Ducatibiker

Moscow is one of my favorite Hyatt.
-nice location: next to the Bolchoi Theater/Metropole Hotel - walking distance from the Kremlin and underground station
-staff at the reception is very helpful with directions
-nice inside architecture/small atrium style
-Nice health club with swimming pool/jacuzzi/exercise room
-breakfast buffet in internatoinal restaurant is quite enjoyable
-I tried the international restaurant which was OK (French Executive chef)- especially the wine recommendations - did not try the Armenian restaurant which is in the lobby

I confirm that the hotel is often full - it is just one of the best in Moscow (tried Metropole, Sheraton, Marriott and Renaissance and I prefer this one by far)

Bondiboy

I was very impressed with the Park Hyatt Moscow for their proactive offer of assistance in obtaining my Russian visa.

The local office of my organisation has always looked after obtaining my visa for my previously travels to Russia so it has never been an issue for me. However I have an upcoming personal trip and just as I was pondering how to go about the complex problem of obtaining my visa, I received a very proactive and helpful e-mail from the Park Hyatt Moscow offering to send me the very necessary letter of support.

Unlike other sources of help which charge $25 to $50 for a letter of support, the offer from the Park Hyatt is FREE - but there is a catch. Should I cancel my reservation, they will impose a charge of 100 euros.

The "fine print" for those interested is:

Please NOTE that visa support letter will cover and be issued only for the period of the reservation at the hotel.

To allow us to process the application please fill in the attached payment agreement form and fax or e-mail it with the enclosed/scanned copies of both side of your credit card.
Please make sure the copies of the front and reverse sides of the credit card are clear to read the number of the credit card and the signature on the reverse side.

After receiving the completed payment agreement we will send the documents required to obtain Russian Tourist visa. Visa support letters are free of charge but in case of cancellation of a reservation or no-show a charge of 100 Euro (one hundred Euro) per visa support letter will be applied to your credit card.

Due to Russian Legislation hotels cannot accommodate an international traveller without valid Russian Visa or if visa validity period has been expired.

azepine00

Went through this process recently for my SO and Ararat staff handled it very well. Aside from sending them a scan of my CC (the shiny CC surface just didn't scan well) it was a very straightforward process. ^

Ducatibiker

One of the best Hyatt !

windwalker

I will be staying here, as part of my YVR-OTP trip for 2 nights(FFN rewards no less ^ ^ )

I have received a response back from the Hotel in regards to my Visa request asking for credit card information, including copies of both sides of my CC.(will be charged 100 euro if a no show)

Am I being a bit "too" paranoid in thinking this is not such a grand idea, faxing copies of my credit card to strangers.

Am guessing it's done every day and that if I use AMEX it might be a good idea to block out the 4 digit security code.

Thoughts?

Thanks

azepine00

They are gonna see your CC (and likely use it to purchase polonium) when you hand it over at check in, so resistance is futile

But seriously it's just a part of their SOP so no need to worry. And you don't have to fax it, an email with a scan attached worked for me.

RMC500

I've sent a scan of my CC several times, most recently in the last couple of weeks for an upcoming stay and never had a problem. The visa support service used to be free, even if you canceled your reservation after receiving the visa support papers. Apparently, too many people gamed the system, and the charge (if you cancel) has gone from zero to $100 USD to 100E.

kv99

I'm staying at the PH Moscow for 5 nights at end of June, early July on an award stay. Since I no longer have Diamond status, I'm not expecting anything in the way of an upgrade, but we're thinking of maybe splurging and doing a Passport Escape Award because of the high prices in Moscow. Any thoughts on this/recent reviews of the breakfasts/dinners?

It's at the end of a Trans-Siberian journey from Vladivostok so very much looking forward to it!

Bondiboy

Although th costs of hotels in Moscow are out of this world, there are lots and lots of opportunities for dining at places with local colour at reasonable costs.

It would be a great shame to restrict yourselves to having meals at the PH. Have a look at some guide books (Lonely Planet Moscow, Fodors, etc. for some recommendations. On the cheap side there are lots of pizza places and even a TGIF if you are hesitant to try the local fare.

Sounds like a great trip.

bsb21

Will be staying at the Ararat at the end of June in a Park Suite.

The hotel is expensive, but then again, in Moscow what is not?

I actually think that $99 for an airport transfer is pretty good! Other companies operating new Mercedes cars will charge higher rates. Plus, with the hundreds of questionable companies in Moscow offering Limousine services, its nice to know that the Hyatt is behind yours!

RTWSTARALLIANCE

I am looking to be in Moscow for three total nights. Two on the front end and one on the back end. I got my stays on points. In and out of ORD on AA in F award. In between I will spend four night in St Petersburg.

Any comments appreciated. Is September weather ok? How about internet access at the PH? Cost? Would the Ritz be better using Marriott points? Thanks.

broadwayboy

RTW, I'll be staying at PH Ararat next week. If no one replies before hand, I'll post.

RTWSTARALLIANCE

Thank you. Look forward to your info. Regards

broadwayboy

RTW, quick note for you (and those who are interested).

PH Ararat offers airport pick-up service for 135Euros. They also offer what's called VIP Lounge service (for 300EUR), which means someone will meet at airplane door, escort you through immigrations/customs etc. I honestly dont think that's necessary.

The driver met me after luggage bearing PH Ararat board and he speaks barely a word of English and didn't even attempt to help me with my single carry on. OK, maybe he thought he was older and the trolley was light.

Drive to hotel took 1-1/2 hours due to bad traffic. It normally takes 60 minutes.

Check in was painless. I arrived around 11AM and was greeted by SIX (6) Front Desk attendants. Was upgraded to a Deluxe Room (thanks DavidO) on the 7th floor, but room wasn't available, so was given a room on the 10th floor. I heard some bad stories about noise from Conservatory Lounge (which is on 10th) coming to the room, but we shall see.

I was given choices of amenities: fruit or chocolate and cookies.

Hot breakfast is included (not sure if it's for Diamond or because of Virtuoso).

Wireless and wired internet is free.

Let me know if you need specifics. I haven't been to the spa, restaurant or bar yet, but will do so later.

By the way, SanDiego1K... the Blaise Mautin toiletries are the large 80ml bottles, same as given in PHV Suites. :-)

SanDiego1K

Aren't you Hyatt Diamond? So wouldn't you have gotten this upgrade by virtue of status?

Lucky broadwayboy!

And how many can you stuff in a TSA baggie?