Polesye (Belarusian Embassy Hotel)

An unexpected treasure in this neighborhood of crooked lanes and embassies, this renovated mansion enjoys a convenient yet quiet location and relatively reasonable prices. The building, built in 1780 by architect Matvei Kazakov, pioneer of Moscow Classicism, is among the perks the otherwise impoverished Belarusian government enjoys for its loyalty to Russia as other ex-Soviet republics have distanced themselves from Moscow. The rooms are modest and bear hints of Soviet nostalgia, with their standard-issue wallpaper and heavy dark wardrobes. Though it's connected to the embassy, the hotel is a commercial venture and most of the guests are businesspeople from neighboring countries. Despite the reputation of the Belarusian KGB, past guests insist the staff is more helpful than suspicious and that the ordinary tourist has nothing to fear.

Facilities:
Restaurant and bar; cafes on each floor; concierge; sauna

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.