As Moscow hotel rates skyrocket, apartment rentals surge

On the eve of the annual Eurovision song contest, a number of Moscow hotel groups were unceremoniously faced with the probing wrath of Russian justice for what to many seemed an unstoppable upward spiral of usurious hotel rates in this most expensive of world capitals.

Indeed to many travelers the astronomical cost of a hotel stay, for business or pleasure, has driven them to rethink their accommodation options. The popularity of Moscow apartments, as well as St. Petersburg apartments, has seen a surge in rentals as hotel rates continue to skyrocket, 30 percent over 2008 prices in spite of the economic downturn.

Welcome-to-Russia.com, the web’s leading Moscow apartments booking agent, has seen a sharp spike in the number of Odessa apartments rented as well. A spokesperson for Welcome-to-Russia.com commented that business is up, in addition, for Minsk apartments and Kiev apartments occupancy.

“When guests are faced with what they perceive to be a monopoly in sky-high hotel prices, then see the value Moscow apartments bring, the choice is clear.” Welcome-to-Russia.com, whose owners saw a niche and have successfully, filled it, turns 3 this June. Welcome-to-Russia now books over a thousand apartments a year from her inventory of more than 600 diverse units in 26 cities across Russia and CIS. “When one looks at the advantage of a St. Petersburg apartment over staying in even a small hotel… more space, choice of location, more freedom, plus services like airport transfers, translators, and visa support… we see lots of happy clients.”

Moscow apartments offer much more than simply a place to hang one’s hat and a price edge over exorbitant hotel prices. Many Moscow apartments being rented by businessmen from Welcome-to-Russia.com are select, luxurious units, situated in parts of the city close to business opportunities. The time saved with Moscow apartments being in the proximity of meetings and having a fast Internet connection is priceless.

Tourists find Minsk apartments and Kiev apartments convenient for sightseeing and privacy, as well as practical in having as many family members as they wish stay in a home-like atmosphere.