Moscow's Hidden Gem: Viva Hotel - Unbelievable Luxury Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! Because I’m about to take you on a whirlwind tour of Moscow’s… well, hidden gem: the Viva Hotel. And let me tell you, it’s less “hidden” and more “screaming its luxury from the rooftops” once you actually get there. This is gonna be less a review, more a diary entry – prepare for some serious word vomit!
First Impressions: Accessibility – Because Let’s Be Real, It Matters
Okay, so first thing's first. I’m obsessed with hotels that actually get accessibility right. I had my doubts… Moscow isn't exactly known for its wheelchair-friendly everything. But Viva Hotel? They’re surprisingly aces. Elevators, of course (duh, luxury!), and the website claims accessible rooms. This actually made me feel… relieved. Now, did I personally test this to the nth degree? Nope. But the signs are promising, and that's a big win in my book. So, big points for trying, Viva.
The Tech Stuff: Internet, Internet Everywhere!
Alright, Wi-Fi. We all need it. It’s how we function. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms?! Bless you, Viva. Bless you. Seriously, I spend half my life battling dodgy hotel Wi-Fi. This was a dream. They also hook you up with Internet [LAN] if you REALLY want to be connected. I personally didn't. I'm not a robot. I just wanted to scroll through cat videos in my bathrobe. Mission accomplished.
Rooms: My Personal Sanctuary (with a few hiccups)
Okay, let's talk rooms. Oooooh, the rooms. I opted for an upgrade (because, you know, research!), and I’m pretty sure my jaw hit the floor. Air conditioning that actually worked? Check. Blackout curtains that turned the room into a bat cave? Double-check. Extra long bed, because I’m a fidgety sleeper. The whole shebang, I mean, air conditioning, alarm clock, bathrobes, bathroom phone (who even uses this anymore? Still cool!), bathtub… the works. Felt like sleeping in a cloud made of silk and money.
Now, a confession… This is where the diary entry takes a turn. I had a mini-meltdown about the… mirror. Yep, the mirror. I’m not going to go into the specifics of my personal appearance drama, but let’s just say… lighting is EVERYTHING. Viva, in your quest for luxury, could you maybe invest in a little more flattering illumination? It was just a touch harsh. BUT, I’m not going to let a mirror ruin my whole day.
Cleanliness and Safety – The Sanitization Showdown
Before I get into the fun stuff like the pool, let's get serious for a sec: the safety protocols. You know, with gestures vaguely at the entire globe. Viva Hotel has put a lot of thought in this: Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Check. Rooms sanitized between stays? They swear it. I wasn't about to follow the cleaning staff, to be sure, but they seemed… thorough. Hand sanitizer everywhere. Professional-grade sanitizing services. They’ve even got some weird but effective sterlizing equipment. They also are doing individually-wrapped food options, which is just brilliant. I never felt unsafe. The staff seemed genuinely concerned about guest well-being. Huge kudos.
Food, Glorious Food (and Maybe a Tiny Regret…)
Now, about the food. The Viva Hotel is NOT messing around. Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, buffet in restaurant, A la carte in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, the works.
Here’s my confession and a small tragedy: I went way overboard. I mean, 24-hour room service? This is like a siren song for a hungry, jet-lagged traveller. I ordered everything. EVERYTHING. And I ate probably more than I should have. And let's just say, my swimwear situation wasn't quite as triumphant as the rest of my Viva experience. The food was incredible, though. Truly. Especially the desserts. Oh, the desserts…
The Relaxation Zone: Spa, Sauna, and the Elusive Pool with a View
Okay, time to relax! This is where Viva really shines. Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]. I mean, seriously?
The Pool with a view? It's stunning. Just picture it: crystal-clear water, panoramic views of… well, I won’t spoil it, but let's just say it’s pretty. Spent a solid afternoon just floating and pretending I was a mermaid. Pure bliss. Also, the Spa! The masseuse must truly be a magician.
Things to Do & Getting Around – Exploring Moscow (or Not)
The hotel is situated in a bit. This can be a pro or a con, depending how you see it. The Airport transfer? Book it! You’re going to want it. They offered Taxi service, as well. Also a great option. Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, and Bicycle parking.
