Luxury Moscow Apartment: Hanaka Eletskaya 9 - Unbelievable Views!
Luxury Moscow Apartment: Hanaka Eletskaya 9 - Unbelievable Views! - A Review That's Actually Real (and a Bit Crazy)
Okay, buckle up folks, because this isn't your polished travel blog review. This is my experience, the good, the bad, the slightly bewildered, of the Hanaka Eletskaya 9 apartment in Moscow. And let me tell you, it was a ride.
Accessibility - The Struggle is Real (Sometimes)
Right off the bat, let's talk accessibility. This is crucial, and I'm not a wheelchair user, but I did have a friend who was thinking of joining, and well, the website wasn't super clear on some things. Apparently, "Facilities for disabled guests" are mentioned, which is promising! I needed a little more to get a real sense. There's an elevator, which is massive relief, that's huge. But specific details about ramp access to the building? I was left guessing. And the thought of Moscow in winter and trying to navigate snow and ice with any mobility issues…whew. Anyway, a call to their desk might clear that up, but it's a minor gripe.
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges: No idea on that, which is a downer. Gotta love a place that prioritizes inclusivity, and hopefully this one does.
Internet - Because We Live in the Future (Mostly)
Free Wi-Fi in ALL rooms? Hallelujah! Seriously, a must in any modern accommodation. And the Wi-Fi was decent, thankfully. They also had "Internet [LAN]" which… I'm not sure who still uses LAN cables, but hey, options are good, right? This is really important for when I want to upload those absolutely epic Instagram stories, while simultaneously ordering a 24-hour room service pizza (more on that later).
Things to Do & Ways to Relax - Spa Day Dreams!
Okay, the spa situation at Hanaka Eletskaya 9 is… extensive. We're talking:
- Body scrub: Intriguing. I’m in!
- Body wrap: Always a pleasure to be snugly wrapped in some sort of treatment.
- Fitness center & Gym/fitness: Excellent, if you are one of those people. Me? Not so much, but good coverage.
- Foot bath: Yeah, this just sounds fun.
- Massage: Mandatory. Get that tension out.
- Pool with view: Oh, HELL YES. This sounded amazing.
- Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom: All the options to steam and relax? Yes, please.
- Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]: Again with the pools, my kingdom for a place to chill poolside with a drink.
I didn't indulge in everything, mind you. I prioritized the view and the pool, because, priorities. But the fact it's all there, under one roof, is impressive. This alone really sold me.
Cleanliness and Safety - Feeling Safe-ish
This is where they really shine, particularly in a post-pandemic world. They’ve got it all:
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Rooms sanitized between stays, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Individually-wrapped food options, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Room sanitization opt-out available.
Honestly, the level of hygiene felt almost overkill… but in a good way! It made me feel like I could actually breathe while I was there. Plus, the "doctor/nurse on call" thing? Always a good feeling to have. But did I feel like I needed a hazmat suit to even check in? Not really.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - Food Glorious Food (and a Few Gripes)
Alright, my favorite part: feeding the beast. The options here are pretty overwhelming:
- A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant.
The Breakdown:
- The Buffet: Fine, nothing to shout about. It's the usual hotel buffet fare. Did I overeat? Absolutely. Did I regret it? Maybe a little.
- Room Service (24-Hour): This is where the magic happened. After a particularly long day of exploring, I ordered a pizza at literally 3 AM. The pizza arrived hot, delicious, and probably the best I've ever had after a long day of adventures. I’m tearing up just thinking about it. Worth the trip alone.
- The Restaurants: Meh. The international cuisine was decent, but nothing mind-blowing. The Asian options… I felt I could do better on the streets of Moscow.
- Poolside Bar: Essential. Cocktails with a view? Yes, please. They weren't cheap, but hey, you're on vacation!
The only real downside: the coffee shop was a bit slow. The staff was great, but some mornings, I was on the verge of caffeine withdrawal. Minor, though.
Services and Conveniences - The Little Things That Matter
They've got all the usual suspects: a concierge, dry cleaning, laundry service, luggage storage, and a convenience store. Honestly, the elevator situation was a godsend.
