Hotel Nikol’skaya Kempinski Moscow Welcomes its First Guests in the Heart of Russia’s Capital

The hotel combines historical charm with modern amenities and Kempinski’s renowned European flair and service Moscow, 14 May, 2013: Hotel Nikol’skaya Kempinski Moscow welcomed its first guests on 6 May, 2013. After six years of painstaking reconstruction, the complex of historical buildings located at the corner of Nikol’skaya Street and Lubyanka Square opened its doors as the Kempinski group’s second hotel in the Russian capital. At this point, one third of the rooms and suites, the lobby bar, MosaiK restaurant and all the conference facilities are fully operational, with additional restaurants, bars and the spa set to open later this year. The Hotel Nikol’skaya Kempinski Moscow is the second Kempinski managed property in the city after the Hotel Baltschug Kempinski Moscow. 

Alessandro Redaelli, General Manager of Nikol’skaya, says, "It is a great pleasure to open the new Kempinski hotel in the heart of Moscow. Kempinski is proud to have two flagship properties situated on both banks of the Moskva River, each of which offers an attractive and unique concept." Located at the corner of Nikol’skaya Street and Lubyanka Square, the Nikol’skaya Kempinski Hotel offers views of the capital’s historical downtown area – the views are of the parts of Moscow one might find on a postcard, and include major landmarks and symbols such as Red Square and the Kremlin. Guests are only a few minutes’ walk away from the Bolshoi Theatre, the Duma and GUM, the famous department store. The Lubyanka metro station is very convenient and the central location ensures easy access to all international airports and major railway stations. The history of Nikol’skaya Street dates back to 1547 and the reign of Ivan the Terrible, while the building at No. 12 was constructed in the 1870s. Until the early years of the 20th century it was the residence of Count Orlov-Davydov. The retail area was well known for the exclusive Koeller perfumery business and for fine chocolate shops. The historical façade has been lovingly renovated and the important decorative mosaics made by Edouard Nierman in 1907 have been saved. Currently, these mosaics grace the hotel’s elegant MosaiK restaurant. Massive golden chains at the entrance to the hotel set the tone on arrival and are indicative of the grandeur of the facilities. This impression continues with the decorative covered driveway which ensures that all guests arrive in absolute comfort, even in inclement weather. The interiors have been designed by Leo International Design Group, which is well known for landmark hotels worldwide, including the Emirates Palace by Kempinski in Abu Dhabi. An abundance of light meets guests when they first step inside and palatial chandeliers feature prominently throughout the Nikol’skaya Kempinski. In fact, the distinctive and unusual lighting features are part of the hotel’s design signature. Like an old-world ocean liner with an upper deck and curved staircases, the lobby area welcomes guests with a multi-coloured stained glass dome and Art Deco furniture. Throughout the hotel, the level of care that has been put into preserving the building’s illustrious history is visible. Nonetheless, despite the classic feel, everything has been brought up to date and the facilities are fully modern. In total, Nikol’skaya Kempinski will have 211 spacious rooms and suites, many of which will have views of the capital’s historical downtown area. Some of them will be overlooking the Kremlin and Red Square. A number of rooms will have a view of the interior courtyard patio, which offers natural light, peace and quiet. The patio serves as a calm respite from the city’s non-stop hustle, and variously styled balconettes will grace those rooms. Some rooms will also offer direct entrance into the courtyard. 

