
Luxury Moscow Apartment: Hanaka Fortunatovskaya 19 - Unbelievable Views!
Moscow's High Life & Hilarious Hangups: A Deep Dive into Hanaka Fortunatovskaya 19 - "Unbelievable Views!" (Spoiler Alert: They Are!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from a whirlwind trip to Moscow, and let me tell you, after navigating the subway that smells suspiciously of borscht and dodging babushkas with attitudes sharper than their knitting needles, I found myself at the Hanaka Fortunatovskaya 19. Or rather, I think I found it. The address is a mouthful, and Moscow street signs are about as helpful as a chocolate teapot when you're jet-lagged. But after a bit of frantic translation app action and a very bewildered taxi driver, I arrived, and the "Unbelievable Views!" bit? Yeah, they weren't kidding.
First Impressions (and a Dash of Panic):
Okay, let's be honest. After battling the pre-trip anxiety of needing to apply for a Russian visa, dealing with the language barrier, and the sheer size of the city, seeing the sleek, modern entrance of the Hanaka was a relief. Think glass, steel, and a doorman who looked like he could bench-press a small car. He probably could. But the sheer newness made me feel like I'd wandered into a Bond film set.
Accessibility: (Mostly) A Smooth Ride:
Now, being a clumsy human myself, I appreciate a place that caters to different needs. The elevator was a godsend, especially after lugging my suitcase through… well, everything. While I didn’t specifically test out wheelchair accessibility (my knees are still functional, thankfully!), the infrastructure seemed pretty good. Plenty of space, clear signage, and I saw no glaringly obvious accessibility pitfalls. This is a BIG plus in a city that isn't always known for its, shall we say, smooth transitions.
The Room: My Sanctuary (with a Few Quirks):
My room? Ah, my room. Let's just say the "Luxury" in "Luxury Apartment" wasn't just for show. The view alone was worth the price of admission. Imagine: the sprawling cityscape of Moscow stretching out before you, with the golden domes of churches glinting in the sun. It was breathtaking. Seriously, I nearly tripped over the ottoman just gawking.
The room itself was a sanctuary of modern comforts. Air conditioning blasting (crucial after a day sweating in my layers), a ridiculously comfortable bed with a mountain of pillows, and a bathroom big enough to hold a small party (which I briefly considered). They had bathrobes that felt like clouds, and slippers so fluffy I nearly forgot I was wearing them. Pure decadence.
But… even paradise has its quirks. The coffee maker was a beast. Seriously, I stared at it for a solid five minutes, consulting the (very intricate) instructions, before I managed to produce a lukewarm, weak excuse for coffee. And the "free bottled water"? Turns out it's not exactly free. I found myself frantically double-checking prices for everything in the mini-bar, the fear of a hefty bill like a dark cloud. But hey, the hair dryer worked, and the blackout curtains were a lifesaver for battling jet lag!
Internet: The Great Wi-Fi War (and its eventual victory):
Let's talk internet. Because for a travel writer (and a general human being) internet is life. Free Wi-Fi was promised, and thankfully, it was mostly delivered. The signal was decent, but I found myself occasionally battling intermittent outages. I ended up tethering my phone a few times for the sake of deadline. But hey, free most of the time is better than no free at all, right? And hey, there's even LAN if you're one of those old-school folks.
Dining, Drinking, and General Stomach-Filling Shenanigans:
Alright, food! The Hanaka had a restaurant, and it was… interesting. The “Asian Cuisine” wasn’t exactly what I envisioned in Moscow, but hey, I'm open to adventures of the palate. The breakfast buffet was a sight to behold, a sprawling landscape of food. They had the standard Western breakfast fare, along with some more intriguing Eastern European offerings. I'd grab a coffee, a pile of questionable-looking pastries, and hope for the best. The food was fine, nothing earth-shattering. Then again, I wasn’t expecting Michelin-star cuisine.
The best part? The Poolside Bar! Imagine: cocktails in hand, overlooking the Moscow skyline, letting the sun soak into your weary bones. Magical, I tell you. The prices were a bit higher than I'd hoped but sometimes you just have to splurge. It's all about balancing the luxury with the budget, I suppose.
