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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a Russian style hotel and a Western style hotel?
A: Russian style hotels are most common in rural Russia outside the large cities such as Moscow and St Petersburg, although these two cities also have a large number of Russian managed hotels. Russian style hotels have the following characteristics:
* Hotels date back to pre-1990, mostly to the period 1950-1980
* Hotels have seen little or limited amount of renovation and dated decoration is quite common.
* Hotels are managed by Russian companies and served by Russian staff. Although English is used by most people in the travel industry, the staff's use of language and tourist signs in these hotels can be limited to Russian.
* Hotels can offer most of the facilities provided by Western style hotels, yet the presentation of these are distinctly different. An example is the display of casinos in foyers - something not associated with Western style hotels.
* In general Russian style hotels are clean and comfortable and also more affordable, yet Russian 3-star hotels should be viewed on par with Western 2-star hotels and so forth.
Western style hotels merely refer to hotels managed and presented in a way familiar to tourists from Europe and America and include brand names such as Holiday Inn, Marriot and Kempinski. There are some Russian owned and managed hotels which are also classed as Western style hotels since the facilities and services match that of hotels in Europe and America with the same star-grading.
Do I need to book a departure transfer?
A: It is highly recommended to pre-book at least your arrival transfer for your own comfort and safety. However, depending on the length of your stay in Russia, it is entirely up to the tourist to decide whether you would like to pre-book your departure transfer. In many cases, for a stay of exceeding 7 days, tourists become familiar with local public transport and are confident in finding the suitable means to return to the airport for their homeward travel. Some airports in Russia have rail links to the city centres and in some cases the hotels can be really close to the airport (as is the case with the Pulkovskaya Hotel in St Petersburg) in which case private transfers are not always the best value for money.
Do I need to book transfers between the hotel and a railway station?
A: Rail journeys in Russia are operated with military precision and therefore it is highly advisable for tourists to arrive at the station at least one hour prior to the departure time of the train. Trains are also very long and it can be hard to identify your train and cabin number in a short amount of time. Therefore we recommend pre-booking your transfer to the station. However, in many cases hotels can be within walking distance from your station and we therefore advise that you ask your travel consultant first for advice on the use of station transfers. In remote parts of Russia, including Siberia, some trains leave in the early hours of the morning in which case we recommend to pre-book a transfer. It might also be necessary for you to collect your train tickets in certain parts of Russia prior to you boarding the train and the only way to receive the actual tickets might be a guide meeting you at your hotel and accompanying you by transfer to the station and show you your cabin. Your travel consultant will make you aware if this is the case.
Should I consider the day train or the overnight train when I have the option?
A: Most trains in Russia used by tourists operate overnight. Since the distances involved are really long in most cases, it is most comfortable to enjoy a peaceful night of sleep on such journeys. However, there are trains between Moscow and St Petersburg operating in day time and depending on the purpose of your journey, taking the day train can be more suitable for your needs. The day trains take roughly 6 hours from point to point and allow the tourist to enjoy the views of the Russian countryside either in seating class, 2nd class or 1st class cabins. In winter though, with daylight being minimal, we recommend the overnight sleeper train. The sleeper train takes 8 hours to complete the journey and tourists can sleep on board in either 2nd class or 1st class cabins. If you travel on a tighter budget, remember that your train ticket saves one night’s accommodation in a hotel.
What is the difference in various rail classes in Russia?
A: On most trains booked by IntouristUK you will have the choice of booking tickets in a 1st class 2 berth or 2nd class 4 berth compartment. There is no difference of the size of the actual berths or compartments in 1st or 2nd class. The main difference is that 2nd class has 4 berths (2 lower and 2 upper), while 1st class has the 2 lower berths only. There is space for storing luggage beneath the lower berths or above the door. All compartments can be locked from the inside. Generally the atmosphere on the trains is very good and overnight journeys are a great way to meet locals and fellow travellers.
What facilities can be found on the overnight trains in Russia?
A: You will receive a berth (allocated on your ticket) in a 4 berth or 2 berth compartment depending on the class of ticket you have booked. There is a mattress which can be rolled out on your berth and you will receive clean bed linen (2 sheets, pillow case, blanket and small towel). Depending on the train the cost of the bed linen is either included in your ticket or should be paid to your carriage attendant (a small fee of around 50 Russian Roubles). At the end of your journey the linen will be collected by the carriage attendant and you will be expected to pay for any lost items.
Each carriage has 2 attendants who work around the clock. They are responsible for checking tickets, providing bed linen and the cleanliness of the carriage. The attendants maintain a boiler with constant hot water and sell tea, coffee, soft drinks and snacks. You can also make your own hot drinks free of charge. Sometimes there will be a selection of snacks and soft drinks in your compartment. These are not free of charge and you will be expected to pay for any items you have used at the end of your journey.
At each end of the carriage there is a lavatory and washbasin. Toilet paper is usually provided but it is a good idea to have your own just in case. The attendants will lock the toilets approximately 15 minutes before every stop.
Most trains will have a restaurant car where you can have simple but adequate meals and but alcoholic and soft drinks. A meal should not cost more than £5 per person. On long-distance journeys most people buy foodstuffs (bread, sausage, dried fish, soft drinks, beer etc) from local people waiting on the platforms at station stops.
Should I rather consider domestic flights or trains when traveling in Russia?
A: The use of flights as opposed to trains in Russia is mostly dependant on the distance in question. Between Moscow and St Petersburg, tourists almost exclusively use the overnight trains whereas business travellers prefer a flight which lasts roughly 1 and a half hour. When traveling further a field, the time spend on modes of transport become a deciding factor. The train journey from Moscow to Irkutsk last for 4 nights whereas the flight is a mere 5 and a half hour. Of course, it also depends on the purpose of your visit – many tourists travel to far-off Russia in order to experience the long train journey.
How can I book theatre tickets for Moscow and St Petersburg?
A: It is possible to pre-book tickets for various theatres in Moscow and St Petersburg through Intourist Ltd. Since the large theatres in these cities finalize their playbills more or less 1 month prior to the performance, clients are advised to visit the theatres’ own websites at www.mariinsky.ru for the Mariinsky in St Petersburg and www.bolshoi.ru for the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow. Clients can also book theatre tickets direct with the theatres through these websites.
Should I pre-book excursions in Russia prior to traveling?
A: It is possible for tourists to either pre-book day tours or other excursions with Intourist prior to travel or to make arrangements through local operators once at the destination. If the tourist desire more flexibility and discovering on his/her own, we recommend to rather wait and book excursions as you feel once in Russia. However, if tourists have a short stay in Russia and want to make sure that they have seen as much as possible (especially where attractions outside the city boundaries are concerned), we strongly recommend to pre-book all excursions. Our excursions are offered on a private basis with your own personal guide.