The Extras: Services and Conveniences
Okay, let’s run through some of the less glamorous but still important stuff: Concierge? Aces. Daily housekeeping? My room looked like a tornado hit it every day, and they still managed to make it spotless. Laundry service? Essential. Dry cleaning? Because I’m fancy (sometimes). Cash withdrawal? Useful. Safety deposit boxes? Peace of mind. The list goes on. They've a Gift/souvenir shop, and Convenience store for all your needs.
For the Kids/Babysitting service/Family/child friendly/Kids meal
I didn't travel with children, so I can't give a direct opinion. They advertised several services, so the offer could be very tempting, however.
My Final Verdict: Viva La Viva! (But Bring a Bigger Suitcase)
So, bottom line? The Viva Hotel is a serious contender for best hotel in Moscow. It’s luxurious, it’s stylish, and surprisingly, it’s also pretty darn user-friendly. Yes, there were some minor imperfections (the mirror!), but honestly, they were easily overlooked. This place is all about spoiling yourself and feeling like royalty.
Final Score: 9.5/10 – Would absolutely recommend (and probably will book again soon!)
Here's My Killer Booking Offer (Because You Deserve This):
ARE YOU READY TO INDULGE? Moscow's Hidden Gem Awaits!
For a limited time only, we're offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience at the Viva Hotel!
Book your stay now and receive:
- A COMPLIMENTARY upgrade to a room with a City View (because let's be honest, you deserve it!).
- A FREE bottle of chilled bubbly upon arrival (because, again, you deserve it!).
- A 20% discount on all Spa treatments (because that massage is calling your name).
- Early check-in and late check-out where available (because you don't want to miss a moment of this).
This offer is only valid for bookings made in the next 72 hours!** Don't miss out on the chance to experience Moscow in unparalleled luxury. Visit our website or call us now to book your unforgettable escape!**
Click Here To Book Now! [Link to Hotel's Website with a trackable referral code]
#VivaHotel #MoscowLuxury #HiddenGem #LuxuryHotel #TravelDeals #MoscowHotels #SpaGetaway #UnforgettableExperience #BookNow
Coworth Park: Ascot's Royal Escape (Luxury You WON'T Believe!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. This is me, wrestling my way through Moscow, fueled by questionable coffee and the burning question: what the hell did I just eat? My base camp? The Viva Hotel. Wish me luck.
Viva Hotel - Moscow: The Unofficial Guide (Because I'm Making This Up As I Go)
(Day 1: Arrival & First Impressions - Aka, "Lost in Translation and Luggage Land")
- 11:00 AM (ish) - Touchdown at Sheremetyevo Airport: Okay, so, the flight was fine. Except for the screaming toddler two rows back who seemed to have a personal vendetta against the entire existence of airplane biscuits. I arrived. I survived. Now, the hunt for my luggage. Oh, sweet merciful vodka, WHERE IS MY BAG? It’s not even a fancy bag! Just my trusty, hold-everything-and-regret-everything backpack.
- Anecdote: Spent a solid hour wandering around the baggage claim, feeling like a lost puppy, staring at the carousel. Finally, a guy in a suspiciously clean uniform (seriously, in an airport?) pointed me towards a "Lost Luggage" desk. Turns out, my bag was apparently enjoying a scenic tour of… somewhere. With my socks and my emotional support Snuggie.
- 1:00 PM (ish) - Transfer to Viva Hotel: The pre-booked taxi driver was… interesting. Let's just say, his enthusiasm for the music selection (think: polka-infused techno) matched my level of understanding of Russian road signs. We arrived at the Viva Hotel in a somewhat disheveled state.
- 2:00 PM - Check-in & Room Shenanigans: Viva Hotel! Smells like… old books and maybe a hint of disinfectant. Charming. The staff were incredibly friendly, even though my attempts at Russian are akin to a toddler attempting advanced calculus. My room looks clean, but I suspect there are secrets hidden under the bed. Probably a stray sock, at least. And thank goodness, the bed is comfy after the flight.
- Quirky Observation: The wallpaper in my room features a pattern that resembles… melting ice cream cones? Seriously, who designed this? And why do I kinda love it?
- 3:00 PM - Exploration Attempt #1 (Or, "The Coffee Quest"): Gotta get caffeine. Desperate to find decent coffee near the hotel. Walked maybe 5 blocks and found a place that serves coffee and a slice of delicious cake. I love it. More exploration is needed!
- 4:00 PM - Vodka Tasting (For Research, Obviously): Finding any bar where I can sit to rest, the atmosphere is great.
