Where to Stay in Russia
A regional guide to accommodation across the country
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Regions of Russia
Each region offers a distinct character and accommodation scene. Find the one that matches your travel plans.
The heartland of Russian history offers accommodation ranging from Moscow's world-class hotels to charming guesthouses in ancient towns. The Golden Ring cities feature converted merchant houses, monastery hotels, and Soviet-era properties alongside modern options. This region provides the most developed tourism infrastructure outside the capital.
St. Petersburg dominates with imperial-era palaces converted to hotels and a strong boutique scene, while Karelia offers rustic lodges, lakeside cottages, and eco-tourism facilities. The region balances urban sophistication with wilderness retreats, particularly around Lake Ladoga and Kizhi Island.
Russia's premier beach destination features Sochi's Olympic-legacy hotels, Soviet-era sanatoriums offering spa treatments, and resort complexes catering to domestic tourists. Accommodation is heavily seasonal, with many properties closing or reducing services outside summer months.
This dramatic mountain region offers ski resorts with modern hotels, traditional mountain guesthouses, and Soviet-era alpine hotels. The North Caucasus republics provide cultural homestays where visitors experience local hospitality, though infrastructure varies significantly by area.
Russia's historic river heartland features accommodation in major cities like Kazan and Nizhny Novgorod, with river cruise ships serving as floating hotels during summer months. The region offers good value with improving infrastructure, though English-language services remain limited outside major centers.
The continental divide between Europe and Asia features primarily business-oriented accommodation in industrial cities, with emerging eco-tourism lodges in the surrounding mountains. Yekaterinburg offers the best selection, while smaller towns provide basic but functional options for Trans-Siberian travelers.
Dominated by oil and gas industry hotels in cities like Novosibirsk and Tyumen, this region offers functional rather than charming accommodation. Trans-Siberian Railway stops feature Soviet-era hotels undergoing gradual modernization, with limited boutique options emerging in regional capitals.
Lake Baikal is the jewel of Siberian tourism, offering lakeside guesthouses, eco-lodges, homestays on Olkhon Island, and ice-fishing camps in winter. Irkutsk provides the best accommodation base with restored wooden houses and modern hotels, while Ulan-Ude offers insights into Buryat culture with traditional homestays.
Russia's Pacific frontier offers limited but improving accommodation, with Vladivostok leading in quality and variety. The region features Soviet-era hotels, emerging business properties, and basic guesthouses serving adventurous travelers exploring this remote area. Kamchatka offers specialized volcano-tour lodges and fishing camps.
The extreme north offers limited accommodation primarily in industrial cities and research settlements. Murmansk provides the best infrastructure for Northern Lights seekers, while Arctic cruises and specialized expedition lodges serve adventurers exploring Franz Josef Land and the Northern Sea Route.
Russia's adventure capital offers eco-tourism bases, traditional Altai yurts, riverside camps, and mountain lodges catering to trekkers, rafters, and nature enthusiasts. Accommodation is rustic but improving, with the emphasis on access to pristine nature rather than luxury amenities.
Russia's European exclave offers a unique blend of Soviet, German, and modern Russian accommodation styles. The Baltic coast features beach resorts and sanatoriums, while Kaliningrad city has boutique hotels in restored German buildings alongside standard Russian chains.
Accommodation Landscape
What to expect from accommodation options across Russia
International chains including Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, Radisson, and Accor have significant presence in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and major regional capitals. Domestic chains like Azimut Hotels operate across the country offering reliable mid-range standards. Following 2022 sanctions, some international brands have exited or suspended operations, though properties often continue under local management. Soviet-era Intourist hotels still operate in many cities, with varying degrees of renovation.
Independent accommodation dominates outside major cities, including family-run guesthouses (mini-hotels), converted merchant houses in historic towns, and Soviet-era hotels under local ownership. Apartment rentals are popular in cities, offering more space and kitchen facilities. 'Tourist bases' (turbazy) near natural attractions provide simple cabin accommodation. Homestays are common in rural areas and ethnic republics, offering authentic cultural experiences and home-cooked meals.