The Anecdote That Speaks Volumes:
There was this one morning. I was late for my meeting, and I had to pack my stuff in my room. I was rummaging around, and then I remembered I'd been using the "Invoice provided" option for my expenses. I needed to print something. So I ran down to the “Xerox/fax in business center”. Did it work? Yes, it did! Did I get to my meeting on time? Uhhhhh… maybe not, but the invoice was printed, and that's what mattered, right?
For the Kids - Family Friendly?
They have Babysitting service and Kids facilities, and, of course, are Family/child friendly – this is good to know.
Getting Around - Location, Location, Location
Airport transfer, Car park [free of charge, Car park [on-site], Taxi service, Valet parking – got it all. The location itself? Brilliant. Close enough to everything but far enough to be a bit removed from the hustle.
Available in all rooms - The Comfort Zone
Again, a deep dive:
- Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
Seriously, it's all there. The blackout curtains were a godsend for sleeping in (or hiding from jet lag). The free Wi-Fi was crucial. The minibar? Well, let's just say I may have consumed a few too many overpriced snacks. I loved the sofa. The bathrobes were comfy. The separate shower and tub were a nice luxurious touch.
The Imperfections (Because Nothing's Perfect)
- The Room Decor: Let's just say it: it wasn't the most modern aesthetic. It had a certain Russian vibe, which is fine but not exactly minimalist chic. But! It was comfortable, clean, and the view more than made up for it.
- The Language Barrier: Some staff spoke excellent English, some… less so. But they were always friendly and tried their best.
Final Verdict: Should You Stay?
Absolutely, yes. Despite the minor hiccups (the coffee, the somewhat dated decor), Hanaka Eletskaya 9 is a fantastic option. The views are genuinely breathtaking, the amenities are top-notch (especially the spa), the location is perfect, and the 24-hour room service is life-changing. If you're looking for a comfortable, convenient, and yes, luxurious stay in Moscow, this is a great choice.
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Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this itinerary isn't some glossy travel brochure. This is the raw, messy truth of navigating Moscow, starting… well, actually starting in my rented apartment, Hanaka Eletskaya 9. Let's see how this disaster unfolds…
The Hanaka Eletskaya 9 Debacle & Moscow Mayhem Itinerary (Because Let's Be Honest, It's Going To Be Mayhem)
Day 1: Arrival (and the Great Luggage Struggle)
- 10:00 AM: Officially Arrive in Moscow (Sheremetyevo Airport, SVO). Pray to the travel gods that Aeroflot didn't lose my bag. (Spoiler alert: it's a distinct possibility).
- 10:15 AM - 12:00 PM: Immigration. Okay, breathe. Smile. Try not to look like you're smuggling… well, anything. (Okay, maybe I am a tad nervous). Long lines, blank stares from bored border guards… standard international travel fun!
- 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM: Finally, freedom! Find the luggage carousel, which is a soul-crushing carousel of despair if your bag is MIA. Assuming my roller will reappear (fingers crossed!), grab a taxi or, if I'm feeling adventurous, take the Aeroexpress to a metro stop near Eletskaya. (Moscow metro! Another adventure in itself, which I'll get to. Eventually.)
- 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM: The Great Apartment Hunt (and the Joy of Russian Door Codes). Find the Hanaka Eletskaya 9 apartment. This is where the "real" fun begins. Will the door code work? Is the key actually where I think it is? (Why do these things always feel like a treasure hunt?)
- 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM: Unpacking and Initial Panic Assessment. Success! Assuming I actually make it INSIDE the apartment (and the key isn't cursed), I'll unpack. First check: are there any bedbugs? Second: is the Wi-Fi a cruel, slow joke? Third: is there coffee? (Priorities, people, priorities!)
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Metro Mayhem: Metro Tour - This is a MUST. But it can be quite daunting for a tourist. Prepare for the crowds. Prepare for the speed. Prepare to get lost and end up on the wrong line with a bunch of stern-looking babushkas. The absolute MOST beautiful stations are Komsomolskaya, and Mayakovskaya. Get ready to be impressed, but be ready for some rough edges, too. Moscow's metro is an art form… with a touch of chaos.
- 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Dinner near apartment! This is the moment I usually crack and give in to the nearest fast-food place (or at least, the places that have English menus.) Maybe I'll try ordering in Russian. Doubtful.