- 6:00 PM - Dinner. The mystery of the Shashlik: The waiter recommended a Shashlik platter. I was feeling adventurous. Oh. My. God. It was… meaty. Deliciously so. I have no idea what kind of meat it was, but I’m declaring it the culinary highlight of the day. I probably should've asked.
- Emotional Reaction: Overjoyed by the Shashlik. A sudden, all-consuming love of grilled meats. The world is suddenly a beautiful and delicious place.
- 8:00 PM - Crash Course in Cyrillic & Bedtime: Back to the hotel, full of food, and just completely ready to sleep. Attempted to decipher some basic Cyrillic on the TV. Gave up after five minutes. Now, lights out. Praying my luggage makes an appearance sometime before the end of this trip.
(Day 2: Red Square & the Kremlin - Or, "Where Did My Wallet Go?")
- 9:00 AM (ish) - Breakfast at the Hotel: The breakfast is included, thank goodness. This is going to be a long day.
- 10:00 AM – Red Square & St. Basil's Cathedral: Okay, this is it. The iconic Red Square. It is ridiculously beautiful. Seriously, the colors of St. Basil's are even more vibrant in person. Taking a picture with a view. There are so many people! Like, so many.
- Opinionated Language: The sheer scale of Red Square is breathtaking. But also, the constant stream of selfie sticks is slightly irritating. People, put down your phones and look up!
- 11:30 AM - Kremlin Visit: The Kremlin. The heart of Russian power. The history is overwhelming. It's grand and imposing. The amount of gold in one of the cathedrals is borderline obscene.
- Messier Structure: Trying to process everything. Feeling a little overwhelmed. Lost my bearings. Where does my wallet go?
- 1:00 PM - Lunch Disaster at the Kremlin: Okay, so I found a cafe with a view. I ordered something. Let's just say, it wasn't the best experience. The food was bland, the service was slow, and I swear I think I saw a pigeon eyeing my fries.
- Emotional Reaction: Suddenly, I feel a deep connection to anyone who has ever felt hangry. This will ruin today.
- 2:00 PM - The Search for the Lost Wallet Okay, so I just need to find my wallet. I think that it has gone somewhere in Red Square.
- Rambles: I think that I should've stayed home. The city is huge and I don't know the language. Maybe I was wrong.
- 4:00 PM - Re-Tracing Steps: I have to retrace my steps. Hopefully, my wallet is fine.
- 7:00 PM - Dinner in the hotel: Back at the hotel I need to eat.
- 8:00 PM - Bedtime: I'm so tired, everything seems to be so difficult.
(Day 3: Art, Metro & Airport - The Grand Finale (Hopefully!)
- 9:00 AM - Breakfast at the Viva: The breakfast is the same as yesterday. Thank goodness for the amazing people.
- 10:00 AM – Tretyakov Gallery: I love art, and this is the place for it.
- 1:00 PM - Metro Exploration: The Moscow Metro is incredible. The stations are like palaces. Taking the subway feels like traveling in style.
- 2:00 PM - A Quick Lunch: I have to eat. And then…
- 3:00 PM - The Viva Hotel: Back in the hotel to take any things.
- 4:00 PM - Airport: I have to go. Goodbye Hotel Viva, and goodbye Moscow.
(Post-Trip Reflections): I made it. Alive. With most of my luggage (fingers crossed). Moscow was a whirlwind of history, food, and unexpected adventures. It was messy, imperfect, and often bewildering. But it was also beautiful and captivating. Would I go back? Absolutely. But next time, I’m packing a phrasebook, an empty stomach, and a more reliable map. And maybe, just maybe, I’ll learn a few basic Russian phrases before I go… or not. Who am I kidding? Probably not.
Tokyo's Hidden Gem: APA Hotel Ningyocho - Your Perfect Stay!
Okay, is the Viva Hotel *really* a hidden gem? Because honestly, "hidden gem" is so overused, I'm basically allergic to it.
Alright, alright, settle down. I get it. Hidden gem? Sounds like a marketing ploy, right? I thought so too, before I actually stayed there. Seriously, though, Viva Hotel? Yeah, it *kinda* is. It's not plastered all over Instagram, which is a HUGE plus in my book. It's tucked away, like it's guarding some secret hoard of amazingness. Which... well, it kind of is. Finding it felt like stumbling upon something *you* were never meant to see, if you know what I mean. And that's the vibe you're aiming for in Moscow, isn't it? A bit of the mysterious?
