Questions for my first trip to Moscow!

[TheBlackCat]

Hello everyone!

I am still actually recovering from being hospitalized for the H1N1 virus and a very bad case of pneumonia in both my lungs. I have now decided to plan my next trip to Russia for next january instead of next summer as some of you will probably remember. When I signed up in august some of you told me it was a nonsense to wait that long and you definitely were all right. Today was my first day back at work since being sick and the very first thing I've told my managers was I wanted to go to Moscow and I needed two weeks off next january. They had no choice but to agree I can tell all of you. lol

Now I will be going to Moscow on january 8th for two weeks. It would be really helpful if some of you could help me with where I should look for the best deals with airfare and hotel/appartment. I am living in Quebec City, Canada. I can depart from either here in Quebec City, Montreal or even in Burlington VT if the deal makes sense of course.

So far the best deals I've found was on www.expedia.ca for +/- $2500 to $3000 Can airfare + 3 star hotel. Of course I can afford that but if I can find something cheaper then it would be even better. I will probably have $1000 US on me plus my credit cards and debit card from BMO. I've read in another thread to not bring too much money and instead rely on ATM's for withdrwals in russian rubles.

Nadja, my woman I am talking on Skype almost everyday, told me an appartment is not such a good idea since they are usually so dirty and not cheaper really. She even has told me she could look to find a better deal for me in some hotels she's recommanding me. She lives close to Sokolniki Park and the closest hotel would be the Izmailovo Gamma-Delta. I am open to go there or anywhere else really as long as it is clean and affordable. Nadja will also look elsewhere again.

Now I guess the first thing to do would be to look for getting that visa. What is better, going to the consulate in Montreal with the filled up papers or pay some service like visaconnection? I can do either.

Really any advice will be welcome. Thanks everyone.

[Ludmila]

Hi, the Blackcat,

Izmailovo gamma-delta has ideal location: just a stone throw ( 2 min walk) from the metro. The proximity to the metro is crucial in Moscow ( real estate prices regard this as N1 priority, when quoting prices for real estate).
 
Once you are near the metro, the need in taxi, or other ground transport is almost non- existent ( considerable economy). Just 20 min on the metro ( without changeover-- you just "plump" into your seat-- and you are in the Red Square beholding and enjoying the sight).

 Near the hotel/ metro there are plenty of kiosks with snacks, vegetables, pastry, diary snacks and other food. There are plenty of restaurants in the hotel complex ( it is a huge hotel complex), too. What are the rates for Izmailovo hotel now?

 All the best to you and your lady,
Ludmila.

[TheBlackCat]

Ludmila,

Thanks for the advice, exactly Nadja already had told me about the proximity of the metro. She doesn't mind at all if I decide to go somewhere else but I also know this would be a good choice.

Here is a copy and paste from expedia. The rates are in canadian dollars. It would be an average of $107 per day. I wonder if she could get a better deal if she goes and makes herself the reservation for me. She also wants that it will be the cheapest possible.



Traveler Opinion
4.3
out of 5
5+ reviewsIzmailovo Hotel Gamma-Delta


Moscow, European Russia Area: Izmailovsky Park

Near Izmailovsky Park and Market, this Moscow property is situated in the historical district. Other area...
Photos | Features & Amenities | Location Expedia Special Rate
C$107
avg per night
See Rooms & Rates

Room type     Fri  Sat  Sun  Mon  Tue  Wed  Thu  Avg per night 
Business Room
 wk 1 C$61  C$61  C$61  C$125  C$125  C$125  C$125 
wk 2 C$104  C$104  C$104  C$125  C$125  C$125  C$125 
wk 3 C$104  C$104 
 C$106.64  Select
 

[boaterguy]

Blackcat! If your lady is on the ground in Moscow she should be able to find you a sweet deal on an apartment! I am somewhat surprised about her comments on staying in an apartment. I am sure others will chime in but if you have the choice of an apartment over staying in a hotel it is hands down the better choice!

[Ludmila]

Cat,
The rates look OK. That hotel is good enough.

But, I have a feeling  the guys know what they are saying ( about renting a flat). How long are you stayng? If for some 5-6 days, you will be OK in a hotel, if longer, the expenses on food may total much more than you plan.
 But then again, your decision should depend on your ( and hers) life style. If she's not into cooking and doesn't want to spend time on it, then the hotel. Meanwhile, staying in an apartment enables you to see her qualities  as a traditional lady/ future wife .

[Jumper]

After a hotel stay, I always rented a flat, there are a lot of reasons, i think most are listed in the archives by many men.
(and often the women prefer this arrangement as well it seems)

It is "typically" a more pleasant experience in general.
For the same expense it is generally nicer, more roomy, and you can prepare your own dishes for yourself, or invite her  to a dinner you prepared,, if you are even a little bit of a "cook".

In Moscow, "moscow rick"?  has long been known as a decent service for renting flats there, in many parts of the city?
I have no experience there, or the actual contact information,
but many others could recommend a good flat rental service if it is something you wanted to look into.