The Peak Hotel exceeded our expectations! In every sense, it is a fully acceptable, superior, tourist-class hotel in Russia.

We traveled to Sochi (and Krasnaya Polyana) for two reasons. First, we're "adventuresome skiers," and, second, we wanted to do a little research into the place before we return for the 2014 Winter Olympic Games.

The Peak Hotel occupies a good location in the heart of Krasnaya Polyana. It's easily the nicest hotel in town. (The Grand Hotel Polyana - nicer - is about 5 kms further up the valley and further removed from the town). The Peak Hotel is inside its own little compound, and within that compound, it's quite nice. There are a two main buildings; both with newer, nicer guest rooms. We stayed in Block A (the older block), but it looked like it had been recently refurbished since the Radisson folks left town. The reception, lobby bar, swimming pool, and fitness area was new, clean, well-kept, and welcoming. There was a nice fireplace in the lobby / bar area with comfortable couches and free Wi-Fi. It was a nice place to sip a beer / cocktail, surf the Internet and chat with friends after a day of skiing.

The rooms in Block A were fully acceptable. They were large for European standards (normal for American / Russian standards). We had a Twin room (two single beds), and it was clean, comfortable and welcoming. There was a flat-screen TV with satellite channels in English (BBC, CNN, etc.), a nice work desk, a full wardrobe and a comfortable bathroom. Toiletries were included and housekeeping kept the room fresh and clean throughout our stay. We had windows that opened, too. Our view was out the side of the hotel, overlooking a temporary construction workers' barracks, but we could see the mountains, too.

Breakfast was inlcluded in our rate, and it was a very nice spread each morning. Russian, European, and Western tastes would be satisfied. It was a full, traditional buffet. There were two other restaurants on the premises, too: an Italian restauran and a new Irish pub (Klover). Both were very nice (if empty of tourist at the time were were there). We ate in the Italian restaurant one night, and the pasta was excellent (a good wine list, too). We had a beer in the Irish pub (Guinness) and played a round of pool (billiards). Overall, the food service at the Peak Hotel was fantastic.

If you're a bit adventuresome, there are a few places to experience in the town of Krasnaya Polyana. We visited three great restaurants in town: The Tractor, the Starbar, and Achishkho Restaurant. The front desk man / woman helped us locate them, and all were outstanding.

Krasnaya Polyana is one, giant construction zone, and the Peak Hotel is a nice oasis in the dirty chaos. The entire valley (about 5 kms) is under massive renovation / improvements in preparation for the Olympics. The town looks more like Afghanistan than anything else, but it WILL be incredible in two short years. Plus, once you're out of the valley and on top of the mountains, the skiing is world-class.

So, until the newer, glitzier, shinier hotels are completed for the Olympics, there is no better choice in town than the Peak Hotel. GO! You'll love it!