The 157 Deluxe and Superior rooms, many of them with their original high ceilings, are decorated in pale brown and muted beige, giving them a contemporary feel. Fine fabrics, gilded oak, marble and crystal are also present, echoing the Belle Époque era. The accommodation is generous in size: 30-35 sqm for Superior rooms and 35-48 sqm for Deluxe. All the technical facilities are cutting edge. The rooms also feature a comfortable sitting area with a work desk, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, a 42-inch flat-screen interactive TV and a smart control pad. Bathrooms are decorated in white marble with small dark blue and golden mosaic tiles and include a bathtub and a separate shower cabin. Kempinski is Europe’s oldest hotelier, and the suites have been designed with that heritage in mind. With fabrics and furniture designed to suit each individual layout, the suites are ideal for both work and leisure. Junior suites (55 sqm) are laid out in a studio style, with both city and courtyard views. Executive suites (55 sqm to 75 sqm) have two spacious rooms – a bedroom and a living room – and great views of the city. The unique Orlov Suite (83 sqm) has a view of Lubyanka Square and will be decorated in a style reminiscent of the Belle Époque, laid out over two rooms and including an additional guest bathroom. The two Presidential Suites, decorated in a palette of gold, white and beige, each measure 250 sqm in size and have panoramic views over Lubyanka Square and the Historical Museum. The accommodation will be presidential: a large drawing room with a dining table and a relaxation area, a huge bedroom and a lavish bathroom with an oversized bath and a separate shower cabin, plus a guest bathroom. Guests may choose to have the suite connected to two Deluxe rooms in order to form a three-bedroom suite. A separate entrance and personal butler service will be also available. In MosaiK, the all-day dining restaurant, Executive Chef Marco Alban creates a culinary mosaic in an open kitchen. Guests are invited to start in the East, with Oriental and Arabian cuisine, and journey to the West with Mediterranean and Russian dishes. Tapas make an ideal starter while classical steaks, veal steak Orlov, seafood and Caucasian shashlik with house marinades demonstrate Marco Alban’s talent and versatility. The open bread oven tells of his love of authenticity. All the original mosaics that frame the windows looking out to Nikol’skaya Street have been restored and add a sense of place and historical touch to the restaurant. The velvet armchairs and graceful tableware create a relaxed atmosphere and the private dining room of MosaiK is the perfect place for exclusive occasions or wine tastings, especially considering the extensive wine list and the fact that a professional sommelier is always on hand. Direct access from the street will make MosaiK an independent gastronomic address. The Orlov Lobby Lounge and Bar bears the name of the first owner of the building. Day and night, the Orlov is the beating heart of the Nikol’skaya Kempinski. Relaxed and casual, it is a tempting showcase of the good things in life: chocolate fountains and freshly made cakes, lobster salad, Blue Peak tea and Masala Chai. A take-away service is planned for pastries and sandwiches. In the evening, when the live music starts up, the cocktail menu and a long list of wines and champagnes are always on offer. The conference facilities are ultra-modern: lit either by natural daylight or contemporary chandeliers, they are designed to host events for as few as 16 or as many as 180 people. Highlights include the Kandinsky grand ballroom, with an area of 200 sqm, designed for world class receptions, cocktails and important celebrations, and the Malevich boardroom, which overlooks Lubyanka Square. The Spa at the Nikol’skaya will be operated by L.RAPHAEL, coming from Geneva, Switzerland to Russia for the first time. Facilities will include an indoor patio-style swimming pool and a fitness centre. Guests of the Hotel Nikol’skaya Kempinski Moscow can also take advantage of the adjacent Nikol’skaya Health Club, which is 2,500 sqm in size and outfitted with the latest in fitness and wellness technology. 

Images are available on http://www.kempinski.com/en/moscow/hotel-nikolskaya-kempinski/press-room/image-library/ About Kempinski Hotels: Created in 1897, Kempinski Hotels is Europe’s oldest luxury hotel group. Kempinski’s rich heritage of impeccable personal service and superb hospitality is complemented by the exclusivity and individuality of its properties. Kempinski now comprises a portfolio of 77 five-star hotels in 30 countries and continues to add new properties in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. Each one reflects the strength and success of the Kempinski brand without losing sight of its heritage. The portfolio comprises historic landmark properties, award-winning urban lifestyle hotels, outstanding resorts, and prestigious residences. Each one imbues the quality guests have come to expect from Kempinski while embracing the cultural traditions of its location. Kempinski is a founding member of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the world’s largest alliance of independent hotels. 

For further information please contact: Helen Gorbunova ▪ Regional Director PR Eastern Europe ▪ The Hotel Baltschug Kempinski Moscow ▪ Ul. Balchug 1 ▪ Moscow ▪ 115035, Russia Tel. +7 (495) 287 2000 ▪ Fax +7 (495) 287 2002 ▪ helen.gorbunova@kempinski.com To book or for further information visit www.kempinski.com/press • www.globalhotelalliance.com