Hotel National Moscow is a five-star hotel at Mokhovaya Street 15/1, opposite the Kremlin, Red Square and Alexander Garden. It opened on 14 January 1903 and is one of the oldest luxury hotels in the city.
The hotel is described as an example of imperial architecture in the historical center, with about 200 rooms and suites, according to its own page. Lenin lived in room 107 for a week after the 1917 revolution. Rates and names have changed over the years, so check the hotel’s own site, nationalmoscow.com.
Quick Facts
| Russian name | Гостиница «Националь» |
|---|---|
| Address | Mokhovaya Street 15/1, building 1, Moscow 125009 OpenStreetMap · Google Maps |
| District | Tverskoy |
| Metro | Okhotny Ryad (Sokolnicheskaya Line (Line 1, red), Named by the hotel with Teatralnaya, on Line 2, as its nearest stations; the exact exit and walking time were not verified) |
| Opening hours | Check-in from 15:00 and check-out until 12:00, according to the hotel's own page.
(as of October 2026 – check the official site) |
| Best time to visit | The hotel works all year. Alexander Garden is at its best in the warm months, and the streets around Manezhnaya Square are busiest on weekends and public holidays; crowd patterns inside the hotel were not verified. |
| Recommended duration | At least one night |
| Website | nationalmoscow.com |
| Last updated | October 7, 2026 |
Why Visit Hotel National Moscow?
The reasons are concrete. The National is one of the few Moscow hotels with a view straight across Alexander Garden to the Kremlin walls, and it has a long history as the place where Russian businessmen, communist leaders and foreign guests stayed.
It was the only hotel in the city with elevators when it opened, according to a history page, and after the revolution it became the First House of the Soviets. The suites were later decorated with artifacts from nationalised estates. It is a short walk from the Bolshoi Theatre and Red Square, and the Okhotny Ryad and Teatralnaya stations are the nearest. Rates vary, so check the official site.
Highlights of Hotel National Moscow
Imperial architecture facing the Kremlin
The building was designed by the architect Alexander Ivanov, a member of the Imperial Academy of Arts, and welcomed its first guests in 1903, according to a history page. It stands at the corner of Mokhovaya Street and Manezhnaya Square, opposite Alexander Garden and the Kremlin. Look at the facade from the garden side.
Tip: Walk along Alexander Garden for the best view of the facade.
Lenin's room 107
After the revolution the hotel became the First House of the Soviets, and Lenin lived with his wife in room 107 for seven days while the Kremlin was being repaired. Whether guests can see the room was not found. Ask the hotel if it is accessible.
Tip: Ask the front desk whether the room can be seen.
The first hotel with elevators
A history page says the National was the only hotel in the city with elevators when it opened, and that it became popular among Russian businessmen for its luxury and restaurants. The construction cost nearly one million rubles, then a huge sum. The original lifts were later replaced.
Tip: Look for historic details in the lobby and staircases.
Historic suites
During restoration work in the 1930s the suites were decorated with artifacts from nationalised country estates, aristocrats' palaces and royal residences, according to a history page. Some rooms have working fireplaces, balconies and whirlpools, according to a trade listing. Ask which rooms have them.
Tip: Ask for a suite with a fireplace if you want the historic feel.
Facing Alexander Garden
The hotel faces Alexander Garden, the Kremlin and Red Square, according to a trade listing, and Manezhnaya Square is next to it. Rooms on the garden side have the best views, though noise from the street is possible. Ask which side your room faces.
Tip: Ask for a room facing the Kremlin.
Meeting and event halls
The hotel's page says it has conference halls, and a trade listing counts ten meeting rooms. The halls are used for conferences and events, so they may not be open to visitors. Ask the hotel if you want to see them.
Tip: Check the hotel's event calendar if you want to see a hall.
Atmosphere
The National is a classic hotel in the imperial style, with a stately facade, historic suites and a location facing the Kremlin, according to listings and a history page. Guests range from business travelers to visitors who come for the history.
The street outside faces Alexander Garden and Manezhnaya Square, and it is busy during the day with sightseers. The crowd inside varies by season, and no details were verified.
History of Hotel National Moscow
The National was financed by the Varvarinskoe Joint-Stock Company of Householders and built from 1901 to a design by the architect Alexander Ivanov. It opened on 14 January 1903 as a 160-room hotel, and a history page says it cost nearly one million rubles and was the only hotel in the city with elevators.
After the revolution of 1917 it became the First House of the Soviets and a residence of the Bolshevik government, according to the same page. Lenin lived there in room 107 for seven days, because the Kremlin had been damaged and was being repaired.
In the 1930s the hotel was restored after falling into disrepair, and its suites were decorated with artifacts from nationalised estates and palaces, according to a history page. It reopened under its original name in 1932.
The hotel was renovated between 1991 and 1995 and renamed Le Royal Méridien National Hotel in 1998. Until 2011 it was owned by the City of Moscow. Older listings give other names from later years, and some trade listings give renovation dates of 2008 or 2009, so the later history is not certain.
The current ownership and operator were not confirmed in the sources read, so this section is short.
Booking and Check-In at Hotel National Moscow
Book through the hotel’s own site, nationalmoscow.com, where the current rates, room types and rules are shown. The hotel’s page gives check-in from 15:00 and check-out until 12:00, and says a transfer service is available through the concierge. Cancellation terms, deposits and breakfast depend on the rate. Older listings and booking sites may use earlier names of the hotel, so check that the address is Mokhovaya Street 15/1.
- Foreign guests: hotels in Russia usually handle the registration of foreign guests, but rules change and depend on nationality, so ask the hotel and read the Moscow Vibes registration guide; as of October 2026 this was not verified with the hotel.