"Things To Do" (and How to Relax Like a Boss):
Okay, so the Hanaka had a freaking gym. And not just a sad little hotel gym. We’re talking state-of-the-art equipment, and clean! I’m not gonna lie, I used it. I’m pretty sure I looked ridiculous, pounding away on the treadmill while battling the lingering effects of a vodka-fueled evening, but hey, nobody's judging.
The sauna? I'm afraid that's where I drew the line. I'm not a sauna kind of girl. But the pool with the view? YES PLEASE! I'm a sucker for a good panoramic view, and taking a plunge in their outdoor pool, while the city sprawled before me? Pure heaven.
Cleanliness and Safety: The Covid-19 Edition (and Beyond):
This is where the Hanaka really shone. I was impressed. There was hand sanitizer and sanitizing stations EVERYWHERE. Every staff member wore masks, the common areas were cleaned frequently, and the hotel was spotless - it was immaculate! I'm talking professional-grade sanitizing services, daily disinfection. They even let guests opt out of room sanitization, which is a nice touch. The precautions made me feel very safe.
The Extras: Services, Conveniences, and the Slightly Peculiar:
The Hanaka had a ton of services. 24-hour front desk (thank goodness for that), a doorman who seemed to know everyone (and how to hail a cab in Russian), and a laundry service (a lifesaver!). There’s a convenient store, a gift shop, a concierge… you name it, they had it.
Here’s the thing though: sometimes, the "conveniences" felt a little over the top. They offered a "proposal spot" package. A proposal spot. I mean, sure, the views are romantic, but I'm single, dammit!
For the Kids:
While I don't have kids, I did notice the hotel was child-friendly. Babysitting service? Check. Kids' meal? Check. Family/child-friendly attitude? Seemed like it!
Getting Around: The Moscow Maze:
Airport transfer available, which is essential because Moscow airports are a labyrinth. Car park (free of charge), car park (on-site). And valet parking, if you're feeling fancy. I used taxis, but navigating the city with a driver who spoke little to no English was an experience.
Final Verdict: Worth a Trip?
Absolutely. Despite the quirks, the Hanaka Fortunatovskaya 19 is a winner. It’s a place where you can truly relax in style, the views are to die for, and in a city as overwhelming as Moscow, this is incredibly important. The staff was attentive, the rooms were beautiful, and the location was fantastic.
Would I return? In a heartbeat. Just maybe, I'll figure out that coffee maker before next time… and possibly learn a few key phrases in Russian. Wish me luck!
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Moscow Mayhem: A Hanaka Fortunatovskaya 19 Adventure (My Brain’s Trying to Cooperate)
Okay, deep breaths. This is the itinerary. Sort of. My brain’s still trying to unpack the fact I’m actually in Moscow. Specifically, in an Airbnb at Apartment Hanaka Fortunatovskaya 19. Sounds fancy, right? Well, the elevator in the building felt like it last saw a service in the Brezhnev era, so… let's just say it's got character.
Day 1: Arrival & Vodka-Fueled Existential Dread (Plus, Attempting to Learn the Cyrillic Alphabet – Fail.)
- Morning (ish): Arrive at Sheremetyevo Airport (SVO). Luggage… miraculously arrives too. Victory! Taxi to Apartment Hanaka. The drive… wow. Moscow is HUGE. And the buildings! Seriously, some of them are just… massive. I mean, blocks and blocks of concrete, but with a weird, gothic elegance. I kept pointing and saying, "Look, look!" like a five-year-old. My driver just sighed. I think I was annoying.
- Afternoon: Settle in. Apartment Hanaka is actually quite charming inside. The decor is… well, let’s call it “eclectic.” There's a framed picture of, what appears to be, a chihuahua wearing a tiny ushanka. I’m not even kidding. I nearly spat out my coffee (instant Nescafe, because, let's face it, I haven't found a decent coffee shop yet) admiring it. So, the place has potential.
- Evening (aka Vodka O'Clock): Okay, so, I went to a nearby grocery store (the "Azbuka Vkusa." Fancy name). I decided I needed a little "welcome to Russia" ritual. So I bought… a bottle of vodka. And some pickled cucumbers, because, when in Rome, or Moscow, I guess. I poured myself a shot, and… wow. It's… smooth. And then I started feeling a little philosophical. Like, really, really philosophical. "What is the meaning of borscht?" I pondered to myself, while simultaneously trying to decipher the Cyrillic alphabet on a packet of crackers. Utter failure. Seriously, it's a squiggly maze. I ended up eating the crackers anyway. They were… okay.
