Where is the best place to stay in Halkidiki? Athens – where is the best place to live? Where is the best place to live?

The capital of Russia Moscow is one of the largest cities world with a population of more than 12 million people, and if you take into account the agglomeration, then all 15 million people. Moscow is a huge city, there are many historical monuments, museums, parks, and it is very difficult to navigate all this diversity, especially if you are in Moscow for the first time.

In this article I will try to make the task somewhat easier for tourists planning to spend some time in Moscow. In fact, despite the size and apparent chaos of the city, it is not that difficult to navigate. Geographically the city is divided into administrative districts, each of which has several districts, but not all districts and areas are convenient for tourists. Many of them are residential or business areas, which we immediately exclude from the list of potential areas for living.

In which area of ​​Moscow is it better to stay?

To make it easier to navigate the city, you need to have a general idea of ​​its development. Moscow is a city with a radial-ring structure. This is clearly visible on the map of Moscow, and best illustration is a map of the metro with its ring and radial lines. Everything that is inside the ring line is the center of Moscow with its main attractions. It is in this part of the city that most tourists stay.

It’s worth noting right away that when choosing a place to stay in Moscow, it is best to proceed from the timing and purpose of your trip. For example, if you come to an exhibition or conference, it is best to stay in a hotel near the event site. As a rule, this is Expocentre or VDNKh (until recently this exhibition complex was called the All-Russian Exhibition Center, VVC). If you are in the capital of Russia for 3-4 days and plan to devote all your time to sightseeing, then it is better to find a hotel or hostel in the center, otherwise you will have to spend a lot of time on the road. And if you are passing through Moscow for a day or two, but would still like to explore the main historical monuments, then it is better to stay in a hotel near the airport or train station, depending on what transport you are going to use to get to the final destination of your trip.

Based on the most popular purposes for traveling to Moscow, I propose to highlight the following areas for living, each of which we will consider in more detail:

Center of Moscow

The center of Moscow is a fairly large area located inside Garden Ring, attracting the main attention of Russian and foreign tourists. Because this is where the main attractions of the city are located. As already mentioned, the boundaries of the center of Moscow visually coincide to a certain extent with the ring metro line, that is, all attractions can be easily reached by metro, unless, of course, you want to walk around the central part of the capital.

This is where the Kremlin with Red Square, St. Basil's Cathedral and the Historical Museum is located. Geographically, in the same area, but a little further from the Kremlin, there is the first pedestrian zone in Moscow - the old Arbat. Traditionally, a large number of tourists are interested in visiting the Tretyakov Gallery - the world's largest museum dedicated to Russian art, therefore hotels near this museum are allocated as a separate subgroup.

In fact, despite the fact that the territory of the center of Moscow is quite vast, it is quite convenient to move around it by metro. In just a few minutes you can get from the Kremlin to Arbat or to the museums that interest you. We begin to consider accommodation options from the very center, that is, from the immediate vicinity of the Kremlin.

Neighborhoods of the Moscow Kremlin, Red Square and Kitay-Gorod

Today Moscow Kremlin is the country’s largest historical and cultural museum-reserve and, accordingly, the number one goal for all tourists. It is clear that the closer the hotel is to the main attraction of the city, the more expensive it is, but, nevertheless, someone may well be interested in staying in one of the hotels with a view of the Kremlin, for example, National, Metropol and Balchug. However, you should understand that these hotels are not just expensive, but very expensive. Rich people and celebrities stay at these five-star hotels.

Old Arbat

Unlike hotels near the Kremlin, where, for obvious reasons, only super-expensive hotels are located, on Arbat you can find hotels for every taste and budget - from affordable hostels to five-star hotels. At the same time, you will still be in close proximity from the Kremlin and Red Square, which can be reached in 10–15 minutes by metro, and it’s not a long walk on foot.

Arbat is a pedestrian zone in Moscow, comfortably furnished and very similar to similar streets in other European capitals. This small area is very popular among locals and tourists, thanks to the special creative atmosphere that reigns here. Here you can also find many restaurants and cafes or shops, both souvenirs and food.

Hotels on Arbat are a great choice if you want to get an interesting experience from your trip to Moscow.

From inexpensive options on Arbat, we can recommend PEOPLE Hotel on Novinsky Boulevard and Hostel on Abordazh, located in close proximity to the Smolenskaya metro station. A good option in terms of price and quality ratio is the Belgrade Hotel. And if you are used to staying only in 5-star hotels, then the Moscow Marriott Novy Arbat chain hotel is an excellent option for you.

Neighborhood of the Tretyakov Gallery

As you understand, the Tretyakov Gallery is also located in the center of Moscow, the Kremlin and Red Square can be reached in the same 10–15 minutes, it’s only 1-2 metro stations (or you can walk). In the immediate vicinity there is also the Cathedral of Christ the Savior and state museum Pushkin.

A lot of hostels and mini-hotels have opened in this area lately, so this is a good option for budget tourists, and just a great option for budget tourists who want to visit the Tretyakov Gallery, which houses over 100 thousand works of Russian art in its museum depositories from 7 to 20 century.

Good accommodation options are hostels 3 Penguins on Pyatnitskaya and Ivan Da Marya, from which the Tretyakov Gallery can be reached in 5 minutes. If hostels are not for you, then you can choose the Comfort Moscow or Medea hotels. They are located just as conveniently, but provide a higher level of privacy.

Neighborhoods of exhibition centers

Every year several dozens of events are held in Moscow major exhibitions and conferences. If you are planning to come to one of them, then the best accommodation option is next to the exhibition center where the event will be held. This will allow you to save time on travel, while you can still easily visit the Kremlin and other attractions of interest to you, thanks to convenient transport links.

Expocentre

Expocentre – one of the largest exhibition centers in Moscow, leading Russian and European exhibitions are held here, annually attracting millions of people from all over the world. The area near the Expo Center is a picturesque area on the banks of the Moscow River, quite comfortable for living: the Kremlin is only 20 minutes away, the metro station is 50 meters from the exhibition center.

