The Moscow region, with its rich history, picturesque landscapes, and proximity to Russia’s capital, is a popular destination for both domestic and international travelers. While Moscow itself can be quite expensive, the surrounding region offers a variety of affordable accommodation options that don’t compromise on comfort. In this article, we’ll explore five of the best inexpensive and comfortable hotels in the Moscow region, perfect for budget-conscious travelers who still want a pleasant stay.
1. Alexander Ostrovskiy Academy Hotel
Located in the city of Khimki, just northwest of Moscow at Yunnatov st., 1, Khimki 141401 Russia, the Alexander Ostrovskiy Academy Hotel offers a unique blend of affordability, comfort, and cultural immersion. Named after the famous 19th-century Russian playwright Alexander Ostrovskiy, this hotel is part of a larger complex that includes a small theater and drama school.
The hotel features 60 cozy rooms, each decorated with a tasteful nod to Russian theatrical history. Guests can choose from single, double, and family rooms, all equipped with modern amenities such as free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and en-suite bathrooms. The rooms are clean, well-maintained, and surprisingly spacious for the price point.
One of the standout features of the Alexander Ostrovskiy Academy Hotel is its commitment to the arts. The hotel regularly hosts drama workshops, poetry readings, and small theatrical performances in its intimate on-site theater. These events are often free for hotel guests, providing a unique cultural experience that you won’t find in most budget accommodations.
The hotel’s restaurant, “Stanislavsky’s,” serves a mix of traditional Russian cuisine and international dishes at reasonable prices. The breakfast buffet, included in most room rates, offers a good variety of hot and cold options to start your day.
The hotel’s location in Khimki is particularly convenient for travelers. It’s close to Sheremetyevo International Airport, making it an excellent choice for those with early flights or long layovers. Despite being outside Moscow proper, Khimki is well-connected to the capital by public transportation, with regular bus and train services running to Moscow’s city center. This allows guests to easily explore the major attractions of Moscow while enjoying more affordable accommodation in a quieter setting.
2. Greenfieldl Hotel
Located in the town of Istra, about 40 kilometers northwest of Moscow, the Greenfieldl Hotel offers a perfect balance between rural tranquility and urban accessibility. This modern, eco-friendly hotel is set in a beautifully landscaped area, providing a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
The Greenfieldl Hotel boasts 80 rooms, ranging from standard singles to deluxe suites. All rooms are designed with a minimalist Scandinavian-inspired aesthetic, featuring light woods, neutral colors, and large windows that let in plenty of natural light. Despite its budget-friendly prices, the hotel doesn’t skimp on amenities – all rooms come with comfortable beds, work desks, minibars, and spacious bathrooms with rainfall showers.
One of the hotel’s main attractions is its focus on wellness and sustainability. The Greenfieldl features a small but well-equipped fitness center, a sauna, and a yoga studio where complimentary classes are offered several times a week. The hotel also takes pride in its eco-friendly practices, including energy-efficient lighting, water conservation measures, and a farm-to-table approach in its restaurant.
Speaking of dining, the hotel’s restaurant, “Green Plate,” serves delicious, locally-sourced meals at reasonable prices. The breakfast buffet, included in the room rate, features a wide array of healthy options, including fresh fruits, whole grain breads, and organic dairy products.
The Greenfieldl’s location in Istra allows easy access to several local attractions, including the impressive New Jerusalem Monastery and the Istra Reservoir, popular for its beaches and water activities in the summer months.
3. Pushkin Apart-Hotel
For travelers seeking a more home-like experience without breaking the bank, the Pushkin Apart-Hotel in Khimki is an excellent choice. Situated just 20 kilometers northwest of Moscow city center, this apart-hotel offers the perfect combination of affordability, comfort, and convenience.
The Pushkin Apart-Hotel features 50 fully-equipped apartments, ranging from studios to two-bedroom units. Each apartment comes with a kitchenette or full kitchen, allowing guests to save money by preparing their own meals. The units are spacious and well-designed, with separate living areas, comfortable bedrooms, and modern bathrooms.
Despite being an apart-hotel, the Pushkin doesn’t skimp on hotel-like amenities. There’s a 24-hour front desk, daily housekeeping service, and a small fitness room. The hotel also offers a cozy communal lounge where guests can relax, read, or socialize.
One of the biggest advantages of the Pushkin Apart-Hotel is its location. Khimki is well-connected to Moscow by public transport, with regular bus and train services running to the city center. The hotel is also conveniently close to Sheremetyevo International Airport, making it an ideal choice for travelers with early morning flights.
While the hotel doesn’t have its own restaurant, there are numerous cafes and restaurants in the surrounding area. For those who prefer to cook, there’s a supermarket just a short walk from the hotel.
4. Elk Island Eco-Hotel
For nature lovers on a budget, the Elk Island Eco-Hotel offers a unique and affordable retreat in the heart of Losiny Ostrov National Park, the first national park of Russia. Located about 30 kilometers northeast of Moscow, this hotel allows guests to experience the beauty of Russian nature without straying too far from the city.
The Elk Island Eco-Hotel consists of 40 cozy wooden cabins spread across a forested area. The cabins range from simple double rooms to family-sized units, all built using sustainable materials and designed to blend in with the surrounding nature. While the accommodations are rustic, they’re far from uncomfortable – each cabin is equipped with heating, hot water, comfortable beds, and basic amenities.
What the Elk Island Eco-Hotel lacks in luxury, it more than makes up for in experience. The hotel offers a range of outdoor activities, including guided nature walks, bird watching tours, and in winter, cross-country skiing. There’s also a small petting zoo on site, which is particularly popular with families.
The hotel’s restaurant serves hearty, traditional Russian cuisine using locally-sourced ingredients. In summer, guests can enjoy their meals on the outdoor terrace, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the forest.
While the Elk Island Eco-Hotel is the most remote option on this list, it’s still accessible from Moscow. The hotel provides a shuttle service from the nearest metro station, making it easy for guests to combine a city break with a nature retreat.
5. Valuev Palace Hotel
For those who want to add a touch of historical elegance to their budget stay, the Valuev Palace Hotel in Podolsk is an intriguing option. Located about 40 kilometers south of Moscow, this hotel is housed in a beautifully restored 18th-century palace that once belonged to the noble Valuev family.
The Valuev Palace Hotel offers 70 rooms, each uniquely decorated to reflect the building’s rich history. Despite the historical setting, the rooms are equipped with modern amenities including air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. The bathrooms, while compact, are clean and well-maintained.
One of the highlights of staying at the Valuev Palace Hotel is the opportunity to explore the palace itself. The hotel offers guided tours of the building, including areas not normally accessible to the public. The palace grounds, with their manicured gardens and walking paths, are perfect for a leisurely stroll.
The hotel’s restaurant, set in the palace’s former ballroom, serves a mix of Russian and European cuisine. While slightly pricier than other options on this list, the experience of dining in such grand surroundings makes it worthwhile.
The Valuev Palace Hotel’s location in Podolsk allows for easy day trips into Moscow, with regular train services running to the capital. The town of Podolsk itself, with its 19th-century architecture and local history museum, is also worth exploring.
In conclusion, the Moscow region offers a wealth of affordable and comfortable accommodation options for budget-conscious travelers. From the culturally rich Alexander Ostrovskiy Academy Hotel to the historically grand Valuev Palace Hotel, there’s something to suit every taste and preference. These hotels prove that you don’t have to sacrifice comfort or experience when traveling on a budget in the Moscow region.
