General knowledge of Russian manners and conduct will be beneficial and will not let during your trip you offend someone accidentally.

Do’s and Don’ts for Hotel Stays

  • Do: 
    • Greet Hotel Staff: A simple “Hello” or “Good morning” in Russian is a nice gesture with some lift and taxi drivers seem to expect their foreign clients to know at least some Russian.
    • Respect Quiet Hours: Most hotels set rules on when guests are allowed to be noisy and usually this lasts up to 10 in the evening.
    • Tip Appropriately: There is no compulsion on clients to tip hotel staff such as housekeeping or porters although it is encouraged. A patron can give a small tip in the amount of 100-200 RUB.
  • Don’t: 
  • Assume All Services Are Free: Additional services and facilities such as drink, water, spa and car parking may attract extra cost. Always confirm beforehand.
  • Be Overly Casual: It is important for Russians to maintain a business like attitude and this applies especially when in a hotel. There should be courtesy in dressing code in areas such as corridors, eating places and other recreational areas.

Understanding Russian Culture

  • Hospitality: Like in any other culture, Russians are hospitable but in most scenarios they may take a while to warm up to you. The key is follow the correct etiquette, meaning staying polite and be patient with your demands.
  • Privacy: Privacy was important to Russians as much as personal boundaries, a concept that is different from privacy in Western societies. Do not impose, in terms of questions with staff or in terms of familiarity with fellow guests.
  • Punctuality: Punctuality is adhered to in Russia. Be punctual for check –in’s, meals and other activities as planned on the timetable.

To enjoy your stay and make a positive impression on the local people you have to as far as possible respect their ways of doing things.

Safety and Security

The security of the hotel is very important to help you have the most convenient when experiencing the hotel including hotels in Russia. Most hotels and motels are safe and clean but it’s never a bad idea to be extra cautious.

Hotel Safety Standards

  • Fire Safety: Look for conspicuous fire exits and fire fighting apparatuses in your hotel. It can be said that most of the harm and standard organizations obey stringent rules of fire safety.
  • Room Security: Make sure that your room has working locks on the doors and if there’s a possibility then get a safe to store things like passports and gadgets.
  • Staff Identification: Hotel staff should always be and identifiable easily either through wearing uniforms and or badges. Any stranger coming near you with no ID card, deny them entry and call the front desk to confirm their identity.

Tips for Solo Travelers

  • Inform Someone of Your Plans: When planning your next trip, let someone close know where you will be going and which hotel you will be staying at.
  • Avoid Sharing Room Numbers: Do not publicize when and where you are to be found in a particular room or number.
  • Use Hotel Transportation Services: Transit to and from the airport or a train station is often arranged with great service from many hotels. This can be safer than using ordinary and unregistered taxi services.
  • Stay in Well-Lit Areas: While walking around at night, it is advisable to use lit areas which are commonly crowded, avoid dark alleys.

However, if you maintain a close look at what is going on around you and take the following precautions, your stay in Russian hotels will be SAFE.

Pro Tips for a Smooth Stay

  1. Check Hotel Policies: It is recommended that a client learn about the hotel’s rules on check-in and check-out and any penalties for cancellations and other extra charges.
  2. Carry Identification: There are restrictions of the Russian legislation demanding to have identity papers always with oneself. Atleast carry photocopies of your passport and visa on you at other times apart from your stay at the hotel.
  3. Understand Registration Requirements: To legalise visitors from other countries, the Russian hotels are obliged to provide their guests’ data to the government. Make sure that this process is done at check-in.
  4. Pack Essentials: Take an adaptor for the Russian electrical outlets (C or F) and pack simple personal effects like soap, shampoo and towels you might not readily find them in a cheaper hotel.
  5. Be Prepared for Cultural Differences: Interactions expected and served may not be how you are used to experiencing them. Go to situations with a flexible attitude and with an exploratory spirit.