Russia offers several distinctive accommodation types: sanatoriums (health resorts) featuring Soviet-era spa treatments and mineral waters, particularly in the Caucasus and Black Sea regions; dachas (country houses) available for rental, especially near major cities; traditional yurts in the Altai and Buryatia regions; ice hotels in winter destinations; monastery guesthouses in historic religious centers; and Soviet-themed hotels that preserve or recreate the USSR aesthetic. Trans-Siberian Railway sleeper trains serve as moving accommodation for multi-day journeys. River cruise ships on the Volga provide floating hotels during summer months.
Booking Tips for Russia
Country-specific advice for finding the best accommodation
Foreign visitors must register their stay with local authorities within seven business days of arrival—hotels automatically handle this, providing a registration slip. Hostels and guesthouses usually provide this service, but some apartments and homestays may not. Keep registration documents as you may need to show them when checking into subsequent hotels or when leaving Russia. Failure to register can result in fines.
Outside Moscow and St. Petersburg, English proficiency is limited even in hotels. Use booking platforms with translation features, have your hotel address written in Cyrillic, and consider properties with verified English-speaking staff if you don't speak Russian. Many excellent local guesthouses don't appear on international booking sites—using Russian platforms like Ostrovok.ru or Booking.com's Russian version may reveal more options.
International sanctions have complicated payment systems—many Russian properties can no longer accept Mastercard or Visa cards issued outside Russia. Bring sufficient cash (US dollars or euros to exchange) or arrange payment through Russian payment systems. Some hotels accept payment through intermediaries or cryptocurrency. Confirm payment methods before arrival, especially for smaller properties. Booking platforms may still process payments for Russian hotels despite card restrictions at the property itself.
If traveling the Trans-Siberian Railway, book accommodation well in advance in Irkutsk (Lake Baikal gateway) during summer months, as options are limited and demand is high. Many travelers break their journey into segments with 2-3 day stops—coordinate accommodation bookings with train schedules, as trains don't run daily on all routes. Consider that train delays can affect check-in times.
Many properties in resort areas (Black Sea coast, Lake Baikal, mountain regions) close or significantly reduce services during off-season. Verify that your chosen property is actually open during your travel dates, especially from October through April in seasonal destinations. Some tourist bases and eco-lodges are accessible only during summer months when roads are passable.
Many budget and mid-range hotels occupy Soviet-era buildings with varying renovation levels. Photos on booking sites may not reflect current conditions—read recent reviews carefully. These properties often have quirks like inconsistent hot water, strict reception hours, or outdated facilities, but can offer excellent value and authentic atmosphere. Ask about recent renovations when booking.
When to Book
Timing matters for both price and availability across Russia
Book 3-6 months ahead for White Nights in St. Petersburg (May-July), summer travel to Lake Baikal (June-September), and Black Sea coast holidays (July-August). Accommodation near major events, festivals, or during Russian public holidays requires even earlier booking. Trans-Siberian Railway gateway cities fill quickly in summer—secure Irkutsk accommodation as soon as you confirm train tickets.
May and September offer good availability with 1-2 months advance booking usually sufficient for most destinations. These months provide pleasant weather with lower prices and fewer crowds. Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) in European Russia require less advance planning, though popular Golden Ring towns still benefit from early booking.
Winter months (November-March, excluding ski resorts and New Year period) offer excellent last-minute deals, especially in cities. You can often book just days or weeks ahead, though selection may be limited as some properties close. Ski resorts require advance booking during winter holidays and weekends. The extreme cold in Siberia makes winter true low season with abundant availability.
For major cities and tourist centers, book 6-8 weeks ahead as a safe standard. Remote areas and small towns often have limited accommodation, so book earlier to ensure availability rather than price. Consider that Russian domestic tourism peaks during school holidays and long weekends, affecting availability even in unexpected locations. Always verify that properties are open during your travel dates, especially in seasonal destinations.
Good to Know
Local customs and practical information for Russia