Pentahotel Moscow, Arbat
BACKGROUND This is the 29th property in the Penta portfolio, a “neighbourhood lifestyle” brand from Hong Kong-based Rosewood Hotel Group. Pentahotel Moscow had its soft opening in December last year and officially opened on February 28. It’s situated in one of the four “Book Houses” on Novy Arbat Avenue, which are designed to resemble open books. It occupies the lower 11 floors of the 26-storey mixed-use building.
WHERE IS IT? The hotel is about a 10- to 15-minute drive from Red Square, the Expocentre and Moscow International Business Centre. Arbatskaya metro station is less than ten minutes’ walk away. Sheremetyevo International airport is about a 50-minute drive.
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. Entering the lobby, there’s a spacious seating area and a long reception desk, although this doesn’t provide check-in or check-out services. Instead, you’ll need to take a 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. They are divided into three categories: the Penta Standard room, ranging from 18 to 23 sqm; the 27-31 sqm Penta Plus, which features a separate living area; and the 33 sqm Penta PlayerPad, which is equipped with games consoles including a Playstation 4. There are also two accessible rooms.
The rooms have an industrial loft-style design. Each is decorated with Moscow map wallpaper, in accordance with the neighbourhood feel that the brand is aiming for. Unlimited free wifi, described as “free oxygen” on the hotel’s website, is provided, as are tea and coffee facilities and a bottle of water. The minibar is stocked on request with paid-for items. Rooms also have desks and safes.
I stayed in an eighth-floor Penta Standard room, which had a king-size bed and a nice view facing the busy Novy Arbat Avenue – fortunately there wasn’t much noise at night. Add to that the blackout curtains and I managed to enjoy some good sleep during my stay.
The bathroom was rather small but functional. It had a rainfall shower, as well as sycamore fig-scented shampoo and body wash from Dutch brand
Zenology. Note that conditioner is not provided so bring your own.
FOOD AND DRINK A buffet spread is served at Breakfast Box on level 2. On weekdays, it is open 6.30-10.30am; on weekends, it ends at 11am. A decent selection of food and drink is on offer, along with self-service hot drinks. Service 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, creating a cosy atmosphere. The à la carte menu includes a range of choices including starters, sandwiches, salads, hot dishes, pizzas, burgers and desserts, although you can also choose from a local menu.
LEISURE There’s a 24-hour gym on the third floor, although it’s not very big. The Pentalounge also has a pool table.
MEETINGS Four rooms on level 3 can be combined into two larger spaces, ranging from 61 to 82 sqm.
VERDICT A modern, stylish and well-kept property in an ideal location for getting to both city attractions and business hubs easily.
A ‘lifestyle lobby’ serves as reception, lobby, bar, café and restaurant