The Ritz-Carlton, Moscow

Rooms and decor

Rooms here are large and done in a classic-modern style — marble in the bathrooms, the famous Ritz-Carlton bed that one reviewer called the softest they'd ever slept in, and big windows that pull in plenty of daylight. The upper-floor rooms face the Kremlin, and guests describe waking up to its golden domes in clear view every morning, almost like a dream. Bathrooms come with a large soaking tub, a rain shower, and La Prairie or Asprey products. The one recurring gripe: a few guests say the hot water takes a while to come through. Otherwise the rooms earn their price across the board.

Food and amenities

The O2 Lounge on the 12th floor is one of the prettiest bars in Moscow, with a 180-degree view taking in the Kremlin and St. Basil's Cathedral. Reviews are especially warm on the atmosphere and the cocktails. It packs out at sunset, so book ahead. The Club Level lays on a smart buffet breakfast, afternoon snacks, and an evening cocktail hour — guests note it pays for itself if you tally up all the food and drink, saving you a good deal over paying separately. The Ritz-Carlton spa has a range of treatments, and the gym is fully equipped.

Location and getting there

The metro at Okhotny Ryad is a 200 m walk, and Red Square is 5 minutes on foot. The Bolshoi Theatre is about 8 minutes away, and GUM on Red Square is a few minutes' stroll. Tverskaya is lined with shops and restaurants right outside the door. On the days you want to cover Moscow's main sights, you can do it all on foot — no need to touch the metro at all.

Things to know before booking

This is a splurge: rates start around $570 a night and run to roughly $1,570 for the larger suites. Wi-Fi turns up as a complaint in some rooms across the reviews, so flag it if you're working. Hot water can be slow to arrive in a few rooms, and breakfast sometimes drags during the morning rush. For the views, ask for a high floor between 8 and 12.

Our take

The Ritz-Carlton is for travelers who want the very top of the range and are happy to pay for it. The Kremlin view from the rooftop, paired with a Club Level that keeps food and drink coming all day, makes it an experience you won't find at another Moscow hotel. It suits couples marking a special occasion, business travelers who want both a plush room and a proper place to work in the Club Lounge, and anyone who wants to say they stayed at the best address in the city. On that front, it's the clear pick.