We stayed in this hotel several times during an extended stay and it is the best place in town. Don't know when it was last refurbished but it remains very well kept, clean etc. and they maintain a very high standard for guests. We never had a complaint at this place, but it seems the Russian Elite are all too eager to complain. The staff we met regularly (some more regularly than others!) were very good indeed, nothing was a problem for them at any time of the day - they were excellent and are a credit to the hotel. If I had one minor complaint about the hotel, it would be the bar as its stuffed in a dark corner. Having said this, for anyone visiting, it would be a shame to spend your evenings sitting at the bar when the whole of Arkhangelsk is out there waiting for you. If you want to eat or drink in town, just ask Anna, Irina or Marina at the reception where to go - they will be happy to give you a list of excellent places to eat, drink or dance or all three together if you want... more