Zvezdy Arbata: the room, breakfast and spa

I came to Zvezdy Arbata specifically to review it. I was looking for a five-star hotel in Moscow, and its location on Novy Arbat and its spa caught my interest. I stayed for one night, from 13 to 14 September 2026, in a deluxe room with a large bed. Breakfast for one guest, the spa and the gym were included in my booking.

Evening on Arbat and first impressions

As you approach the hotel, the surroundings are the first thing you notice. In one direction are the brightly lit buildings of Novy Arbat; in the other, an illuminated skyscraper. Both views are lovely. The hotel is at 32 Novy Arbat, and the location was one reason I chose it.

The sign was a little confusing: ‘Zvezdy Arbata. Apartments’. Inside, a white staircase leads up, with an escalator to the right. At first, you are not quite sure whether you are in the right place.

Once upstairs, it becomes clearer: reception is on the right, with seating in the centre.

The bull outside the New York steakhouse is particularly striking. It immediately brings the New York sculpture and the stock market to mind.

Checking in at around eleven at night

Two people were working at reception, and both were busy. But after just three minutes, a receptionist became available and checked me in quickly.

I was asked for permission to scan my passport. I have heard this question quite often lately, and each time I wonder: what would happen if I declined?

The receptionist explained where breakfast was served and at what time, and told me about the spa and gym on the basement level. According to her, the spa was open from seven in the morning until eleven at night, while the gym was open around the clock. That was a pleasant surprise: even after a late arrival, I could still go for a workout.

She showed me the lifts. Guests were sitting nearby, and there was enough seating for anyone waiting. The lift arrived quickly and was clean inside. I went up to the fourth floor.

The corridor looked tidy. As I passed one door, I heard a television playing loudly. I thought it would be unpleasant if that were my neighbour. My room was further along.

The deluxe room and a connecting door

I liked the entrance door, both its appearance and how it felt. In the hallway, I immediately noticed a large mirror and wooden wardrobe doors. The floor was tiled. That seemed unusual for this kind of room, although I could see the practical side.

The bedroom was carpeted. The bed was neatly made, with wide bedside tables and lamps on either side. By the window were a small armchair and a round table, and along the wall was a work area with a chair.

Then I noticed a door connecting to the next room. I do not like connecting rooms: based on past experience, I always worry about noise. Here, the door was right in the living area, beside the television.

It was quiet behind that door that night. It seemed as though the neighbouring room was empty, although I did not know that for certain. So I could not assess the soundproofing between the rooms. I did not discuss it with the staff, but the door itself did not please me.

The room had a coffee machine with four capsules, a kettle, cups and two bottles of water. The wardrobe held bathrobes, slippers, an iron and an ironing board. A safe and minibar were beneath the counter.

The bathroom

The bathroom was small but pleasant. It was generally clean, with enough space around the basin and an illuminated mirror. Towels were neatly hung and folded on the lower shelf.

The shower, however, was spacious. The pressure was moderate but sufficient. Hot water flowed steadily, without changes in temperature.

A workout close to midnight

At around 11:50 pm, I went to try the gym. On the way, I noticed the corridor lighting switching on automatically and a pleasant scent.

On the basement level, a friendly member of staff greeted me and showed me to the gym. I had not expected someone to welcome me and show me the way at that hour. I also checked that the spa was on the same level and opened at seven in the morning.

The gym was spacious. Football was playing on the televisions, there was music, and I was the only guest. There were cardio machines, strength machines and free weights.

The machine’s touchscreen was not particularly convenient: taps did not register straight away. I wished it had physical buttons as an alternative. Otherwise, I liked the setting, especially being able to visit so late.

The night in the room

The bed was comfortable, although the mattress felt a little firm. The linen was clean, and the four pillows were comfortable too.

When people walked along the corridor, I could hear them clearly. In the evening, there was a little everyday noise from above. I did not hear the lifts. The night itself was quiet.

The view in the morning

The windows faced the space between the buildings. Below were small green areas and glass roofs, with the windows of another building opposite. Even the previous evening, I had thought: I hope people cannot freely access that area, otherwise they would have a clear view into my room.

My booking specified a ‘city view’. The actual view was different, but I did not discuss it with the staff. I thought a room facing the street might have been noisier, and on this occasion I was happy with the courtyard view.

The spa in the morning

At around nine in the morning, I went down to the spa. It turned out that the sauna and hammam were switched off. They were switched on quickly. It was a minor delay that I took calmly, although the advertised opening time was seven.

The changing room was very clean and well maintained. The lockers were conveniently arranged, with large mirrors, basins and a hairdryer. There were towels, bathrobes and even toothbrushes. Drinking water was available from a dispenser.

The spa itself was beautiful and a little mysterious: dark walls, subdued lighting and an unusual ceiling design, with pleasant music. At nine in the morning, nobody else was around, as though I had hired the whole place for myself.

The water was warm. When I tried the pool, I realised it was more like a jacuzzi: to me, it felt large enough for about two people. It was lovely on my own, but I would probably have felt uncomfortable with other guests. The pool was too small for swimming.

I would definitely return to the spa. It gives you an energy boost first thing in the morning. I liked the staff too: they greeted me and were friendly.

At around ten, I began hearing sounds that resembled minor repair work. Fortunately, I had already woken up.

Breakfast

There were few people at breakfast, with plenty of free seats. The buffet was varied, the food tasty, and the furniture good quality.

The cold buffet included sliced meats, fish, cheeses and other snacks. Fruit was displayed separately, including sliced melon and watermelon.

I would have liked a few more smiles at breakfast. But another moment stayed with me: there was a pop as a bottle of champagne was opened for a guest, followed by a friendly wish to enjoy it. ‘Now that is good service,’ I thought.

The work area and my overall impressions

At eleven, I needed to set up a call. It gave me a chance to test the work area: both the desk and chair were comfortable enough.

Overall, I liked Zvezdy Arbata. The late workout and the morning in an empty spa stood out in particular. For a trip combining walks along Novy Arbat, work in the room and relaxation, the hotel has suitable facilities.

I did have reservations about noise from the corridor and the connecting door. The night was quiet, but how comfortable it would have been with neighbours behind that door remains an open question. I would happily return to the spa, and if I stayed again, the position of the room would be an important consideration.