Moscow flats

[groovlstk]

I'm tentatively planning a trip to Moscow in May, can anyone recommend a flat in the $70-$80 per night range?

I've ridden NYC subways for 20 years so I have no qualms about taking  the metro to get to Arbat, as long as it's close to my flat.

I'm not looking for something luxurious, just a studio in a safe area,  with full kitchen, private bath, a real bed (not a sofabed), and a  washing machine.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

[Jack]

Groovlstk you might be in for a surprise trying to find a flat close to the metro, with washing machine anywhere in Moscow in that price range. For certain if you find anything in this price range it will be more than 30 minutes from the center. And flats close to any of the metro stops are going to cost more.
 
Considering the time it will take daily getting to the center, to Arbat, you would do yourself well if you would look at flats in the $90-$95 price range. And at this price you could get to within 20 minutes of the center. 
 
If you do find something as you have describe I would sure like to hear about it after you have rented it.
 

[Turboguy]

Hi Groovlstk,

How important is the washing machine.  You might try WayToRussia.com  They have apartments starting at $ 75.00 or so.   They have a range.  The ones I am looking hardest at are # 130 and # 116. 

I have been looking myself.  I may have an apartment lined up but I won't know for another day or two.  The one I am hoping to get is under $ 75, and fairly nice.  It is in the general area of the Ukraina hotel so it is reasonablly central.  I am heading there in about 2 weeks or so.

Don't forget to do a trip report when you go.  Your trip reports are always good reading.

 

[Bruce]

Look on the old PL board archives.  There always was an American renting out his Russian familys extra apartment in Moscow.  Very favorable feedback from guys who rented it.

[Vaughn]

groov, there's an American named Rick Moncher, who with his wife rent flats in Moscow - goes by the name of MoscowRick - if he cannot help you, he surely can make other suggestions. Check out his page. Bruce, is that the guy you were thinking of?

Vaughn

http://www.enjoymoscow.com/MoscowRick/

[groovlstk]

Thanks for the suggestions, guys.

I know that Moscow is one of the most expensive cities in the world,  but man... I stayed in a really nice flat in St. Petersburg, about 20  yards from Nevsky Prospect, for only $60 per night.

Turbo, I'd like to have a washer so that I don't have to pack a sea  trunk. I've found that access to a washer allows me to pack maybe 1/2  the amount of clothes that I'd normally take. I've yet to see a  Western-style laundromat and I think I'd go nuts if I had to sit in  front of a washer and dryer with so many beautiful women outside.

I'm starting to believe that Ukraine is a better option since  accomodations are (mostly) less expensive, no need to pay for a visa,  and no need to register on arrival.

[Bruno]

I've yet to see a  Western-style laundromat and I think I'd go nuts if I had to sit in  front of a washer and dryer with so many beautiful women outside.

If you find so laudromat, i think that it will be filled with women... maybe a good place for flirt a little

[Bruce]

Places I have been to in Russia I remember off the top of my head so often ( multiple times) and Ukraine (Kiev once and Kharkov once on two separate trips) for over all costs:

Cheapest to most expensive:

1.  Novosibirsk region Russia (except for time in Sibir hotel which was expensive but good in Novosibirsk accomodations ranged from bad to worse, especially in small cities like Biisk and Baranul - but they were really cheap!)

2.  Tver, Russia

3.  Serpucha, Russia

4.  Kharkov, Ukraine

5.  Sochi, Russia

6.   Kiev, Ukraine

7.  St. Petersburg, Russia

8.  Moscow, Russia

  My experience basic rule of thumb:  the further out you get from the power centers the cheaper everything gets (except for getting there and back).

My advice to you looking for a girl - go to places that are not that impossible to get to that have a large concentration of women:

1.  Tver, Russia

2.  Kharkov, Ukraine

      In my opinion the two cities above are both reasonably inexpensive, close enough / fairly easy to get to and have a ton of beautiful, eligible women.  I believe there are more insincere scammer women in Ukraine, but that is only my opinion based on personal experience and number of horrible disasters I have read about over the years.  So, I recommend going to Russia.  If you want to do things on the cheap, which you probably do since you have so much experience in the pursuit  - contact Rver. 

