I stayed there for two nights on business in October, 2008. I would definitely not go back. In many ways the hotel seems to be a throwback to Soviet days, in that it has its systems in place and the guests need to work around them, rather than vice versa. For instance, it opens up its mininal fitness room (which has just a few machines in various states of disrepair) rather late--I think 10 a.m. Similarly, breakfast is not for early risers--I believe it only opens at 8 a.m. , though I might be wrong in my recollection. Not great if you have business meetings to get to.

Other lowlights were that maids twice came into my room twice without knocking--and there was no "do not disturb" sign to hang on the door. The room itself had the look of something that dated from a few decades ago, in terms of the decor. And while I wouldn't call the staff downright unfriendly, getting a smile from most of them (including reception) was the exception to the rule... more