- 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Trying to walk near the apartment, taking a lot of photos.
- 9:00 PM: Collapse. I'll probably watch Netflix, and fall asleep before the intro credits are done.
Day 2: Red Square and the Kremlin (and the Eternal Queue)
9:00 AM: WAKE UP. This time, the light won't be the only source of distress.
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM: Breakfast. Hoping the local store near the apartment has edible options.
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM: Get to Red Square and the Kremlin. Taking photos in Red Square is a right of passage, but the Kremlin is so much more appealing.
- Okay, so here's the reality check: Moscow's a big city. Getting anywhere takes time. Think, like, 30 minutes to an hour to get near Red Square, even by metro.
- Queueing. Get used to it. Standing in line in the cold (or sweltering heat) is basically a Moscow sport. (The lines at the Mausoleum are famously ridiculous, it's basically an endless, chilly purgatory.)
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM: The Kremlin - Gold and Diamonds. That is to say, the Armoury Chamber. If you see the gold, be mesmerised, but don't get too close to the guards. They don't take kindly to tourists elbowing their way through.
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Lunch. Near the Kremlin. Again, something quick, that's easy going and doesn't involve me trying to order a 10 course meal in Russian.
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: GUM Department Store and St. Basil's Cathedral. GUM is an experience, a beautiful and very expensive shopping mall. St. Basil's is a must-see. Take pictures from every angle. (The colors, the architecture, they are intoxicating.)
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Walk to the Alexander Garden. Take photos. Feel emotional.
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Dinner. Finding a nice place to eat.
8:00 PM: Collapse, and possibly eat ice cream.
Day 3: The Tretiakov Gallery and the Moscow River Cruise (with a Side of Melodrama)
- 9:30 AM: Wake up. Struggle with getting out of bed.
- 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM: The Tretyakov Gallery. Holy art, Batman! Seriously, the Tretyakov is amazing. I feel like one of those people who knows nothing about art until they see art they actually LIKE. The icons. The portraits. The sheer scope of Russian art is mind-blowing. (Side note: Don't be me and get lost in a room for hours. It seems, apparently, that I am not a fast learner, as I tend to get lost easily. But the journey is the adventure, right?)
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch. Try to find some cute cafe near the Tretyakov.
- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Moscow River Cruise. Ahhh, the Moscow River! I imagine the sunset, beautiful architecture flowing past, and a sense of serenity… This will be amazing, won't it? (Okay, I'm trying to be optimistic).
- Side Observation: Moscow from the water has a different vibe. Seeing the buildings from a different perspective is always worth it. Just watch out for the boat that plays loud, cheesy music. (Or if that'll be me?)
- 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Get off the boat. Take photos.
- 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Wander. Lose my way. Eat a pastry.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. Reflect on the day.
- 8:00 PM: Collapse. Watch a movie.
Day 4: Izmailovo Market & Departure (the Farewell to the Luggage Carousel)
- 9:00 AM: Wake up. Check to see whether I have lost my phone (standard).
- 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Izmailovo Market. A vast, sprawling flea market! This is where the "souvenir hunt" really begins. Matryoshka dolls (duh). Fur hats (maybe). Soviet pins. Books in Cyrillic I'll never read. (Honestly, this is a treasure trove, a sensory overload. The chaos is part of the fun.)
- Anecdote Time: Bargaining is KEY here. Smile, be friendly, and don't be afraid to walk away. (I once tried to haggle, and the vendor got annoyed. I was too timid to push it. I'm a terrible haggle-er).
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch, something quick.
- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Last-minute shopping. Buy a few more souvenirs.
- 4:00 PM: Last chance to see anything I've missed.
- 5:00 PM: Head back to the apartment and pack my bags. (Praying the luggage isn't lost for round two).
- 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Head to the airport (SVO is now more familiar, thank god!).
- 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Check-in, security… and hopefully, the return of my
Hanaka Eletskaya 9: FAQs - Before, During, and After... My Russian Romance (with a Balcony)
Okay, Spill the Tea: Is This Hanaka Eletskaya 9 Actually "Unbelievable Views" Good? Like, REALLY?
