James Luckard

http://www.starwoodhotels.com/gx/pro...ropertyID=4130

Just joined on 6/6, formerly a Kempinski property, opened last year.

Has not been assigned to a brand yet:

http://milepoint.com/forums/threads/...7#post-2376474

remymartin

Thanks OP! One of those "gx" branded ones

James Luckard

As it was formerly Kempinski, I'm sure that's only temporary. I'd imagine it will end up with Luxury Collection or Le Meridien.

remymartin

It's weird they would set a category to it (Cat 5). I do believe this would rather indicate it will be unbranded for the time being.

Please take a look at this thread: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/starw...-9-brands.html

Merlion

This is a stunning property with amazing rooms. Very difficult to find similar rooms within this establishment, so great addition to Starwood family. Very happy for this property being part of Starwood now. Suites are amazing.

James Luckard

I wouldn't be shocked to see it end up as Le Meridien. The Hotel National nearby used to be Le Meridien (it was when I stayed there in 2003), but it's Luxury Collection now.

crazypalooza

I'm told as of sometime this month, Hotel Nikol skaya in Moscow has joined Starwood.

The Hotel was opened in 2013 and was a Kempinsky property when it first opened. Currently a Cat 5, the hard product looks like a nice option, being so new while maintaining a classy interior (from the looks of the pictures).

While, I haven't stayed here myself, I called & asked about how they will be handling platinum breakfast and was met with confusion, followed by "it's available for purchase". (data point: same result with 2 different staff members) Obviously, they're still learning about the SPG program.

Interestingly, two type of junior suites and an executive suite where showing available on some random dates I've searched. I suspect if the SNA doesn't clear in advance, front desk check-in will offer no upgrades, as they seem truly unfamiliar with the benefits.

Anyone stay here yet & have any insight about the hotel or how they handle platinums?

crazypalooza

Anyone have recommendations for this property vs Hotel National?

Merlion

I would personally stay at this property vs. National. Today there is an announcement that St. Regis brand can be applied to this property. So stay here before it's St. Regis with price adjustments

remymartin

Excellent info, thanks Merlion! Is there some more info on the rebranding? Will it be Hotel Nikol'skaja, a St Regis hotel? Or St Regis Mockba?

UA-NYC

Me too, facing the choice next May

National is an LC, which is cool, but doesn't exactly look up to date.

James Luckard

It will become The St. Regis Moscow Nikol`skaya as of October 1st 2014

See this link: https://www.linkedin.com/jobs2/view/...rview-job-post

This appears to be the company that owns it:
http://www.rutsog.ru/news/2014/6/25/-

Also, is anyone able to edit the title of the thread? I tried, but don't have that power. The spelling with a "j" in the name was used when they left Kempinski and joined Starwood, but only for a few days. They are back to using a "y", as they did for the last year and apparently will do as St. Regis. FYI - it's not as wacky as it sounds, the translation of the name from Russian into English could go either way - y or j.

James Luckard

Looks like the name change happened already:

The St. Regis Moscow Nikolskaya

http://www.starwoodhotels.com/stregi...ropertyID=4130'

Can someone change the title of the thread?

lcpteck

Wow you're right, the first St. Regis in the Russian Federation! Have alerted a mod.

schley

This property looks like a great addition and i hope to visit Moscow next year and use my Free Night Awards I'll be getting for my platinum re qualification gift 2014, which is 2 nights up to cat 6.

It isn't April Fool's but I'm sure I had some people thinking, "I didn't hear anything about that." Or, "Where is mine!!!!!"