Good options for accommodation here are Novotel Moscow City and Crowne Plaza, but they are also the most expensive. If you want to save on accommodation, choose one of the mini-hotels, for example, Octavia.

VDNH

VDNH(or VVTs) is the oldest exhibition center in Moscow. It is worth visiting even if you are not planning to participate in the exhibition. The complex itself is large-scale, its area is 250 hectares. It feels like a whole city, where every building evokes admiration and immediate interest. On the territory of the complex, in addition to exhibition pavilions, there are small museums, an upside-down house and stunning fountains - VDNKh looks especially beautiful in the evening when the lights turn on.

There is a metro station in close proximity (3 minutes), which will allow you to easily move between the main attractions of Moscow.

There are quite a large number of hotels near VDNKh, most of which, however, were built back in Soviet times and are somewhat old-fashioned. One of the most famous hotels here is the Cosmos Hotel, built for the 1980 Olympics. The windows of this hotel offer stunning views of the VDNH territory.

Other interesting options for accommodation near VDNKh are the D"Hotel and the Zolotoy Kolos Hotel.

Crocus Expo

Crocus Expo was opened in 2004, and today major events are held here international exhibitions and conferences, Crocus Expo is geographically located outside the capital, so choosing a hotel nearby only makes sense if you come to an exhibition, conference or plan to attend a concert at Crocus City Hall (Russian and international stars regularly perform here).

On the territory of the exhibition complex there is an elite boutique Crocus City Mall, the Shore House yacht club, and good restaurants. Construction of the Crocus City Riviera business and entertainment center is planned for the coming years.

Fortunately, getting to Crocus Expo from Moscow is not difficult at all - there is a modern Myakinino metro station here.

But the situation with hotels in this area is not very good yet. Currently there is only one hotel, the Aquarium Hotel, with 225 rooms, which means you need to book not just in advance, but very much in advance.

Station surroundings

Geographically, almost all stations are located in the center of Moscow or very close to it, but we highlight them in separate category, just to make it easier for you to navigate, especially if you are arriving by train and do not know whether it makes sense to stay near the station and how far it is from the main attractions.

Hotels near Three Stations Square

Komsomolskaya Square- this is a square on which three stations are located: Leningradsky, Yaroslavsky and Kazansky. This area is better known as Area of ​​three stations .

The buildings of all three stations are architectural monuments and attract the attention of tourists. The most beautiful, in my opinion, is the building of the Yaroslavl station, made in neo-Russian style. From the Yaroslavsky station you can go, for example, to Yaroslavl, Vorkuta, Vologda, Kirov, Arkhangelsk, Yekaterinburg, Perm, Tyumen, Novosibirsk, Omsk, Krasnoyarsk, Khabarovsk, Vladivostok, Beijing, Ulaanbaatar.

Leningradsky Station is the oldest station in Moscow, from here trains depart to St. Petersburg, Murmansk, Petrozavodsk, Veliky Novgorod, Helsinki, Tallinn and other cities in the north-west direction.

Finally, Kazansky Station is the largest station in Moscow, where trains arrive from Voronezh, Cheboksary, Tolyatti, Samara, Penza, Nizhny Novgorod, Kazan, Izhevsk, Rostov-on-Don, Adler, Anapa, Vladikavkaz and other cities.

An experienced tourist knows that the areas near the station are usually very noisy and chaotic, with constant crowds of people with and without suitcases, rushing about their business. One can imagine that in an area with three train stations, the level of chaos would be extremely high. Nevertheless, staying in the area of ​​three stations does not cause any particular discomfort. Well-thought-out infrastructure allows you to avoid general chaos.

Accommodation in the Komsomolskaya Square area is a pretty good option: close to train stations if you need to travel by train, there are many restaurants nearby (from fast food to quite decent cafes and restaurants) and the number of hotels available for accommodation is increasing every year . If in Soviet times the only hotel in the area was the Leningradskaya Hotel, known today as the five-star Hilton Moscow Leningradskaya Hotel (with prices corresponding to the five-star level), today many small hotels have appeared in the immediate vicinity of the three train stations. For example, the Mandarin Hotel, Volga Apart-Hotel and the Orange Hotel on Komsomolskaya. All of them are located near train stations, but on fairly quiet streets, and Red Square and the Kremlin can be reached by metro in 10–15 minutes.

Near the Belorussky railway station

Belorussky railway station is interesting to travelers not only because trains in the western and southwestern directions depart from here (if you wish, especially if you are afraid of flying, you can, for example, take a train to Berlin), but also because you can easily get to Sheremetyevo Airport from here on Aeroexpress. That is, if you came to Moscow by train, and in a couple of days you plan to go somewhere by plane (or vice versa, you want to stay in Moscow for a couple of days after returning from a trip abroad), then living near the Belorussky railway station will be a wonderful option - affordable affordable and convenient in location (the Kremlin is only 3 stops by metro, and the metro here is within walking distance from the station).

The area itself is quite chaotic near the station, but already 500–600 meters from it, when you retire to the nearby streets, everything is very respectable and calm, there are many restaurants and cafes to suit every taste and budget. There are 4-5 star hotels here, designed mainly for business tourists, although you can also find families with children there. If you want to save money, then choose one of the hostels, for example, Green Hostel. But there are practically no mid-price hotels here. Although four-star hotels are quite affordable for the average tourist, especially if you book them in advance.

A very good option here is the chain hotel Holiday Inn Lesnaya. In addition to the standard Holiday Inn quality, a la carte breakfasts are offered here every morning; you can choose a French, American, English or Russian breakfast at quite affordable prices.