Day 2: Red Square, Tears, and a Questionable Pelmeni Experience
- Morning: Red Square! The sheer scale of it. St. Basil's Cathedral is even more stunning in person. The colours! The onion domes! I spent a good hour just wandering around, mouth agape, feeling like a total tourist. Did I take a million photos? Maybe. Did I accidentally bump into a group of nuns? Also, maybe. (I definitely apologized… repeatedly). The energy of the place is… overwhelming. Truly.
- Afternoon (The Tears Incident): The GUM department store. Okay, listen. It's supposed to be a shopping mecca, right? But it's so… opulent. I walked inside, blinked at the glittering chandeliers, and… I burst into tears. I have no idea why. Exhaustion, maybe? The weight of history? The price tags? I don't know. I just stood there, weeping silently in a corner like a total weirdo. A security guard gave me a concerned look and quickly shepherded a group of children away from me. I quickly pulled myself together, did the classic wipe-the-face-and-move-on maneuver, and left.
- Evening (Pelmeni Purgatory): Found a local "pelmeni" (dumplings) restaurant. I was so excited. I'd heard amazing things. The waitress didn't speak much English, but I managed to order. The pelmeni arrived… swimming in a greasy broth. They were… interesting. Let's leave it at that. I think I should have stuck to the pickled cucumbers. And the vodka.
Day 3: A Subway Odyssey & A Surprisingly Moving Performance
- Morning: The Moscow Metro. Oh. My. God. It's beautiful. Really. Like, museum-quality beautiful. Each station is different, and they are all meticulously maintained. I found myself just standing there, gawking, again. I felt like I was back in kindergarten, constantly asking "Look, look!". The "Комсомольская"station! It was incredible!
- Afternoon (The Artsy Encounter): Went to the Tretyakov Gallery to see some Russian Art. It was… okay, let's face it, I went to the wrong place. I wandered around, feeling completely out of my depth. I'm not a great art enthusiast. I didn't understand most of it, but the atmosphere was good.
- Evening (The Ballad): I decided to go to a local theater performance. I expected a lot of boring Russian plays, but I ended up sobbing. I completely and utterly lost myself in the drama.
Day 4: The Cold Embrace of a Museum and Moscow's Charm.
- Morning: The State Historical Museum. Big mistake. I felt cold and overwhelmed by information about history, and I can't even begin to keep the Russian emperors to the side, so I left.
- Afternoon: Wandered through the back streets near the apartment, where there was a local market. I just walked around, soaking in the atmosphere.
- Evening: I had dinner at a small restaurant a bit further from the apartment, and it was good
Day 5: Departure (Hopefully).
- Morning: Panic-packing. Did I buy enough souvenirs? (Answer: Probably not). Did I accidentally steal a miniature ushanka from the apartment? (I'm not saying…). Taxi to SVO. Pray the plane doesn't have a mechanical failure. And that my luggage arrives this time.
- Afternoon: The Long flight home.
- Evening: I sit with the wonderful realization that I've made it through Moscow. I will buy and drink more vodka, and share more stories.
My Overall Thoughts:
Moscow is… intense. Beautiful. Confusing. Hilarious. Scary. Often all at once. I feel like I've barely scratched the surface. I definitely need to work on my Cyrillic (and my vodka tolerance). I think I need another trip. And more therapy. But still, Moscow. I can't believe I did it. And I'm already dreaming of the day I can return. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go eat a pickled cucumber.
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Okay, Hanaka Fortunatovskaya 19... Unbelievable Views, right? What's the ACTUAL view like? Because often, you know, "unbelievable" means... less than that.
Is this place *actually* luxurious? I mean, the word is BANDIED about. What made it stand out?
What about the location? Is it actually convenient, or just fancy-sounding?
What's the deal with the service? Friendly? Impersonal? Do they actually *care*?
Any downsides? Anything that drove you nuts, that you wish you’d known?
Would you stay there again? Be honest!
What's something unique about this place, something you couldn't learn from just reading the description?


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