Hot rooms:
Moscow & Beirut
Live like a president in Moscow, and try international chic in Beirut
WORDS | ROBINA DAM
[ MOSCOW ]
A Hyatt high
EVERY HOTEL WORTH ITS FIFTH STAR HAS A PRESIDENTIAL SUITE, super-luxe accommodation out of the reach of the ordinary traveller. These are not just a collection of big rooms, but offer everything a busy world leader might need.
The Ararat Park Hyatt Moscow is a good example. Its Presidential has extra suites attached for secret service personnel to be ensconced as close as possible, and a four poster bed with lapis lazuli coloured bedposts. Heads of state seeking divine inspiration, or merely just a few moments of quiet contemplation, need not even leave the hotel as there is a miniature Armenian chapel on the same floor.
But Voyager would rather recommend the recently refurbished Winter Garden Suite on the 10th floor (pictured middle right) – very convenient for the cool Conservatory Bar & Lounge which is a favourite of well-heeled locals. The suite’s ultra-modern style is firmly aimed at those who want to make a statement – press a button and the blinds zoom up to give you views of Red Square and the Kremlin (this never fails to impress) and the Bolshoi Theatre (currently unimpressive under scaffolding). Sound and vision are provided courtesy of the ever-desirable Bang & Olufsen, while the dining table easily holds six to eight – perfect for business meetings and parties. The Winter Garden Suite is £1,420 a night including breakfast; Park King rooms start at £376 including breakfast.
4 Neglinnaya Street, Moscow 109012, +7 495 783 1234. To book from the UK call 0845 888 1234; www.hyatt.com
[ BEIRUT ]
Gray is the new black
THE LONG AWAITED LEBANESE OUTPOST OF GORDON CAMPBELL GRAY’S hotel chain finally opens its doors. Le Gray, which comes from the same stable as One Aldwych and Dukes in London, firmly puts Beirut back on the luxury hotel map. Three years in the making, style pundits have been getting excited about its launch since the summer but, like a particularly fine claret, it’s been worth the wait.
Le Gray Beirut, Martyrs’ Square, Beirut Central District, +961 1 971 000; www.legray.com