Near Kursky railway station

Kursky railway station itself is unremarkable; over the past decades it has been rebuilt several times and today it is a completely faceless building. You won’t find any attractions directly next to the station, but you can get to the center of Moscow from here in 10–15 minutes (just 1 metro stop). In general, this is the most ordinary station area, which, however, is perfect for those who plan to then go to Nizhny Novgorod, Adler, Baku, Orel or Kursk.

However, the convenient location, proximity to the center, a large number of restaurants and cafes within walking distance and a variety of available hotels (from five-star to mini-hotels and hostels) have made this area attractive to numerous tourists coming to Moscow.

Among the hotels in the area, I recommend the Mamaison All-Suites Spa Hotel for more discerning travelers and the Hello and Kotiki Hostels for budget travelers.

Neighborhoods of Kievsky and Paveletsky railway stations

Two more stations that are worth mentioning are Kyiv And Paveletsky . They are also located on the ring metro line, from here it is convenient to get to the Kremlin and Red Square, and Paveletsky Station is also not far from the Tretyakov Gallery. In addition, from these stations the Aeroexpress train departs to Vnukovo (from Kievsky Station) and Domodedovo (from Paveletsky) airports. That is, if your route includes these stations and airports, then it will be very convenient to find a hotel near the stations.

Another advantage of the Kievsky Station area is the proximity to one of the largest shopping and entertainment complexes in Moscow - the Evropeisky shopping center - these are excellent shopping opportunities. There are also wonderful restaurants and cafes, bowling alleys, cafes, a cinema and Entertainment Center for children.

Hotels in these areas are mainly aimed at wealthy guests, but if your budget is unlimited, then you can choose the Radisson Slavyanskaya or the Radisson Royal (the former Ukraine Hotel, located in one of the famous Stalinist high-rise buildings) near the Kievsky railway station or the Swissotel Krasnye Holmy near Paveletsky station.

Third transport ring

As you remember, Moscow is a city with a radial-ring structure. Until now, we have considered hotels in the very center of the city, that is, those that fit into the Garden Ring or the ring metro line. However, life exists outside the Garden Ring, so there are hotels there, which for the most part will be cheaper the further from the center. It makes sense to choose hotels here if you want to save money and are willing to spend a little more time on the road for this. But in this case, you need to choose hotels only within walking distance from the metro. As you understand, this territory is huge, and there are countless hotels here. The areas themselves are unremarkable, ordinary city areas with shops, residential areas, and business centers. Here you can find hotels away from the main city highways, which guarantees you a relaxing holiday.

If we take into account the main criteria that are important for most tourists, namely, a convenient location (proximity to the metro), comfortable rooms, free breakfast and Wi-Fi, as well as affordable prices, then in the regions Third transport ring We can recommend the following hotels: Slavyanka Hotel, Blues Hotel, Holiday Inn Moscow Suschevsky and Maxima Panorama Hotel. From inexpensive options you can choose, for example, the Welcome mini-hotel of the Microhotels network.

Neighborhoods of Moscow airports

As in any other city in the world, it makes sense to choose a hotel near the airport if you are in transit in the city and (or) staying just a couple of days before flying to another city. In this case, you will not have to move around Moscow with luggage; you can leave your suitcases in your room and go to the center of Moscow.

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What else should you consider when choosing a hotel in Moscow?

Moscow is a very large and attractive city for tourists; several million guests come here every year. The pace of hotel construction does not keep pace with the growth in the number of tourists, so Moscow is experiencing a shortage of rooms, especially in economy class hotels. Recently, more mini-hotels and hostels have begun to appear, but there are still not enough of them to satisfy the growing demand. Therefore, if you have planned a trip to Moscow, book your rooms in advance, otherwise you will be unpleasantly surprised by the prices of the remaining hotels available.

If you're here to see the sights, It is best to settle within the Garden Ring near metro stations. There is a wonderful selection of hotels and hostels for any budget. Don’t forget that it is advisable that the hotel is within walking distance from the metro, otherwise you will spend a lot of time moving around Moscow.

And finally, do not forget to check tourist reviews on booking sites, especially reviews for the last 3-4 months, older reviews are less interesting, because over the past time a lot could have changed in the hotel, as in better side, and for the worse.

See also:

See also:

i-TicketsFinder.ru: search for air flights, compare prices of airlines and online ticket agencies

i-Traveler.ru: details about independent travel - where to start, where is the best place to book hotels, how to plan a route and other important issues

As trivial as it sounds, Madrid is a rather large city, and you need to choose a hotel there responsibly, otherwise the risk that you will have to rack up extra kilometers returning to your room at the end of a busy run through museums or shops is quite high. First, you need to decide for what purpose you are going to Madrid, because the choice of dislocation area primarily depends on this.

What is the best area of ​​Madrid to stay in?

If you are dreaming of the cultural heritage of Madrid, then it makes sense to stay in the Prado Museum area. At the same time, not only the Prado will be nearby, but also its neighbors - the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum and the Reina Sofia Museum. If you like to commit walking in the fresh air, then this area is also optimal - right behind the Prado, the Retiro Park begins with the botanical and zoological gardens, where it will be pleasant to wait out the Madrid heat. If, in addition to museums and fresh air, your soul asks for shopping, then you should focus on the streets of Calle de Alcala and Gran Via. Do you like tapas bars and similar authentic places? Then you can give preference to hotels near the Anton Martin metro station. In this case, you will be able to go to the market for fresh products along the streets where Cervantes and the heroes of Reverte once roamed. If in addition to Madrid you are interested in Toledo, Avila, Segovia and other cities of Castile, many of which are included in the list world heritage UNESCO, then it will be convenient for you to get to them from the Atocha station, in the immediate vicinity of which there are also many decent hotels. Finally, if Real Madrid is the love of your life, it is logical to take a closer look at hotels near the Santiago Bernabeu stadium. As a matter of fact, all these and a number of other areas of Madrid will be discussed further.

