Radisson Blu Olympiyskiy5

The Radisson Blu Olimpiysky makes a striking impression, thanks to its floor‑to‑ceiling panoramic windows that frame a hypnotic evening Moscow. The big news lately has been the long‑awaited opening of the thermal area on the 13th floor, which instantly drew glowing guest feedback. The hotel is known for generous breakfasts with sparkling wine and staff who pour real care into the little things, including personalised festive surprises. Even so, some guests point to signs of natural wear in the interiors and the disruption caused by the large‑scale construction of the neighbouring sports complex.

Key Observations

New spa: The opening of the thermal area on the 13th floor – with its panoramic pool, hammam, sauna and experience shower – has become the star attraction, turning the hotel into a genuine recharge retreat.

Mesmerising views: Rooms on floors 14 through 32 deliver breathtaking cityscapes, especially after dark.

Personalised service: Staff regularly go beyond the brief, surprising guests with complimentary upgrades, bento‑style birthday cakes and welcome treats in the lobby.

Trajectory: Compared with previous years, the hotel has made a real leap forward: the spa (previously closed) is now open, and complaints about housekeeping have dropped dramatically, though minor cosmetic blemishes on furniture still crop up.

Main Pros

• Luxurious panoramic Moscow views through full‑height windows.
• Brand‑new spa area with immaculate pool, jacuzzi and experience shower.
• Magnificent breakfasts featuring red fish, fresh‑pressed juices and champagne.
• Free underground parking – a real rarity this close to the city centre.
• Attentive staff and thoughtful gestures for birthday celebrants and newlyweds.

Main Cons

• The immediate surroundings are dominated by construction of the sports complex, complicating walks and taxi drop‑offs.
• Minor signs of wear in rooms (scratches, scuffed furniture, dated TVs).
• Windows cannot be opened, so the air can feel stuffy when the air‑conditioning isn’t coping.

Overall Grade: A-

Hotel Overview

Basic Information:

• Name — Radisson Blu Olimpiysky
• Address — Moscow, Samarskaya Street, 1
• Contact — +7-495-2217777
• Year opened — 2018
• Number of rooms — 379
• Positioning and category — Five‑star premium luxury hotel

Description: The interior design of this 32‑storey tower was created by the renowned British studio SCG International, seamlessly blending contemporary practicality with classic elegance. All rooms occupy the upper floors (14th to 32nd), guaranteeing excellent panoramas. Facilities include the Fire Lake Grill House with its Josper grill, the concept bar ARILD, a modern 800‑sq‑m conference centre and the new wellness area.

Target Audience: The hotel is ideal for couples celebrating weddings and anniversaries, travellers who appreciate quality spa breaks, and business visitors attending conferences.

Location & Transport

Location: The hotel sits in the Meshchansky district, reasonably close to Ekaterininsky Park and Tsvetnoy Boulevard. However, at the moment the immediate neighbourhood is a construction site for the upcoming Olimpiysky complex, which dents the visual appeal of wandering around the hotel.

Key Points of Interest: Red Square and the Kremlin can be reached by car in 10–15 minutes. The nearest metro stations, Prospekt Mira and Dostoyevskaya, are about a 10‑minute walk away.

Transport: The hotel offers a paid airport transfer service. Easy access to the Garden Ring makes getting around by taxi simple, though roadworks can slow things down at peak times.

Walkability: Walking to the city centre is quite comfortable, but right by the building the pavements may be temporarily restricted because of the construction.

Grade: B+

Rooms & Cleanliness

Spacious rooms (from 35 sq m) come with orthopaedic beds and wonderfully soft linen. Bathrooms feature high‑quality fittings, and junior suites boast the signature round bathtub beside a panoramic window. Cleanliness is kept to a high standard, with housekeeping quick to respond to requests. The main gripes are minor scratches on furniture and the inability to open windows for fresh air – a real issue when the climate control falters.

Grade: A-

Service

The staff are the hotel’s pride. Guests extend particular thanks to receptionists Matvey and Nikita for lightning‑fast check‑ins, and to manager Pavel for swiftly resolving parking issues. In the lobby, complimentary treats await (hot chocolate with marshmallows from Nazik and Arina, sweets, fruit). The lapses of previous years – slow cleaning and inattention – are now all but forgotten.

Grade: A+

Dining

The breakfast buffet at Fire Lake Grill House is astonishingly varied: red and butterfish, freshly squeezed orange juice, home‑made pancakes (cooked by Aydana), smoothies and champagne. Guests rave about the excellent coffee. The only quibble is the steep prices in the lobby bar.

Grade: A

Facilities & Amenities

The long‑awaited spa on the 13th floor has exceeded every expectation: a spotless panoramic pool with a powerful jacuzzi zone, a stylish hammam and Finnish sauna, all rounded off by an “experience shower” with sound effects. A well‑equipped 24‑hour gym is also available. Free underground parking for guests is a huge bonus anywhere in Moscow.

Grade: A+

Important Notes

• Windows in guest rooms are sealed and do not open for safety reasons at this height.
• Muslim guests should be aware that standard bathrooms lack a hygiene shower (bidet).
• The hotel is hugely popular for weddings and conferences, so reception and lift areas can get busy at weekends and on holidays.

Practical Tips for Guests

• When booking, choose a junior suite above the 25th floor with the round bathtub at the window for the best photos and views.
• If you’re celebrating a birthday or wedding anniversary, be sure to let the hotel know in advance – they’ll arrange a lovely treat, such as a bento cake and sparkling wine.
• Visit the spa in the morning, or ask the concierge for advice at check‑in to avoid the busiest times.
• If you forego full daily cleaning, you can collect vouchers for free drinks at the bar from reception.
• For a stroll to Ekaterininsky Park, pick a route that skirts the construction hoardings around the sports complex.

Final Verdict

The Radisson Blu Olimpiysky is a magnificent panoramic hotel that has gained new sparkle after unveiling a premium spa and honing its service to an impeccable level.

Overall Grade: A-

Breakdown: Location: B+ | Rooms: A- | Service: A+ | Dining: A | Facilities: A+ | Value for Money: A-

Best for: Romantic couples, honeymooners, spa enthusiasts and lovers of stunning urban panoramas.

Not for: Those seeking a quiet historic neighbourhood for walks without construction outside the window, or guests who might feel claustrophobic because the windows don’t open.