The staff were rude, insolent and clearly had better things to be worrying about than customer service. If you can't speak any Russian then I would strongly advise against staying here. We were forced to pay an additional booking fee for making a telephone booking which was not explained in advance but clearly delighted the receptionist. There is no baggage storage facility. The room was cold and drafty and the beds uncomfortable. The room looked out onto a dumping ground where unwanted furniture formed a huge pile. On the plus side, it's quite cheap and a short walk to the Kremlin. The attached hotel is over-priced but serves reasonable food.

No one should expect luxury at the Rizhskaya, but if you want to experience NW Russia and the culture it is a great place to stay. The rooms are clean and comfortable but not fancy. Get a deluxe suite for the additional room. The bathrooms are clean and our bedding, including the comforter were changed daily. The hotel staff doesn't speak English, but it is Russia and Pskov is not St. Petersburg or Moscow. The breakfast and lunch cafes are great, the food is excellent, service wonderful and the price is right. Just make sure to check the schedule in the hallway to determine which floor is open on which day. We only ate in the hotel restaurant one night due to parties going on for the locals. The food in the restaurant was very good, but it seemed odd how often the restaurant was not available to hotel guests. The Rizhskaya is within walking distance of several wonderful restaurants, take a walk and try them out. All in all, we would stay here again. If you are looking for a Western Europe, American experience check out the Helio Park. If you want to experience Russia, stay at the Rizhskaya.

We learned that 3 star hotels in Russia are not like 3 star hotels in the USA. Room was worn out. Even the hallways and common areas were run down with carpet in the halls buckling and coming apart at the seems. Furniture in lobby and in the rooms was old, dirty and showing advanced signs of wear. They do not have "non-smoking" rooms, so it smelled. Reception people do not speak any english and do not understand it either. The waiter in the restaurant was rude to us and gave the locals preferential treatment. And don't forget, the bathrooms don't have shower curtains. The one redeeming aspect of the hotel was the little cafe on the 5th floor. You could get a great breakfast for a little money ($10 for three of us). It is probably the best hotel in town, but just be prepared for what you are going to get; lower your expectations and you you will be fine.

This hotel has reception staff who have no idea of the concept of 'customer services'....a hotel director who will take over the restaurant to fete the local mayor and expect the guests to make their own arrangements for meals.....restaurant staff who have not got a clue how to serve people. In all, welcome to Russia !!!! One note.... Nearby is a Russian Army base. Some senior Russian Army Officers appear to be billoted at this hotel. Each morning, they have a bottle of vodka with their breakfast in the dining room which serves only 30 at a time....they get boistrous but step back at the slightest sign someone is a Brit !!!! The rooms are basic....a 'superior double' is a single room with an extra single bed shoe-horned in at 90 degrees to the original bed. if you are looking for a romantic break here.....forget it !!!!! Welcome to Russia !!!!!