Recently stayed at the Belarus for a two night break whilst attending the Belarus v England football match.

I stayed in a 'Buisness Class' Room, which was probably a round $10 more expensive although I am not sure what this additional extra $10 got me.

The room didnt look as if it had recently been refurbished but it was clean and everything thing worked (TV, Shower). The only part which wasn't particularly clean was the carpet which appeared dirty although this appeared to be through long life rather than it being not cleaned.

The decor was classic late 70's early 80's but was in a reasonable condition.

Breakfast was a good selection including cereals, ham & cheese, cakes and hot food of which this was particularly good (pork with cheese & potato and sausages).

Hotel corridors were rather noisy with the tiled floors not helping but this might have had something to do with the amount of football supporters staying there at the time, but wasnt really an issue.

The location was good being within easy walking distance of the town accross a park and via an underpass to the main street.

A Reasonable hotel for the price ($60 per twin room per night)

The 21st floor restaurant was good and a reasonable price but probably a bit more expensive than those in town.

I stayed at Belarus for 3 nights.
Pros: location, rather cheap.
Cons: soviet aesthetics, had to upgrade to a suite to get some decent space, heating is a joke, the bedsheets were not changed daily, the corridor and to some extent my room was stinking nicotine, in order to bring a friend in the evening you have to bribe the "security" on the ground floor.

If you don't mind all the above and given the lack of alternatives in Minsk, you will definitely survive -but only with a suite

Very industrial looking hotel in the heart of Minsk. Not overly friendly. They usually keep the lights off during the day in the lobby or hallways to conserve electricity. Security guard checks you ID near the elevators.

Rooms: Dated furniture and rooms but it was clean. Ample hot water and pressure. I had a bed with a single room. You must leave your key with your floor lady.

Location. I found it a little bit out of the way as it is surrounded by parks and close to the river. I would have preferred something closer to the subway.

Laundry: They do laundry if you ask your floor lady.

Safety: Careful walking around the park area at night. I heard that they target tourists in the area the are coming and going from the hotel into the park walkways.

Tip: The foreign exchange is not open in the mornings and has sporadic hours. It was not open when it was supposed to be. Also, all the ladies hanging out in the lobby drinking with the men are prostitutes.

All in all, a clean hotel but a little out of the way from transit and the action. The evenings can get a little seedy with all the drunk Russian guys staying at the hotel and mingling with the prostitutes.

They don't keep the prices given by phone, staff is not friendly, top floor rooms have good sight but are cold and windy, breakfast is poor and doesn't seem fresh... in general bad choice