National Hotel Moscow Red Square

As pretty much the only international arrival at this time, passport control was virtually empty. Two minutes in front of a Soviet-era looking officer and we were in officially in Russia. With only carry-ons, we were thru baggage claim and into the arrivals hall in no time, where we were besieged by a phalanx of would-be drivers with "Official Taxi" signs. I may have been born at night, but... Ha!

Our concierge had offered the hotel car at 5,800R, but in the next sentence suggested two alternative taxi companies. I booked one online opting for the "Business" or "foreign" car at 1,500R. I stopped at one of the various ATMs in the hall and stocked up on Rubles. Shortly thereafter, our driver arrived with "SFO777" sign and we were off. The international arrivals hall is part of the dreary old section of Domodedovo. Seemed to be under construction as we walked outside past various fences around puddles from a recent rain. Our "foreign business car" was a comfortable mid size Nissan something or other.

Pretty boring and ugly 75 minute drive into the heart of Mockba, thru some horrendous traffic as we got closer.

Hotel National
Moscow
Starwood Luxury Collection

Not the best hotel in Moscow, but a great location right across from Red Square. Plus I need to get to 50 nights for my 10 confirmed suite nights next year, got a good rate and figured I'd get a Platinum upgrade. Lots of history here as it claims to be the oldest hotel in Moscow and that Lenin stayed here for a time. http://www.national.ru/en/history

We were indeed upgraded to a Kremlin View Junior Suite. Was initially bummed that we didn't get a Kremlin Suite or Presidential Suite but, despite my protestations, the hotel apparently does not offer those in the Platinum upgrade pool. On the other hand, one of the Platinum amenities is a complimentary breakfast buffet (about US$55 per person and worth every bit of it). Yeah, I think I'll take that instead of the 500 SPG bonus points. Comfortable if a little smallish but it probably had the best view of Red Square in the hotel.