Pentahotel Moscow, Arbat

BACKGROUND

This is the 29th property in the Pentahotels portfolio, a neighbourhood lifestyle brand under the Hong Kong-based Rosewood Hotel Group. The hotel had its soft opening in December 2018 and officially opened on February 28, 2019. It’s situated in The Book, one of four “Book Houses” – buildings designed to resemble an open book. Pentahotel Moscow occupies the lower 11 floors of the 26-storey, mixed-use building.

WHERE IS IT?

Near the city centre on Novy Arbat Avenue, the hotel is close to landmarks including the Red Square, St Basil’s Cathedral, the Kremlin and Bolshoi Theatre. The Arbatskaya metro station is eight minutes’ walk away and the hotel is a 10-15 minute drive from the Expocentre and Moscow International Business Centre. Sheremetyevo International Airport is 50 minutes away by car.

WHAT’S IT LIKE?

Its location within a residential building gives the hotel an understated charm – it doesn’t boast a grand entrance nor a huge logo recognisable from way off in the distance. Entering the lobby, there’s a spacious seating area and a long reception desk, which doesn’t provide check-in or checkout services. Instead, you’ll need to take a transparent lift directly to the Pentalounge – a multifunctional “lifestyle lobby” that serves as a reception, lobby, bar, café and restaurant – on Level 3.

Once check-in is done, you’ll get your key card in a special holder, which is actually a pocket-sized “insider’s guide to Moscow” with a map that shows nearby attractions, restaurants and bars along with detailed information on each location. There’s also a QR code that guests can scan to view the digital version.

ROOMS

The hotel has 228 guestrooms, spanning levels 6 to 11. The guestrooms are divided into three major categories: the Penta Standard room, ranging from 18 to 33 sqm; the 27 to 31 sqm Penta Plus room that features a separate living room area; and the 33 sqm Penta PlayerPad room equipped with in-room games consoles, including a PlayStation 4. There are also two wheelchair accessible rooms on levels 6 and 7.

The guestrooms feature an industrial loft-style design. Each is decorated with wallpaper of the same Moscow map as the one printed on its special keycard holder, recalling the neighbourhood lifestyle feel that the brand is aiming for. Unlimited free wifi, described as “free oxygen” on the hotel’s website, is provided as well.

I was staying in a Penta Standard room on Level 8 with a king-size bed. My room had a nice view facing the busy Novy Arbat Avenue – fortunately there wasn’t much noise at night. Add to that the room’s blackout curtains and I managed to enjoy some good sleep during my stay.

The minibar is stocked on request with paid-for items.

The bathroom is rather small but functional. There’s a rainfall shower, as well as sycamore fig-scented shampoo and body wash from Dutch brand Zenology. Unfortunately, the hotel doesn’t provide conditioner.

FOOD AND DRINK

Buffet breakfast is served on Level 2 at Breakfast Box. On weekdays, the breakfast restaurant is open 6.30-10.30am; on weekends, it ends at 11am. A decent selection of food and drink is offered. There are also self-serve coffeeand tea-making facilities. Service here is good and staff members are friendly.

Meals can also be ordered in the 24-hour Pentalounge, which features lounge chairs and communal tables. TVs, bookshelves and a number of paintings adorn the walls, giving the space a cosy and artistic atmosphere.

Lunch and dinner are both served in the Pentalounge – Breakfast Box, as its name suggests, is only open for breakfast. The à la carte menu offers a range of choices including starters, salads, hot dishes, burgers and desserts, though you can also choose from a local menu if you want to try authentic Russian dishes. The bar serves all the usual liquid fare.

LEISURE

There’s a 24-hour Pentagym on Level 3, to which in-house guests have free access, though it’s not very big. There’s also a free-to-use pool table in the Pentalounge.

VERDICT

The ideal location allows you to get to both major city attractions and business hubs easily. The property itself is clean and has a modern, stylish design. Jackie Chen

Unlimited free wifi, called 'free oxygen' on the hotel’s website, is provided