I liked the Metropol. First thing you have to do is remember that you are in Moscow, not NYC, or Paris. The Metropol is an old classic Moscow hotel that has been upgraded and continues to try and improve. For example one of the biggest complaints I read here before going was lack of high speed internet in rooms. I was told that this would be fixed by year end 2008. You can get to the internet thru the TV for 500R a day - 20 dollars. The hotel can best be described as"stately". Lobby is not large but it is very nice. Interesting touch is the metal detector you pass through after entering - not 100% sure why as it went off each time I passed through (laptop, etc) and no one did or said anything. Check in was quick and efficient. I had a very nice inside room. Somehow I got upgraded to a junior suite on the 3rd floor. Room was clean, everything worked, TV was a flat screen, Bed was comfortable. Pillow were paper thin so you big pillow people will need 5 or 6 - no kidding. Extras are in the closet. Always felt safe there. Breakfast was great. Had a drink in the bar one night off the lobby. The scene reminded me of NYC in the late 70's/early 80's in times square area. Fun side show to observe. This hotel is a can not go wrong choice if you want to stay close to red square. Not fantastic but good. P.S. EVERYTHING is outlandishly expensive in Moscow so be prepared and enjoy!

Location was unbeatable. Rooms were big and comfortble. No internet in rooms and had to hang out in lobby to use internet at $$$$for 24hrs. No coffee to go in the morning or croissant. Choices were $30 buffet breakfast or nothing until noon. We were working so that was not an option. No place nearby to get coffee early in the morning. Concierge was the worst. No help whatsover in planning the ballet or going to see shows. It seemed we were inconviencing them whenever we asked anything. Housekeeping fantastic, great gym and WONDERFUL suana in basement. They messed up our reservation for transport to airport and were unable to rectify situation. Seemed uninterested in great service but we loved the hotel. Huge and beautiful. Tried to get into the casino on second floor and just seemed too difficult in getting in. Too many papers to show and fill out. If you can handle Moscow on your own and don't need much from the hotel, it is a wonderful experience but don't count on even 3 star service!

We stayed here for five days in May. Although the location is superb the hotel is not worth the cost. We got a room withouth air conditioning, which is just not acceptable for a hotel at this price level. Furthermore breakfast and internet access is not included in the price. The rooms were just average when it comes to comfort. Would not stay at this hotel again.

The Metropol has its flaws....non-smokers should be prepared to encounter smokers just about everywhere and the bathroom was a bit dark and cramped, but overall, it's a great place to stay. Yes, it's pricey, but hotels in the center of any major city are. As a single female, I felt very safe and the hotel's great location made it easy to walk to Red Square and GUM. I'm not usually a breakfast eater, but the hotel's breakfast buffet is amazing and worth every penny. I stayed a week and still couldn't sample everything. My room itself was kept spotless and orderly by maids who visited twice a day. (I loved returning to find my shoes neatly in the closet and all the things I'd scattered neatly organized.) There's a flat-screen TV with webmail for people like me who hate lugging a laptop around the world but want email access. If you're on a budget, like I was, you can avoid paying mini-bar prices by picking up things at the food kiosk right across the parking lot. (Why spend 140 rubles for a Coke Light when you can get one for 30 rubles across the road?) Would I give it five stars? Probably not, but I'd definitely recommend it. Location is everything in Moscow and with a location this great, you can overlook a few things.