How expensive is Russia?
 

Going to Russia in October. What should we expect to pay for a medium priced hotel in Moscow and St. Petersberg? How expensive is food?

This is difficult to answer. Both cities are like big cities anywhere in the world. You can spend $250 a night or $25 a night. You can eat for $150 pp or $15. Depends upon our needs. Generally hotels are expensive and food is expensive for the quality. I would not spend much on the room as you are not likely to spend much time there. <BR> <BR>October weather can be quite cool to cold but it can also be pleasant.

We found our biggest problem in hotels. They all seemed to us to be in one of 3 categories: <BR> <BR>* Ultra luxury, US $350/night and up <BR>* Russian standard, US $100, equivalent to US Motel 6 in decor, but Marriott in Price <BR>* Less than US $100 and either scary or really bad location <BR> <BR>We stayed at the Rossya in Moscow, and I can't recommend it highly enough. All of the negative reviews are correct - it's a nondescript, hulking cement block (the building AND the staff, now that I think about it), service is minimal and NOT with a smile, the breakfast buffet is pretty bad, and all for US $100. ON THE OTHER HAND . . . it is RIGHT across the street from St. Basil's, and our room even had a balcony. Fabulous, fabulous view and location. <BR> <BR>The Intourist is the other hotel in this category, and it is on the other side of the Red Square. I'd imagine it's pretty much the same; perhaps make your choice based on which can get you the better room for the money.

This question is for Ruth since you stated that like any big city in the world you can find accommodations for $250 or $25. Please tell me the names of $25 accommodation in Paris, Amsterdam, Rome, Venice, Florence, Lisbon, Athens, Krakow, Barcelona, Madrid and of course Moscow and St. Petersburg.

Travelers Guest House in Moscow. <BR> <BR>Also Tsaristino has apartments for rent without kitchen for $30 per night for foreigners. <BR> <BR>Don't know about other cities.