Hotels in the center of Madrid:

Hotels outside the city center:

Surroundings of the Prado Museum

As noted above, near the Prado Museum(Museo Nacional del Prado) It will be a particularly convenient stop if you are interested in Madrid museums. Within a 10-minute walk are the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum and the Reina Sofia Art Center, or simply the Reina Sofia Museum. And the fact that the vast Parque del Buen Retiro is nearby will allow you to diversify your stay in Madrid with walks in the fresh air. There are tapas bars and shops nearby. However, it is worth considering that Paseo del Prado, where the most famous museum of the Spanish capital is located, is a fairly busy thoroughfare. On the other hand, north of the Prado, between Paseo del Prado and Retiro Park, there is a lot of greenery, quiet and peaceful, like outside the city. Here you should pay attention to such hotels as Hotel Ritz Madrid, Petit Palace Savoy Alfonso XII and Petit Palace Lealtad Plaza. The only significant disadvantage of the listed hotels may be their high cost. This, however, applies to most hotels near the museum.

Salamanca area

North of the Prado Museum and the Retiro Park there is another respectable bourgeois area - Salamanca(Salamanca). There are also many squares and parks, cafes and shops, and attractions are still within walking distance. However, the cost of living, again, is not encouraging: hotels here are mostly quite expensive. Interesting options include Jardin de Recoletos, Adler and Hospes Puerta de Alcalá.

Neighborhood of Atocha Station

If you want to live in the center of Madrid, but at the same time save a little, it is worth taking a closer look at the hotels near Atocha station(Estación de Atocha). Despite the proximity to the railway station, the streets here are clean, there are no beggars or beggars, museums are just a stone's throw away, and the station is only a short walk away. And the station building itself pleases with a winter garden inside, thanks to which buying tickets and waiting for the train turns into a rather pleasant experience. In addition, it is advisable to stay here if your goal is to explore not only Madrid, but also other cities of Castile (at least Toledo, Avila, Segovia, Salamanca, Cuenca, the El Escorial and Aranjuez palaces are of interest). From the point of view of ease of movement around the city, this area is also convenient: there is a metro station with the same name as the station nearby and several ground transport stops, literally across the road begins the more than once mentioned, but no less pleasant Retiro Park, the Prado Museum is nearby - within 10 minutes on foot, you will have to walk to Sol Square, but also not for long - about 20 minutes. There are quite a lot of tapas bars and shops in the surrounding area, there is even a food market (it closes around lunchtime, so it’s worth coming here early in the morning) and vegetable shops, so hungry you won't stay here. The disadvantages of the area include, perhaps, only the busy traffic on the streets near the station, so when booking a room you should ask that your windows face the courtyard. By the way, the view from the windows in this area is not particularly impressive: it’s either a station and the station square, but the room can be noisy, especially if you like fresh air and don’t like air conditioning, or the courtyard, where it’s a little dark and there’s nothing special interesting, but quiet. From Art. O Some of the best accommodation options in the Atocha area include, for example, the Agumar Hotel, Hotel Mediodia, NH Nacional, Hotel Paseo del Arte and the Eric Vökel Atocha Suites.

Neighborhood of Anton Martin metro station

Historical center of Madrid

Of course, we must not lose sight of historical center of Madrid – the area of ​​​​Plaza Puerta del Sol, the Royal Palace and Calle Mayor with the square of the same name (Plaza Mayor). Here I would pay attention to hotels like Ateneo Puerta del Sol, Petit Palace Posada del Peine and Petit Palace Mayor Plaza. However, in my opinion, prices in this area are somewhat overpriced, considering that the area is always crowded with tourists eager for souvenirs and attractions. It is quite difficult for travelers with sensitive hearing to fall asleep here, since there are countless bars and a sea of ​​people under the windows who are trying to breathe in the coolness of the night after the summer heat of the day (in winter it is easier in this regard). Therefore, when booking a hotel in the historical center, you should ask for a room with windows facing the courtyard or stock up on earplugs and patience for the duration of the trip. If you are going to Madrid by car, you should take into account that many central streets are closed to vehicles and it is often impossible to drive up to the hotel - you will have to park your car outside the center and walk with your suitcases. If you prefer hotels located in historical buildings, then the following should be taken into account. Ancient houses in the center of Madrid are in many cases occupied by hotels that fall under the definition of “hostal” (“hostal” in the original, in the Russian version they often write “hostal”, which is why confusion arises). Don't confuse stays and hostels! “Hostal” is a Spanish word meaning a simple (most often family-run) hotel, that is, in essence something like a guesthouse or boarding house. If a hostel is a dormitory-type hotel, then the rest have separate rooms, although amenities may be on the same floor. Hostels usually have a kitchen for self-cooking, but they can also serve breakfast, while the rest either do not offer breakfast at all, or direct guests to the nearest cafe, or sometimes they can serve breakfast in the room. Compared to hotels, they are usually cheaper. However, it cannot be said that they are somehow worse or better than hotels. Just like hotels (hostels, apartments, boarding houses, etc.), there are different types of hotels - both good and bad. So, carefully read traveler reviews on booking sites.

Gran Via

If you are a person who loves action, then the best option for you would probably be to stay on one of the busiest streets in Madrid - Gran Via(Gran Via). There are no authentic “home” hotels on it, but there are more than enough clubs and shops. Madrid is a city at night, all life here begins after the siesta, and if you are interested in being at the epicenter of this very activity, then Gran Via is perfect. From here, moreover, it’s only 200–300 meters to Puerta del Sol, and the walk to the Prado Museum will take about 15 minutes. In addition, there is an active route along Gran Via itself public transport, using which you can quickly get to almost anywhere in the city. One of the most original hotels in the area is Vincci Vía - 66 - a former variety show converted into a hotel, but retaining its somewhat playful and reckless style. I advise you to take a closer look at such options as Iberostar Las Letras Gran Via Hotel, H10 Villa de la Reina and Vincci Capitol.