So, what's the *actual* luxury like? I've been jaded by "luxury" hotels before...
Okay, this is where Viva really shines. Remember that scene in *Pretty Woman*? Yeah, the one with the shopping spree? That's kinda how the Viva felt, except with pillows and bathrobes. The sheets? Forget Egyptian cotton, this was like...cloud-spun silk, maybe woven by angels on their days off? And the bathroom! Seriously, a bathroom so big, I almost lost myself in it. Double sinks, a massive shower (seriously, you could have a small dance party in there), and a bathtub big enough for a small whale. I took, like, three baths a day. One of them I accidentally fell asleep in. Nearly drowned myself in bubbles. 10/10 would do that again. (Don't judge.)
What about the location? Is it actually *convenient* for a tourist? I don't want to spend my entire trip crammed in a stuffy Metro.
Convenient? Okay, here’s the thing. Moscow is HUGE. Like, ridiculously huge. And if you're expecting everything to be a hop, skip, and a jump away, you're setting yourself up for disappointment. But, Viva is pretty damn good. It’s not *smack dab* in Red Square (thank god, I hate crowds), but it's a reasonable taxi ride away. And the Metro? Actually, the Metro is a must-see! It’s like, an art museum underground, which I didn’t expect at all. The point is, Viva is far enough removed that you get peace, but close enough to things that you're not stranded in the boonies. Plus, there's this little bakery nearby… oh my god, the pastries… I need to stop thinking about them.
The food? Is it just expensive hotel food, or is it actually worth the hype?
Alright, look. Hotel food can be… a gamble. But the Viva's restaurant? *Chef's kiss*. Seriously. I'm usually a pretty basic eater, but I tried things I wouldn't normally touch. And it was… *amazing*. The breakfast buffet was a *masterpiece*. Everything was fresh, beautifully presented, and there was a crazy variety. Then there was that one night… I ordered the duck. Yeah, the duck. I’m not a huge duck person. But the waiter, this dude with the most charming mustache, swore it was the best duck *ever*. So, I caved. GUESS WHAT? He was right! It was perfectly cooked, crispy skin, juicy meat, a sauce that made me want to lick the plate clean. I almost embarrassed myself. My inner monologue was a disaster of "Ooh, yes! More!" It was worth every single ruble, I swear. Seriously, go for the duck. Trust me.
What about the staff? Are they annoyingly formal, or actually helpful and friendly?
Okay, this is where the Viva really wins. The staff are… incredible. And not in a creepy, overly-solicitous kind of way. They're genuinely friendly and helpful. The concierge, this woman named Anya, basically planned my entire itinerary! She got me into a ballet performance (which I almost didn’t go to and now regret the lack of encore) and booked tables at restaurants I would’ve never found on my own. They were also pretty good at speaking English, which is a HUGE relief when you're hopelessly lost in a foreign land (which was me, constantly). And the housekeeping staff? They are wizards. My room was always spotless, and they left these little chocolates on my pillow every day. Seriously, those little touches really make a difference.
Are there any downsides? Be honest!
Alright, okay, I'll be honest. Nothing's perfect. The price tag is… well, it’s definitely an investment. It's not cheap. But honestly, you get what you pay for. Think of it as an experience, not just accommodation. The only other "downside" is that it's so comfortable, you might not *want* to leave. I almost missed my flight. More than once. Seriously, I was seriously considering just becoming a permanent resident. They might have to drag me out kicking and screaming, next time I go. Consider yourself warned!
Is it kid-friendly?
I didn't have any kids with me, so I can't speak from personal experience. But, I saw a few families with kids. The staff seemed to be very welcoming. The rooms are spacious, and they possibly have some suites. Personally I think you would get more enjoyment out of it if you don't come with children, but that might just be my personal opinion. A pool would have been great, and might have made a more compelling argument for kid-friendliness.
So, you're saying I should book this?
Look, I'm not going to tell you what to do with your money. But if you're looking for an unforgettable experience in Moscow, a place where you can genuinely relax and be pampered, and a place where the staff actually *cares* about your stay? And if you're not afraid to spend a little extra for something truly special? Then, yes. Absolutely. Book it. Just…try not to eat all the duck before I get back there. And maybe, just maybe, leave a chocolate for me on the pillow. I'm dreaming of those chocolates as of this very moment.
