Four Seasons Hotel Moscow Opens in Russia
As winter approaches in Russia's capital city, a warm respite beckons just a few steps from Red Square. Closed for many years, a grand set of doors has just been thrown open, revealing luxurious accommodations, five inviting dining and drinking establishments, and an unparalleled international standard of personalized service: welcome to the new Four Seasons Hotel Moscow.
"After years of meticulous planning, the old Hotel Moskva is now reborn as Four Seasons Hotel Moscow with fashion forward style and modern comforts on Manezhnaya Square," says General Manager Max Musto, who oversees a handpicked, highly trained staff. "It is our mission to write the next exciting chapter in the storied history of this building, and this city."
Originally built in the 1930s, Hotel Moskva hosted many of the key figures in the Russian saga. As an unofficial home base for the Soviet Union's political and cultural power players, the hotel's clientele also included a star-studded cast of international guests. Now, with immense respect for architect Alexei Shchusev's original vision, interior designers Richmond International have created a contemporary homage to history that is firmly positioned in the 21st century. The exterior facade has been replicated in meticulous detail, including the distinctive asymmetry between the two wings that surround a new glass-topped atrium. A birch motif is woven throughout the interior decor, and echoes of the past are seen in decorative details such as the column capitals and scalloped rosette surrounding the main ballroom's chandelier, and the handcrafted mosaic tiles in the glass-enclosed pool area.
Four Seasons Hotel Moscow is ideally located on Manezhnaya Square and just steps from Red Square, the colourful domes of St. Basil's Cathedral, the world renowned Bolshoi Theatre, and the prestigious GUM shopping complex. The Hotel's Concierge team is ready to introduce these sites and much more to guests.
"Winter in Russia heralds a season of romantic sleigh rides in Sokolniki, performances of Petr Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker at the Bolshoi Theatre, and ice skating in Gorky Park," says Chef Concierge Gleb Kryuchkov. "For those interested in learning about the history and culture of our Far North, Eco Husky Park hosts traditional ceremonies and exhibitions; and for more modern pursuits, the city is abuzz about Montana, a new weekend nightclub on a yacht in the Moscow River."
Moscow's Finest Accommodations
Offering the city's most spacious accommodations, the Hotel's 180 rooms and suites are naturally lit through floor-to-ceiling windows, and many have step-out balconies. In addition to the new, fully customizable Four Seasons Bed, up-to-the-minute features include iHome docking stations, media hub with international socket options, high speed internet access, and an iPad in each room for easy access to in-room dining, Spa appointments and more. Marble bathrooms include separate showers, with complimentary custom amenities by Roberto Cavalli.
"With 40 distinct floor plans and postcard views from every side of the Hotel, it won't be long before return guests are requesting specific room numbers," predicts Musto. "And already, our five two-bedroom Grand Premier Suites, each commanding sweeping views from their corner positions, are in high demand."
The Hotel's top accommodations are the palatial 7th floor Pozharsky Royal Suite at 520 square metres (5,600 square feet), which opens on to an expansive terrace offering views of Manezhnaya Square and Alexandrovsky Garden. Equally impressive is the stately Minin Presidential Suite at 468 square metres (5,000 square feet).
For business travellers, in-room conveniences include ergonomic furnishings and large working desks, in-room Nespresso machines, and high definition televisions that swivel to show a mirror on the opposite side when not in use. The multi-lingual concierge team is ready to assist in maximizing one's stay in Moscow, and along with the 24-hour business centre, guests also have access to the Hotel's fleet of BMW 7 Series house cars, each equipped with complimentary wi-fi and iPad.
Children checking in to the Hotel are in for a special treat: each will be gifted a matryoshka – Russia's beloved wooden dolls – in blue or pink that they can also paint themselves. As a family-friendly hotel, Four Seasons Hotel Moscow also welcomes small pets.
New Food and Beverage Concepts at Four Seasons Hotel Moscow
Renowned Executive Chef David Hemmerle has assembled a culinary team that will place the Hotel's restaurants, lounge and bar at the heart of the city's burgeoning dining scene.