Neighborhood of Chamartin Station

In addition to the Atocha train station in Madrid there is also Chamartin train station(Chamartin), the area around which resembles the Moscow City complex - there are entirely high-rise buildings propping up the sky, among which there are many hotels. Trains depart from here to northern Spain, including tourist destinations such as Valladolid and Salamanca. Hotels near the Chamartin station are significantly cheaper than those in the center: for about 80–90 euros you can book a 4–5* hotel with breakfast. Nearby is the Plaza de Castilla with its famous leaning skyscrapers, next to which there are also excellent hotels, for example, Meliá Castilla. This is a real “residential” Madrid - with restaurants “for your own” and shops where you rarely see tourists. However, it’s over an hour to walk to the center, and about 20 minutes by metro, so, in my opinion, it’s worth choosing this area to live either if you’re already fed up with traditional Madrid, or if you’re leaving the capital early in the morning from Chamartín train station or the bus station in Plaza Castile (or maybe vice versa - you arrive here late in the evening).

Surroundings of the Santiago Bernabeu stadium

Another interesting area to live in Madrid is around the famous stadium Santiago Bernabeu(Estadio Santiago Bernabéu). If you come to watch football, you definitely need to live here - it’s just a stone’s throw from the stadium, and there are a lot of hotels at reasonable prices here (for 80 euros, even in season, you can find a 4* hotel). You can take a closer look, for example, at Gran Atlanta. In addition to the stadium, the area is notable for its shops (in particular, the El Corte Inglés department store is located here), modern buildings, and the fact that at Nuevos Ministerios station you can take the metro train going straight to the airport.

Hotels near Madrid-Barajas Airport

If you have an early flight, you can choose from 2 options: order a taxi at a night rate and get up early, or check into a hotel the day before closer to the airport(Aeropuerto de Madrid-Barajas). In this case, the cost of a taxi will be comparable to the cost of a hotel. If the second option is closer to you, then you can easily find several very decent hotels in the vicinity of Madrid Barajas Airport. Very good, in particular, is täCH Madrid Airport, which provides free transfer to the airport and is inexpensive - around 60 euros per room per night. Another advantage of this hotel is its proximity to the famous Las Rosas outlet.

Features of Madrid hotels

Speaking about the features of Madrid hotels, one cannot fail to mention about breakfast– they are, as a rule, abundant and varied (not only in Madrid, but also in Spain in general). True, I admit the idea that exceptions are possible - after all, after all, I have not lived in all the hotels in Madrid. In the same area, the breakfast menu ranges from a decent buffet selection to a "French breakfast" (as I call it) - cereal with milk and croissants with coffee. Fortunately, you can always clarify this circumstance by studying traveler reviews. In hotels of category 3* and above, especially in chain ones, breakfasts are usually good: there is almost always freshly squeezed juice (most hotels have special machines), and in addition to the banal bacon and scrambled eggs, you will be pampered with fresh salads and hot potato casserole , the most delicate jamon and other dishes. Some places also serve champagne and white wine for breakfast. And if you are lucky enough to be in Madrid on the night of January 6-7 and watch the procession of the wise men, then there is a high probability that you will be served a festive pie for breakfast. By the way, when you are in Spain, you should have a very heavy breakfast, because due to the siesta, which lasts from 12 to 16-17 hours, it can be problematic to have a normal lunch during the day.

Worth mentioning also about the design features of some Spanish hotels: when paying with a card denominated in euros, you can easily be charged the amount in rubles by default (that is, for example, instead of 90 euros for a room, you can be charged in rubles the equivalent of 95 euros, which, you see, is unpleasant) - not out of malice, but solely out of simplicity of heart. True, I once read that Spanish hotels act in a similar way in agreement with the banks that serve them, giving the latter the opportunity to earn extra money on conversions, but I will not say that this is reliable information. In any case, if at the reception you are “happy” with a bill in rubles, and you definitely want to pay in euros, then you should insist that the hotel revoke the previous transaction and withdraw money from the card in the currency that is convenient for you - this is a common practice. After cancellation, you must be given a copy of the receipt, which indicates which transaction was canceled and for what amount. A similar situation can arise in large stores, but there, as a rule, they ask in what currency you will pay, or make the payment in euros without any questions.

Renting apartments in Madrid

Many travelers prefer hotels apartments, the choice of which in Madrid is quite wide (see the corresponding list). Typically, apartments have a fully equipped kitchen/kitchenette, living/dining room, bedroom and private bathroom. The kitchen has a set of dishes and cleaning products for cleaning the premises. But there are also differences. Therefore, before booking an apartment, you need to carefully read the list of services provided: what is included in the price and what is subject to additional payment. For example, in some places the rental price only includes final cleaning, which is done after your check-out, and maintaining cleanliness during your stay is not provided or comes at an additional cost. And it happens that the final (final) cleaning is paid separately (and in some cases only in cash). You may find that you will also be asked for 5–10 euros over the stated price for washing dishes. In the end, you need to decide in advance whether you are ready to do housekeeping during your vacation (albeit in a reduced version). If not, then it will be safer to choose a hotel with a standard package of services, including breakfast, daily cleaning, etc., etc.

However, it is worth noting that all apartments offered in Madrid can be divided into at least two types. The first one is ordinary apartments in residential buildings for rent(either directly by the owners or specialized agencies). The second is hotels, let’s say, apartment type, in other words, aparthotels. The latter quite successfully combine the advantages of living in separate apartments and all the advantages hotel service: apart-hotels, as a rule, have a reception desk (sometimes even 24-hour), provide cleaning in the apartment room, and also provide other services typical of traditional hotels.

When choosing a hotel or apartment in Spain in general and in Madrid in particular, use not only booking sites, but also price comparison services. We recommend Roomguru.ru.

You should do the same when searching for air tickets. Pay attention, for example, to Skyscanner.ru.