- Payment: foreign Visa and Mastercard cards are reported not to work in Russia, and the sanctions rules of your own country may restrict some Russian payment services and bookings, so check this yourself and ask the hotel how it takes payment.
Check all rates and rules on the official site.
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How to Get to Hotel National Moscow
The hotel is at Mokhovaya Street 15/1, building 1, at the corner of Manezhnaya Square, opposite Alexander Garden. The hotel names Okhotny Ryad, on Line 1, and Teatralnaya, on Line 2, as its nearest metro stations; the exact exit and walking time were not verified, and Aleksandrovsky Sad is also near. Red Square is a few minutes on foot.
- Metro: Okhotny Ryad or Teatralnaya, then walk to Mokhovaya Street; check the exit on the station plan.
- Taxi and airports: the hotel says Sheremetyevo airport is about 29 km away and offers a transfer service; the taxi apps guide and the airport transfer guides of this site explain other options.
Accessibility
No accessibility information was found. The building is a historic one with elevators, but ask the hotel about accessible rooms, steps and entrances when you book.
Food Nearby
The hotel has its own restaurants, which were not verified. Metropol Restaurant, SAVVA and Cafe Pushkin have their own articles on this site, and the Okhotny Ryad mall has cafes such as Cofix and Teremok. Check hours before you go.
What to Bring
Smart casual clothes suit the public areas. Bring rubles in cash for small purchases, since foreign cards are reported not to work.
Photography Rules
No photography rules were found. Ask the staff before you photograph the lobby or other guests, and avoid flash.
Family Suitability
The hotel is central and has large suites, so it can work for families who want a base near the sights. Child policies, cots and stroller access were not found, so ask the hotel when you book.
Moscow Vibes Tips
- Older listings use earlier names such as Le Royal Méridien National, so confirm the address Mokhovaya Street 15/1.
- Ask for a room facing Alexander Garden and the Kremlin if the view matters.
- Ask the hotel whether room 107, Lenin's room, can be seen.
- The hotel offers a transfer service from the airport, so ask about it when you book.
- Check-in is from 15:00, so ask about luggage storage if you arrive earlier; the luggage guide of this site explains options.
- The Metropol hotel is nearby, so compare the two if you want a historic interior.
What to Do Within Walking Distance of Hotel National Moscow
These places are an easy walk from Hotel National Moscow and help you plan your days:
Within walking distance
Moscow Museum of Archaeologyabout 200 m away (~3 min walk) · typical visit: About 45 minutes to 1 hourMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Vernadsky State Geological Museum Moscowabout 250 m away (~4 min walk) · typical visit: About 2 to 3 hoursMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
State Historical Museum Moscowabout 250 m away (~4 min walk) · typical visit: 2.5–4 hoursMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Museum of the Patriotic War of 1812 Moscowabout 300 m away (~5 min walk) · typical visit: About 1.5 to 2 hoursMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Explore Nearby Hotel National Moscow
Metro stations near Hotel National Moscow
Okhotny Ryad Metro Stationabout 100 m away (~2 min walk)Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Teatralnaya Metro Stationabout 300 m away (~5 min walk)Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Restaurants and cafes near Hotel National Moscow
Metropol Restaurantabout 500 m away (~8 min walk)Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Belugaabout 50 m away (~1 min walk)Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Grand Cafe Dr. Zhivagoabout 50 m away (~1 min walk)Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Kappo Hiroki Arakawaabout 200 m away (~3 min walk)Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Nightlife near Hotel National Moscow
Let's Rock Barabout 500 m away (~8 min walk)Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Papa's Barabout 650 m away (~11 min walk)Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Hotels near Hotel National Moscow
The Carlton Moscowabout 100 m away (~2 min walk)Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Four Seasons Hotel Moscowabout 150 m away (~2 min walk)Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Assambleya Nikitskaya Hotelabout 450 m away (~7 min walk)Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Events and traditions near Hotel National Moscow
Moscow Fish Weekabout 50 m away (~1 min walk)Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Golden Autumn Festival in Moscowabout 150 m away (~2 min walk)Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Related guides
Alexander Garden Moscow: Eternal Flame, Grotto and Kremlin WallsMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Moscow Kremlin: Cathedrals, Armoury Chamber and TicketsMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Red Square Moscow: What to See and Which Sights Cost ExtraMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Bolshoi Theatre Moscow: Tickets, Tours and What to ExpectMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Fasol: Franchise Convenience Stores in Moscow, Hours and PaymentMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
Browse more: More in Tverskoy · All Hotels · All Luxury Hotels
FAQ: Hotel National Moscow
Where is Hotel National Moscow?
At Mokhovaya Street 15/1, opposite Alexander Garden and the Kremlin.
When did it open?
On 14 January 1903.
Who designed it?
The architect Alexander Ivanov, according to a history page.
Did Lenin live there?
Yes, in room 107 for seven days after the 1917 revolution.
What are the check-in and check-out times?
Check-in from 15:00 and check-out until 12:00, according to the hotel.
How many rooms does it have?
About 200; the hotel's page gives 202 rooms and 55 suites.
Which metro stations are nearest?
Okhotny Ryad and Teatralnaya, according to the hotel.
Can I pay with a foreign card?
Foreign cards are reported not to work in Russia; ask the hotel how it takes payment.
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Last updated: October 7, 2026.
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This guide is created with the help of AI and is based on official sources where available. Mistakes can still happen. Opening hours, prices, rules and other details are given to the best of our knowledge as of the date shown and can change without notice. It offers general recommendations only, not professional, legal or travel advice. Please confirm important details with the official source before you travel; you are responsible for your own plans and decisions.
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