Book Hotel in Russia
The best booking portals, payment methods and important information about migration registration.
The best booking portals, payment methods and important information about migration registration.
Hotel booking in Russia differs in some points from the usual procedure. International booking portals like Booking.com no longer work – instead there are excellent local alternatives with great selection and affordable prices.
These Russian booking portals offer a huge selection of hotels, apartments and hostels at fair prices.
The largest Russian hotel booking portal – comparable to Booking.com. Huge selection, reliable reviews, often best prices.
The travel portal of Russian tech giant Yandex. Hotels, flights and train tickets combinable. Strong app.
Specialized in vacation apartments and apartments. Ideal for longer stays or families. Direct contact with landlord.
Russia's largest classifieds portal. Apartments from private individuals – often best prices, but careful with selection.
Hotels automatically register foreign guests with the migration authority. This is legally required. Keep the registration confirmation safe!
For classic hotel bookings we recommend Ostrovok.ru. For longer stays, Sutochno.ru is worthwhile for apartments. Compare prices and read reviews.
Western credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) don't work. Check before booking: UnionPay card available? Cash payment on site possible? Or help from a Russian friend?
Pay attention to location (near metro!), reviews and amenities. Book with free cancellation in case plans change. Save the booking confirmation.
With "Pay at Hotel" you pay on site in cash or with working card. With online payment the booking is confirmed immediately. Keep all payment receipts.
At check-in, request the registration confirmation. These small forms confirm your registration with the authorities. Keep absolutely until departure!
Since Western credit cards don't work in Russia, you need alternative payment methods for your hotel booking.
Chinese credit card system accepted in many Russian hotels. Not available everywhere.
Book with "Pay at Hotel" and pay on site in rubles. Safest for tourists – bring enough cash.
Friends or acquaintances in Russia can book for you and pay on site. Then simply transfer.
For the visa you often need a hotel booking confirmation (voucher). At Ostrovok.ru you automatically receive this by email after booking.
Pay special attention to reviews from German or European guests. Standards may differ from those in Western Europe.
In Moscow and St. Petersburg, proximity to the metro is crucial. "Only 5 km from center" can mean 1 hour in traffic.
Look for hotels with 24-hour reception, especially for late arrivals. For private accommodations, check-in must be coordinated.
Expect 10-15 minutes for registration at check-in. Have passport ready – it will be copied for authority notification.
Which documents you need and how to prepare everything in time.
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Still have questions about hotel booking or travel planning?