 

 

[philb]

Here are a couple of links.  I have not rented from any of them.  The last time I was in Moscow was 2002 and the link to the apartment I rented appears to be dead.

I agree that having the washing machine is nice.  Another option though is a laundry service.  Most times the agencies that rent apartments can either provide this or refer you to someone who does.  Typically you will get your laundry returned to you the next day.  The best part is you don't have to iron things.

Here are the links.

http://www.astorapartments.com/apartments.htm

http://www.cheap-moscow.com/apartments.htm

http://www.unclepasha.com/rooms_asya.htm

The last one is for a home stay.  Really cheap

[Vaughn]

Be wary of Uncle Pasha - he gladly accepted Ken Catzenmouse's full deposit, and then suddenly decided he hated Siberians; hence, Ken's then-fiance had to scramble for alternate arrangements. PM Ken before you deal with Pasha....

Vaughn 

[Turboguy]

I think it is Uncle Pasha's site that says if you are coming there to meet Russian women he will not rent to you.   He says he has had too many problems with those groups but if you are coming there for business fine.

His site is so amusing it is worth checking out for entertainment.  I like the photo of his car # 1.    I had been cruising the Moscow apartment sites as I made my plans but fortunately my friend got back to me this morning and I have my apartment worked out.  It is going to run me $ 70.00 a night.  I think that is a little higher than the last time I used it but I am happy with the price and the apartment is nice.

[Jack]

Good price Turbo. Can you tell me how long would it take to get from this flat to Red Square?  Is the flat close to a metro stop and if so how close?

Groovlstk if your looking to get within about 20 minutes of Red Square I can get you flats in the $90 range. If you would like to be within a five to ten minutes walk of Red Square can get you flats in the $100-$110 range per night.

[Turboguy]

Yes, I thought it was a good price Jack.  It is in between two metro stops.  The one down and to the left is probably 4 blocks.  The one down and to the right is probably 6 blocks.  If you know where the Zoo is it is about 4 blocks from there.  If you don't it is in the same general region as the Ukraina hotel.  Walking to Red Square probably would give you a good days exercise.

I did a lot of intenet searching for apartments while I was waiting to see if mine was going to be available.  You apartments are a good deal too.  It was much easier to find apartments for $ 150-300 a night than it was in your price range.  I did not know you could do apartments in Moscow.  You are a very versitle man Jack. 

 

[Jack]

Turbo, we help guys with flats in I believe 21 cities

Yes, I know where the Moscow zoo is, have you been there? I guess I am too much an animal lover. I would never visit the Moscow zoo again. The conditions that some of those animals have to live in was very upsetting for me to see.

I think 4 and 6 blocks away from a metro, 35-45 minutes from the center, than $70 is probably about right. But how can you stay so far from the center? Are you not going to the center everyday? Sometimes two and three times a day? When one thinks about the time it takes to get to the center, the cost if your not using the metro, Turbo the extra $20 a day is not such a bad deal. I mean time is one commodity most guys do not have enough of. In Moscow a guy can easily save two hours a day just in travel time by staying in the center.

 

[Turboguy]

Great Jack.  I will keep that in mind.  I would much rather deal with you anywhere I can except perhaps Moscow.  The person I arranged the flat with in Moscow is an old friend.  Is there a list of the cities where you can arrange flats on your website?     Sometimes when I need to arrange a flat it takes a lot of searching.

Well, yes, it would only be a 45 minute trip to the center if I walked.  I mostly use the metro and I can be anywhere pretty quickly.  I don't know that I go to the center every day but yes, it is a common destination.

I have been to the zoo in Moscow.  I may go back on this trip too.  It is a little sad and sure doesn't compare with the Tokoyo zoo, probably more to see than the Pittsburgh zoo though.