So far, the only one I have been able to identify is the Mir Hotel. Does anyone know of any others? Is Mir actually "across the street" from the US Embassy?

I cannot recommend any hotel in Moscow. They are way too expensive for what you get. Apartments are the way to go.

As I remember correctly though, money isn't really a big deal for you on this VJ, so I can tell you from personal experience, the western hotels (Hilton, Mariott, etc.) on Tverskaya were not too far from the embassy. And in truth, nothing in Moscow is too far from the embassy if you take the Metro.

Did you guys get the interview date yet? Is it getting close? And, how did all that work with the international air deal? A little update Percival504! Where ya been?

Are you the guy that brokered the Open Skies agreement????

Hey, Slim! I've been staying out of trouble and trying to do some real estate development deals here in the US (hopefully Russia is next!). Everything went really well on our last trip -- it was Mardi Gras where I live, and of course, Russia was having its own lenten celebration at the same time. Her interview is in less than 30 days (TG) and I'm going to be there waiting at the Embassy when she's done.

It seems like the trip to Paris is all good -- we're both swamped so we still have to get her French visa -- we know it won't be a problem, but neither of us has a lot of time. BTW: how's your fiancee? Are you guys having a blast and when is the wedding?

BTW, Slim, can you recommend a nice apartment?

The Ukraina is within walking distance to the Embassy. I stayed there with my first fiancee when she had her interview and it was about a 15 minute walk.

I've used Go To Russia several times. For the interview, the SNOW WHITE STUDIO, Novyi Arbat St., is literally a 5 minute walk from the Embassy. Fantastic location for everything. You get free internet and fee long distance worldwide if I remember correctly. Call the San Francisco office even though Atlanta seems to be the HQ. SF does the accommodation bookings. They also have an office in Moscow.

I used GTR as well for my visa and stuff, but I used moscowapartments.ru for accomodations and stayed in the Vasiliyevskaya apt., it may be a little big for just one couple (I had a buddy with me too) so you're probably better off going with the one Larry mentioned.

They're all pretty much the same, and either Moscow Rick or one of the other expats or someone with a Russian wife is renting them out. You're looking at around $100/night for something pretty decent. Google search for "moscow apartments" and you'll find about 10 sites that have interactive tours and booking info. If you wanna save some money (as Satellite always tells us) have your fiancee check the classifieds, she should be able to get a pretty good deal.


Here on the homefront, things are going well. We've been married for almost four months now. (Seems like four years!) It's interesting, to say the least! I'd need a whole nother thread to explain just how wonderful it is. (SARCASM!!!!) Seriously though, it's cool. You'll be glad you went through all this BS when your VJ is done. Stay posted....