I am often asked the question of where is the best place to stay in Palermo. In order for your acquaintance with the city not to disappoint, you need to approach this issue very seriously! Choose a hotel or apartment in right place- the key to being in a good mood on vacation. But the fact is that everyone has their own ideas about the correct places. Therefore, I will refrain from giving advice; I’d rather describe to you the main areas of the city.

Сentro historico

The historical center of the city is called Centro storico. It is quite small, but this is where most hotels, b&b, hostels, and apartments are located. For many centuries it has been customary to divide it into four quarters:

• Kalsa(Kalsa);
• Albergería(Albergheria);
• Vuccheria(Vucceria) or La Loggia(La Logia);
• Capo(Capo).

All these quarters are very different, but their connecting link (that is, the center) is Quatro Canti, the official name of the square 4 of the Four Corners is piazza Villena, but I have never heard anyone call it that.

The map below shows the approximate boundaries of the four districts for clarity.

Kalsa

Let's start with Kalsa. When you leave the station building, you will find yourself there. As in any large city, proximity to the train station has its pros and cons. From the station, whether by train or bus, you can easily reach the towns you need in the vicinity of Palermo. And it will certainly be easy for you to get to any point in the city, including the airport. Another good thing about this area is the concentration of all the riches of Palermo. Churches, palaces, parks, squares, restaurants - there is everything here in abundance.

The disadvantages are obvious: petty crime hangs around the station, as in all major cities. But this applies specifically to the streets close to the station, and not to the entire area.

And there are a lot of offers for renting apartments. I don’t know about you, but I love staying in apartments in large cities. It helps me feel the atmosphere better, become a local for a few days or weeks. You can view accommodation options from private owners and compare prices on any reliable resource. There are also many hotels, mostly in the mid-price category (from 50 EUR per night).

Albergeria

To the left of the station, west of Kals, is the Albergheria quarter. Here are the largest and noisiest market in Palermo - Ballarò and the Norman Palace with the Palatine Chapel. This is the kind of city it is - palaces and bazaars!

I would call this area a place of modest apartments. The prices are low, you can easily find a good option for 30–35 EUR. Walking distance to an excellent market and your own kitchen is, you see, a successful combination.

Il Capo

A quarter named after another famous market. Capo is the oldest bazaar in Palermo and, perhaps, the most cozy.

Another pride of the residents of il Capo is the Massimo Theater. On my own behalf, I’ll add that the best places for an aperitif and an evening hangout are also here. As well as a large selection good hotels and apartments (from the middle price segment to luxury, 150 EUR per room).

Vucceria or La Loggia

This same area is often called Vucciria by locals (again, after the market). Once upon a time Vucceria was the busiest place in the city, but those days are long gone. The bazaar is alive, but not particularly cheerful. The desolation in these quarters is terrible. But in the evenings, food stalls open in place of the market, which remind me of Bangkok. Not the food, of course, but the atmosphere.

Another name for the area is Mandamento di Castellammare, Castallemare. The tourist port of Palermo is located in the marine part of the quarter. And the proximity of the port, as well as the station, leaves its mark: traffic jams, noise, a lot of garbage, strange-looking citizens, prostitutes.

Don't get me wrong, the area is as safe as the rest of downtown. But he's too colorful. Personally, I really enjoy walking around La Loggia, but I wouldn’t want to live here. There are not many hotels in the area, and cheap apartments from 20 EUR per night are not a problem to find. B&B met from 30 EUR.

Сentro moderno

The modern center is divided into two completely different quarters

• Via liberta;
• Borgo Vecchio.

Via Liberta

The modern center is the area north of the Teatro Massimo, along the streets via Ruggero Settimo and via Liberta. It's beautiful, clean, and has a lot of good shops. This is one of the most prestigious and expensive areas to live in Palermo. There are many good hotels in the area starting from 50 EUR.

Borgo Vecchio

The name of the area translates as “Old Village”. This was once an agricultural area near the city walls. Now it has turned into one of the most colorful urban quarters of the city.

Nothing in common with the elegant Via Liberta. The neighborhood's main street leads to the commercial port, and crazy street art decorates the peeling buildings. I get the feeling there that it is still deep on the outskirts, although for many years Borgo Vecchio has been one of the areas of the modern center of Palermo. There are a lot of inexpensive B&Bs and apartments in the area. Housing prices start from 30 EUR.

Stadio Renzo Barbera

Located next to Cento moderno is a modern area with good infrastructure and a convenient location. No longer the center, but not yet the outskirts. A stone's throw away is Via Liberta, which offers good shopping. In addition, from this area it is very convenient to get to both the historical center and Mondello. Unlike older areas, there is plenty of parking here. There is a stadium nearby, and the area is named after it. So if you want to watch football games with some Southern flair, best place no residence to be found. Accommodation prices here start from 45 EUR.

Mondello

Although this area is officially part of the city limits of Palermo, local residents They consider it a suburb.

Mondello is a prestigious countryside area with an excellent beach and villas in the early 20th century Art Nouveau style. The center can be reached in 20–30 minutes from here. The choice of accommodation in Mondello is huge - from cheap hostels to very expensive hotels, from modest apartments to luxurious villas with a private pool. Here I wrote in more detail.

Lazarevskoye is one of the popular resorts Krasnodar region. There are not very many hotels here and not all of them enjoy a good reputation among vacationers. I made a list of several hotels with good reviews, nice rooms and low prices. Some of these hotels have a swimming pool, playgrounds and cozy green courtyards with gazebos. For families with children who are looking for the best place to stay in Lazarevskoye, these hotels are just right.

I have two more selections of hotels in Lazarevskoye, relevant primarily for summer holidays. This is a useful list for those who want to live closer to the sea - and the best according to ratings and reviews -.

Hotel prices in Lazarevskoye are the same as at other resorts Black Sea coast Krasnodar Territory, increase very strongly during the season. In addition, cheaper rooms are quickly sold out. The most expensive month is August. Below for each hotel is the approximate price per room in summer season. It is better to look at the exact cost of the room for the dates you need by following the links.

