reviews highlight the friendly and welcoming demeanor of the entire team, from doormen and bellboys to restaurant staff and housekeepers. The concierge department is particularly praised for going "above and beyond" in providing local knowledge and assisting with various bookings and requests. While most guests report a quick check-in process and efficient service, there are mixed experiences regarding reception staff, with some encountering unhelpful or rude individuals, especially concerning early check-in requests. Similarly, housekeeping is generally efficient and maintains cleanliness, though a few guests have reported issues with missed services or unaddressed complaints. Overall, the staff's dedication to ensuring a comfortable and memorable stay is a recurring theme, despite isolated instances of less satisfactory interactions.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that while the hotel maintains a classic charm, some aspects of its infrastructure are considered dated by a portion of visitors, particularly concerning furniture and bathroom fixtures, despite diligent maintenance. A specific point of contention for some guests has been the hotel's policy regarding the mini-bar, with reports of a fee for its removal from the room. Furthermore, while the concierge is generally excellent, some guests have had negative experiences when booking external activities, such as a husky adventure, through the hotel, reporting significant overcharges for limited experiences. It is advisable for guests interested in such excursions to consider booking them independently. The hotel has also been noted to have ongoing renovation work in its entrance area, though most guests report minimal disruption from this.