Anyone stay in a nice cheap hostel in Moscow. I found some online but I'd like to see if any of you would recommend one.

I was lucky enough to get an expense account halfway through college. I made it through Europe with the Corporate Amex. (I was a lucky kid). The few times I've stayed in hostels, it was pretty creepy. And I've stayed in some scary places around the world. Be careful doing this alone.

So - I have no advice to offer. I'm sure there must be something - anyone else here know?

Because of the visa situation in Russia, the hostel will need to be able to help you with it. Be sure to check about this.

In my younger days, I could usually find University dorms for rent in the summer. This was amazingly cheap (~$200/month in most of Europe in the late 90s). Back then, it was cheaper to do this for a month than pay for two nights at a hotel. I didn't feel bad paying for a month even if I only stayed for a week. I've done that in Montreal, London, and Boston. Probably possible now - but you will have better luck if you are young (under 26).

I think the best way to do Moscow on the cheap is to have or make friends there.

Most times it is much cheaper to find a flat to rent. My fiance did this because hers was a bit small. She found a 3 bedroom flat fully furnished for $20 a night.

Learn to read Russian or have your fiancee get in contact with any of the people you find suitable through this famous Russian classified now online:
http://www.irr.ru/
Price for a month might be cheaper than a hostel for a few days.
You can even rent out a room inside a flat or literally pay by the hour.

Great site, Satellite. Thanks.

I thought this topic was going to be about some Chechnian rebels in Moscow. I'm very disappointed.

Hostels... not Hostiles...

Hostels sound cheap, but 2 people they charge double. Seems to be cheaper to get a hotel room/

I think we can close this thread out now. You can find an apartment for about $60-100 and it will be ok. You can get a decent hotel for about $120-200 in Moscow as well (I recommend that for a short trip, otherwise an apt is cheaper.) You will not find anything much cheaper.

Sat's advice is great -- as it always is. Even with my Russian, I found a few deals. If you can't speak, find someone who can.

(To be fair, my wife has decided to help me lately with my Russian. I think her family has complained about poor spelling in letters and emails from me. The already know my accent is horrible.)

Where can you find an apartment for $60-100 per night for short term? I have seen this stated but have not found any. I have asked my friends in Moscow to look also and they can not find any apartment for rent at tis price. I know of only one hotel that is about $70 (1800 rubles) and it is very nice, recently refurbished in the main building. I stayed there two weeks ago. It is called "Tourist" and it is a 10 minute walk from Botanicheski Sad metro station.

Devereux

I think that $70 counts as between $60-100.

The only apartment I have used in Moscow was $60-75 (don't remember exactly). Found this from a Russian travel agent in Moscow (no visa support though). Location was excellent, 2 bedrooms. You would need to speak/read Russian to swing this.

Sat has had similar experiences.

You don't need to speak Russian to get an apartmemt for that rate. Contact Olesya (rusgirlfriday@yandex.ru) to book a small apartment for $70, $80, or $90 a night. She just e-mailed me pictures of the places available, and they look quite nice for the money.