If you want to go on vacation to Lazarevskoye, you will find my selection of local attractions useful -.

Guest House Panama

Cost per day: from 1400 rubles (depending on the season)

On the Ring Guest House

Cost per day: from 1000-3600 rubles (depending on the season)

Hotel Iceberg

Cost per day: from 1600 rubles

Guest House Villa More

Cost per day: from 3000 rubles (depending on the season)

Hotel Fort Arthur

Cost per day: from 1500-5000 rubles (depending on the season)

Hotel Azure Window

Cost per day: 1700-7800 rubles (depending on the season)

Mini-Hotel Lazarevskoye

Cost per day: from 1700-4000 rubles

Bristol

Cost per day: from 2000-4900 rubles (depending on the season)

Hotel Hellas

Cost per day: from 2000-5500 rubles (depending on the season)

Storm

Cost per day: from 2100-4100 rubles (depending on the season)

Storm 3 stars is one of the most popular hotels in Lazarevsky. The main advantages are that the hotel is located in close proximity to the sea, in the very center of the city, on the embankment. Nearby, practically all around - all the entertainment of the resort, Central Park. Some rooms open good view on the sea. The hotel has panoramic windows and balconies. The disadvantages of this location are a lot of noise in the evenings, especially for those rooms with windows overlooking the sea. For the same reason, the hotel is not very suitable for families with children. The Storm Hotel offers guests wi-fi (which can be problematic; this is a common problem for Lazarevsky hotels), air conditioning, and breakfast. With breakfasts, not everything is clear, quality is not for everyone. With service and cleanliness too. The hotel is declared as a three-star hotel, in general it corresponds to this level. The hotel has its own beach, which not all Lazarevsky hotels can boast of. Most of The rooms, especially the suites, are quite nice in design and spacious. The hotel building is new. A good option for lovers of noisy nightlife and beach holidays.

Cost per day: 2400-4200 rubles

Hotel Seven - a not very large and pleasant guest house in a quiet area, with a friendly and welcoming hostess. Everything in the hotel is new, the decoration of the rooms is pleasant, although quite simple. The rooms are clean, with a balcony, a refrigerator, and modern air conditioning. Guests have access to free Wi-Fi and underground parking. On the first floor guest house There is a spacious kitchen with everything you need for cooking, utensils, as well as a relaxation area and a green courtyard. A washing machine and hairdryer are also available for public use. The hotel has heating. The guest house is located near the market, there are many cafes and canteens around where you can eat tasty and inexpensive food. It's quite a long walk to the sea, about 15 minutes on foot. The hotel is suitable for a relaxing holiday, for families and with children.

Cost per day: from 2400-3900 rubles

Hotel Marco Polo Sochi with good territory, pleasant in many ways. Located near the city center, in a quiet area, but 15-20 minutes walk from the sea. The main attraction of the hotel is the large green area. There is a swimming pool with a slide, sun loungers, a children's playground, and a summer kitchen. A sauna and gym are also available. The hotel has parking on site. There is a 24-hour store nearby. Rooms with a spacious balcony, air conditioning, refrigerator. The furnishings of the rooms are not particularly fancy, but everything is clean and tidy. The hotel owners are friendly and nice. Nice and cozy place for families with children.

Dubai's neighborhoods represent unique components of the vast metropolis. Which one should you choose, since each of them has a number of undeniable advantages? We have prepared a tip especially for you!

Which area of ​​Dubai is better to stay in if you plan to combine leisure and work? Downtown Burj, of course! Being an important business part of this emirate, Downtown Burj Dubai occupies a small area around. Financiers, owners of famous global corporations, large businessmen and other rich people prefer to settle in this place. Because of this, Downtown Burj Dubai is often compared to New York, Washington and London.

Some of the area's most unusual attractions include and, a symbol of national pride, which houses residential quarters, exhibition halls, hotels and offices of foreign corporations. Small excursions are organized for tourists, during which you can get acquainted with the history and main features of Downtown Burj Dubai.

Advantages:

• Great place for shopping;
• Cheap hotels;
• Transport accessibility.

Flaws:

• High pricing policy;
• Lack of beaches;
• Little entertainment.

Dubai Marina

Dubai Marina is one of the most prestigious parts of the city. It got its name from the large artificial canal in which the residents of the new skyscrapers located on the banks moor their yachts. Despite its small size (0.5 km wide and 3 km long), the area houses a huge shopping center, many residential buildings and green islands. Near the residential area there are saffron sandy beaches. Some of them belong to famous hotels where anyone can stay. The Marina Promenade Boulevard, which stretches along the entire coast and attracts tourists with spas, cafes, shops and other establishments, deserves no less attention. The yacht club of the same name is also located here, where you can rent a boat for a boat trip.

Currently, the residential area in Dubai Marina is under construction, upon completion of which more than 200 skyscrapers will be built there, distinguished by their extraordinary height and unique architecture. Each such house has its own fitness club, high-speed elevator, cinema and waiting room for visitors.

To finally understand the features of this area, familiarize yourself with its advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages:

• Transport accessibility;
• Developed infrastructure;
• Large selection of housing;
• Proximity of the sea.

Deira

The Deira district of Dubai, in which modernity is closely intertwined with antiquity, is located on the coast of the Creek Bay, dividing the emirate into two parts. The main symbol of this part of the city is the ancient boat pier, from which most of the local excursions. In the western part of Deira you can find several colorful bazaars:

Spice Sook

• Murshid Souk is a universal market where you can buy anything;
• Naif Souk – distinguished by a wide selection of local textiles;
• Spice Suk is a real kingdom of oriental spices;
• Covered market - this place contains items from Arab everyday life;
• Gold Souk is a famous bazaar with about 450 stalls selling gold bars, precious stones and various decorations;
• Fish market – a huge assortment of different fish and fresh seafood is presented here.

