The Rooms Boutique Hotel (Moscow, Russia)

With the added advantage of soundproofing, there's no apparent noise coming from outside - or, indeed, from inside the hotel. A pleasant surprise in central Moscow.

A really good way to start the day. There's plenty on offer at breakfast and it's fresh and well presented. It tends to be the same every day though, so could become monotonous if staying for any length of time. Service is pleasant enough, but slow.

Individual staff members couldn't be more friendly and helpful. Sadly, they are in the minority and the general tendency is towards a morose and sullen outlook.

The round bed is a novelty, but presumably designed for single occupancy … or the other one will keep falling out! Rooms are a bit on the small side and there is no wardrobe, or even just hooks to hang coats on. There is a problem with smells that originate from the bathroom and have obviously been lingering around for some time. Then, if really unlucky, you'll get kitchen smells too. The free toiletries are nasty and cheap and poor fitting windows can result in a constant icy blast.

There's nothing of any note in the immediate area and it's quite a hike to the Taganskaya or Rimskaya metro stations. The best bet, in order to go to the downtown area, is always a taxi.

English isn't spoken very much here and you'll notice this most at reception where everybody goes with their queries. A staff crash course in English would make life easier for everyone.