Hi, I hope there are some here who can help me. I'm Russian citizen, living in US. I will be going to russia in april and my friend wants to come with me for a visit. Here's where it gets complicated: she's now in India (Indian citizen with H1 US visa), although will come to US for a month in march. I need to find out how to get her a visa. It seems the usual way is to have a hotel fax a visa support letter. but i own an apartment there and we will be staying at the apt. so, no hotel.
A private citizen can make an invitation, but from the info i have, i think i have to be inside the country to do it and it takes a long time. besides, i would need to collect russian paperwork. I can't go there ahead of time, as my vacation time is limited.
What is the best way to do it?

-Does anyone know about difference between Russian embassies in India vs. New York? She can do at either, since she'll be in NY at least for a month. US is mor expensive ($100 vs $50 in india), but if easier then it's worth it.
-There are online service that faciliate visas. Any experiences with those and any recommendations for reliable ones?
-will a hotel issue visa support letter if we make a cancelable reservation without prepaying, and later cancel our stay? I read that you also include a voucher that shows payment has been made.
-What else can we do to make it as painless as possible?

Thanks