Having been to Russia a few times I thought it a good idea to see another city. Volgograd was gven to me as an option and I have to admit to not knowing too much about it. Well in for a penny, in for a pound I say!! I had a choice of a few hotels and from the pictures this one looked to be pretty decent. I did not expect too much and I have to say the hotel exceeded all my expectations.

I was met at the airport by the driver and whisked to the hotel in a very new and comfortable Mercedes Benz van for 500 rubles - about US$18. A good start. Check in was quick and easy with the staff speaking excellent english. I had booked a "Suite 2 Rooms". the only odd thing was that you paid for your stay upfront - no big deal but unusual.

On arrival in the room I was surprised at how new and clean it was. Although the furnishings were quite traditional there was a separate bedroom, sitting area with TV and DVD player. The bathroom was also large, clean and modern.

Other in room facilities for free were filtered water, small snacks and tea and coffee. There was also a mini-bar with a range of refreshments which were well priced. Free wireless is also available by getting a code from reception and the signal was strong and the speed fast, another great bonus.

I had breakfast included in the rate and I really cannot fault the quality, quantity and taste of the food - I really recommend the pancakes and the eggs. The coffee was also very good. The restaurant is also open for lunch and dinner but I did not try this.

After a full day of touring (I recommend Volgograd Sputnik tours) I retired to the hotel and elected to try room service. The menu was very extensive and in Russian and English. I was not brave enough to try and order over the phone but wrote out my request and took it to reception. They were more than happy to pass it on to the restaurant. I was further impressed when they rang to see if they wanted my dessert (ice cream) delivered at the same time as the rest of the meal or brought up late - a nice touch. The food was fine and I will also mention that you could not charge it to the room but had to pay cash.

Check out time is 12:00 pm but you can extend your stay and pay by the hour (!!) which was for five hours 600 rubles (US$30) - a bargain!

My tour guide indicated that this was one of the better hotels in Volgograd and better than the Intourist or Volgograd Hotel. I would definately stay there again. There is nothing much around it but you are close to a very nice shopping centre. Not sure what the other rooms are like and I suspect they are more basic.

If in Volgograd, give this hotel a go.