Another integral part of Deira Dubai are the ultra-modern skyscrapers that give rise to the city's business districts. Some of the most famous buildings include the tennis stadium, the Century Village restaurant, the golf club, the Dubai Festival Center complex, as well as the Al Ghurair City and Deira City Center shopping centers.

If you're planning to stay in Dubai just to see the local attractions, you'll be in for an unpleasant surprise - there aren't many of them here. The main ones include:

Al-Ahmadia School

• Heritage House - contains museum exhibitions represented by ancient furniture and items of oriental life;
• Al-Ahmadia School is the first public school to currently operate a science museum;
• Al-Rigga-Roud – a picturesque boulevard with entertainment venues;
• The mosques are Al Zarooni, Lutah, Al Iman and the Great Mosque of Deira.

Advantages:

• Developed shopping;
• Availability of inexpensive but well-maintained hotels;
• Inexpensive food;
• Special atmosphere and flavor of the old city;
• Proximity to the airport.

Al Mamzar

Minuses:

• Little entertainment;
• Only 1 beach (Al Mamzar), divided into 2 parts (paid and free);
• Lack of hotels with private beaches;
• Distance from the city center – it takes a long time to get there by public transport;
• The local population consists of Pakistanis and Indians - some European tourists do not like this neighborhood.

Al Barsha

The Al Barsha area of ​​Dubai is a new part of the emirate where families with children can stay. In this rather quiet and quiet place concentrated several budget hotels, built within walking distance from the main attractions of the emirate.

Ski Dubai

The main pride of Al-Barsha is ski resort Ski Dubai, which is very popular among both locals and visitors to the UAE. Indeed, the thought of ski resort, located in the heart of the desert, evokes a feeling of delight among tourists! In addition, all the necessary equipment is rented here - skis, snowboards, sleds and even warm clothes.

If you carefully look at the areas of Dubai on the map, you will notice that Al Barsha is replete with residential areas, schools, hospitals, parks and hypermarkets. There are also a lot of hotels here. As for entertainment, they delight with their unusualness and diversity:

Mall of Emirates

• , more like a city with shops of various levels. There are even several hotels on its territory where you can relax before a new shopping trip;
• Automobile proving ground - racing fans will certainly enjoy the track built near the Mall of Emirates. Whole companies often come here to organize competitions in mini-copies of race cars. Only those who have a driver's license are allowed to have fun;
• Pond Park is an oasis with a crystal clear lake, tropical palm trees, green spaces and walking alleys. A great place to stop and take a break from the hustle and bustle;
• Al Barsha Mall is another shopping center popular with locals. In addition to shops and cafes, there are playgrounds for children with a large selection of entertainment.

Before you stay in Al Barsha Dubai, re-evaluate the pros and cons of the place.

Advantages:

• A lot of entertainment;
• Convenient location (in the very center of the city);
• Developed infrastructure;
• The combination of the incongruous – skiing + sea holidays;
• Proximity to the airport.

Flaws:

• High noise level - the area is under construction;
• There are no private beaches - the nearest is 10 km away.

Compare accommodation prices using this form

Bar Dubai

The Bur Dubai area is the business and financial center of the emirate. This is a very modern and lively area, somewhat similar to Deira, but not as colorful. This is where the so-called Old city, main administrative buildings, cultural and historical monuments, as well as numerous entertainment venues.

If you decide to stay in Bur Dubai, you will be able to see:

Heritage village

• Sheikh Zayed House;
• Bastakiya is an ancient merchant quarter;
• Historical and ethnographic village Heritage village;
• Mosques;
• Al Fahidi Fort;
• Diving village;
• Zabeel Park - a huge park with a long jogging track, barbecue area and area for skateboarders;
• Textile market.

Among the favorite tourist attractions are a visit to Dubai Wonder Land, a trip to the dolphinarium, boat rides along Dubai Creek and an acquaintance with 3 famous exhibitions - Dinosaur Park, The Glow Park and Ice Park.

Sheikh Zayed Road

When describing the areas of Dubai, one cannot help but stop at Sheikh Zayed Road, which is also the longest street in the emirate (55 km). It consists of 12 lanes and connects the local shopping center with. Numerous hotels, shops, apartments, office buildings and skyscrapers line the entire Sheikh Zayed Road. Here is also the incredibly beautiful Dubai Fountain and the impressive Burj Khalifa, considered one of the most tall buildings in the world.

Dubai World Trade Center

The majority of the local population consists of lawyers, businessmen and lawyers, as Sheikh Zayed Road is an important business area. An important attraction of the street is its unique architecture, thanks to which Dubai is said to be an incredibly rich and glamorous city. For a glimpse of oriental luxury, admire the world-famous Emirates Towers, Dubai World Trade Center and Dusit Dubai. But the most unusual thing is that on Sheikh Zayed Road there are 2 park areas where you can take a break from the constant noise and traffic.

Advantages:

• Excellent infrastructure;
• Transport accessibility;
• Convenient location;
• Lots of hotels.

Flaws:

• High noise level;
• Lack of entertainment;
• No private beaches.

New Dubai

If you don't know which area of ​​Dubai is best to choose a hotel in, we recommend staying in New Dubai. This is the very place where not only local residents, but also citizens of other countries can buy real estate. The area is famous for its modern residential areas, the Dubailand sports ground, golf courses and the Al Bawadi hotel area. All this goes perfectly with man-made meadows and lakes.

Advantages:

• Developed infrastructure;
• Huge selection of housing;
• Transport accessibility;
• Abundance of greenery.

Flaws:

• High pricing policy;
• Lack of private beaches.

Dubai's neighborhoods are filled with beauty and quirks, but we're confident that with our tips, you'll be able to stay in the very best. Enjoy your holiday and good luck in your business!

Video: educational overview of the Dubai Marina area and useful tips tourists.

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