Alright, let's be brutally honest. "Unbelievable Views" is a marketing term, yeah? But... *this* place? Actually, yeah. The views are a solid 9/10. Seriously. I mean, I'm a sucker for a good cityscape, and the way the Moscow night lights sparkle from that height? Damn. I actually spent an hour just staring out the window the first night, wrapped in a bathrobe, feeling like a James Bond villain... without the villainy. And, you know, without the cool gadgets. Or the abs. But the view? Gold. Pure, glittering gold.
What's the Deal With the "Luxury" Part? Did it Live Up to the Hype?
Luxury... hmmm. Okay, let's dissect this. The apartment *felt* luxurious. The furniture was… stylish. There was definitely a lot of leather. And the HUGE bathtub? Architecturally impressive. I nearly drowned myself trying to figure out the jets, though. Seriously, I spent like 15 minutes pressing buttons, fiddling with dials... eventually gave up and just enjoyed the warm water. Failed luxury-bathing experience, check. Also, the air conditioning was a bit temperamental. Woke up sweating one night. So… luxury-adjacent? Maybe. But hey, at least the towels were fluffy. Can't complain about fluffy towels.
Booking and Arrival: Straightforward or a Russian Novel?
Booking? No drama. That part was surprisingly smooth. The photos online were… accurate, which is a rare gift. Arrival, though… that’s where things got *interesting.* The concierge guy, bless his heart, spoke like, two words of English. "Passport." "Key." "Welcome." I wandered around for a solid ten minutes trying to find the elevator after he pointed me in the general direction of a giant glass door. And the keycard system? That’s a whole other story. Let's just say, I spent a good fifteen minutes jiggling the card, muttering under my breath, and feeling like a complete idiot. Ah, yes. True Moscow.
The Balcony! Was It Worth the Hype? More importantly, was it safe to use?!
The balcony. Ah, yes. The balcony. This is where it got *really* good… and a little terrifying. Firstly, the view from the *balcony* was even better than from inside, which is saying something. Secondly… the wind. Moscow, it turns out, can be breezy. And the balcony felt a little… exposed. I had visions of gusts of wind sweeping me away like a particularly inept kite. I’m not saying it was unsafe, necessarily (I didn’t fall), but I definitely kept a firm grip on the railing at all times. And yes, I did drink a beer out there, embracing the mortal danger of it all. Totally worth it. The beer, that is. The view, definitely. The slightly-frightening-yet-exhilarating feeling of being on the edge of a skyscraper? Also, worth it.
Was the Apartment Close to Actual Things Worth Doing? (Beyond Admiring the View)
Location-wise? It was… okay. Getting around Moscow is an adventure in itself, right? The Metro is your friend. It was a bit of a hike to the main attractions, though. But here’s a secret: it's close enough to a really, REALLY good traditional Russian restaurant. Like, the kind with the borscht that makes your soul sing. Found it by accident (thanks, Google Maps!), and I ate there three times. The food was so good, and it was well worth fighting my way through the crowds in the subway. That, my friends, is how you make your trip memorable, not just the view. It’s not the view. It's the borscht.
Any Annoyances or Downsides? Let's Get Real.
Okay, the truth. The kitchen… felt under-equipped. I like to make my own coffee in the morning, and the coffee machine (or what *appeared* to be a coffee machine) was a mystery. Eventually, I just gave up and walked to a cafe. Also, the Wi-Fi occasionally decided to stage a protest and go on strike. Which meant I couldn't upload those glorious balcony pictures to Instagram immediately. The horror! And as I already mentioned, the AC. Oh, and the slightly questionable noises coming from the pipes in the middle of the night. But hey, I'm being honest, it wasn't *bad*, just… not perfect.
Would You Stay There Again? Give It to Me Straight!
Hmm. That's the million-dollar question, isn't it? Despite the slightly-dodgy coffee machine and the pipe noises, I'd probably say... yes. The view! Seriously, I’m still dreaming about it. And that balcony... oh, that balcony. The negatives were minor. The whole experience was… memorable. It was the kind of place you’d tell people about and say, "Yeah, it was a bit of a mess, but the view... the view made it all worth it". That view. That balcony. Worth it. Definitely worth it. Go. Just, maybe bring your own coffee maker. And a good book. And maybe a parachute, just in case. You know... for the wind.
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