The signature dining experience at Four Seasons Hotel Moscow is Quadrum, an Italian restaurant on the second floor facing Manezhnaya Square. A changing seasonal menu of authentic regional pasta, carne and pesci features the finest local and imported ingredients, accompanied by a deep wine list and served in an atmosphere of casual elegance. Not to be missed is Chef's Russian spin on an Italian classic, the caviale artisan spaghetti imported from Naples and served with a choice of salmon or osetra caviar and chives.
Hotel guests and locals will also gather at the second floor Bystro for breakfasts, and in the evening enjoy a dinner menu featuring modern Russian cuisine with a Nordic touch.
At street level, with its dramatic bold red and black interiors, the glamorous Moskovsky Bar offers a sophisticated list of classic and signature cocktails featuring premium brands such as Beluga vodka and Derevensky Samogon spirits, and of course Stolichnaya, whose bottles depict the Hotel's famous facade. A deep list of single malts heads up a whisky lover's dream selection of Irish, American, Canadian and Japanese labels. A menu of zakuski – Russian small plates – accompanies the imbibing.
On either side of the double-height main lobby, the relaxed elegance of Silk Lounge is the perfect setting for light meals, casual business meetings or a glass of wine with friends by the fire – or indulging in Pastry Chef Raffaele Grasso's tempting array of confections. His signature sweets are a highlight of the Silk Afternoon Tea, and full-size cakes may also be purchased by special order.
Coming Soon: The Spa at Four Seasons
Secluded above busy Manezhnaya Square is a sanctuary of wellness and indulgence: the Amnis Spa at Four Seasons. At the heart of the almost 3,000 square metre (more than 28,000 square foot) complex is the mosaic-tiled indoor pool, naturally lit from above by a rectangular glass roof, which has been thoughtfully treated with anti-frosting technology so that the sky view may be enjoyed year round.
Available for bookings in early 2015, the Amnis Spa's 14 treatment rooms, including three luxurious double suites – will host a menu of results-based therapies, as well as a modern interpretation of the traditional Russian banya experience.
The Spa complex also includes a hair salon and nail bar; the Amnis Cafe for healthy poolside fare, and a 24/7 fitness centre stocked with Life Fitness equipment.
The City's Premier Address for Business Meetings and Social Occasions
Whether coming together for business or pleasure, Four Seasons Hotel Moscow promises the exceptional service and attention to detail for which the brand is renowned all over the world. In celebration of the Hotel's grand opening, a special Great Group Value package is being offered for events confirmed through May 10, 2015.
Set apart from the busy ground floor, two ballrooms and five smaller meeting rooms on the second and third floors provide 1,406 square metres (15,123 square feet) of options for groups from 20 to 500. The plush Tchaikovsky Ballroom encompasses 530 square metres (5,700 square feet) plus an adjacent pre-function area and step-out balcony above Manezhnaya Square, with partial views of Red Square and the Kremlin. Reached via a marble staircase or dedicated elevator and a private entrance at street level, it's ideal for hosting social functions, as well as providing direct access for those who do not wish to enter through the busy main lobby.
The 7th floor terrace, with its dramatic views of Manezhnaya Square and the Kremlin, also invites creative functions from cocktail parties to pop up lounges.
Beginning with the first wedding held at the new Four Seasons Hotel Moscow on November 1, the city's brides and grooms can plan their dream wedding with confidence as every detail is anticipated and executed to perfection, allowing the happy couple, their families and guests to enjoy the day. And, Four Seasons Hotel Moscow is just steps from Alexandrovsky Garden for the traditional wedding-day visit to the Eternal Flame at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, as well as numerous photo opportunities in the surrounding gardens and squares.
About Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts opened its first hotel in 1961, and since that time has been dedicated to perfecting the travel experience through continual innovation and the highest standards of hospitality. Currently operating 119 hotels and resorts, and 44 residential properties in major city centres and resort destinations in 47 countries, and with more than 50 projects under planning or development, Four Seasons consistently ranks among the world's best hotels and most prestigious brands in reader polls, traveller reviews and industry awards. For more information and reservations, visit fourseasons.com. For the latest news, visit press.fourseasons.com and follow @FourSeasonsPR on Twitter.
Ekaterina Bykova
Public Relations Manager
7 499 277 7130
Four Seasons
