Experts from the 2GIS geographic service and the Othello reservation platform explored hotels in Moscow and St. Petersburg to understand how the two cities differ when it comes to guest amenities and services. The findings reveal clear contrasts: Moscow hotels tend to emphasize fitness facilities and mobility options, while St. Petersburg shows a growing openness to pet-friendly stays and other guest conveniences. The study was shared with socialbites.ca to provide a Canadian and American audience with a clear picture of current hotel offerings in these two major Russian cities.
In Moscow, gyms or fitness rooms are available in about 29.2 percent of hotels, a figure that reflects the city’s focus on wellness and active travel. In St. Petersburg, the share of hotels with gym facilities is substantially lower at 8.8 percent. However, St. Petersburg leads in pet-friendly accommodations, with roughly 35.4 percent of hotels welcoming guests who travel with pets. In contrast, Moscow lags in this regard, with just over 8 percent of hotels allowing pets.
Transfers from the airport to guests are another point of difference. About one in three hotels in St. Petersburg offers round-trip airport transfers, compared with a little over 7 percent in Moscow. The delivery of spa services follows a similar pattern: more than 17 percent of Moscow hotels provide spa experiences, while only about 8 percent of hotels in St. Petersburg offer such services.
Accessibility features show a notable gap as well. Moscow has a higher share of hotels with ramps, elevators, wide elevators, or accessible toilets for guests with reduced mobility, at about 13 percent, compared with roughly 8 percent in St. Petersburg. These numbers illustrate how property features can differ by city, even when both destinations are popular for weekend getaways and business travel alike.
From a broader perspective, 2GIS data as of July 2023 show 1,315 hotels in Moscow and 1,442 in St. Petersburg. Over the past five years, Moscow has experienced a significant rise in hotel numbers, increasing by about 31 percent during that period. St. Petersburg has also grown, though more modestly, with a 5 percent rise in the same timeframe. These trends reflect evolving travel demand and the ongoing expansion of hospitality options in both cities.
Economic indicators from the Othello reservation service offer another lens on traveler behavior. The average booking amount for Moscow during July and August 2023 stood at 18,172 rubles, while St. Petersburg posted 22,104 rubles for the same period. The average nightly rate aligns with these figures, at 4,673 rubles in Moscow and 5,169 rubles in St. Petersburg. These price points help travelers compare value across the two markets and plan budgets more effectively for the peak season.
Together, these insights paint a practical picture for travelers planning a trip to Russia from North America. Moscow emphasizes fitness amenities, accessibility, and affordability, while St. Petersburg prioritizes pet acceptance and guest transfer services, with a steady rise in overall hotel capacity. The evolving landscape suggests that visitors from Canada and the United States can expect a broader range of choices and flexible options depending on whether a fitness routine, pet-friendly policy, or transfer convenience matters most.
Notes on interpretation: the figures cited come from authoritative local data sources and reflect typical hotel offerings as of mid-2023, capturing a snapshot of market dynamics that inform both leisure and business travel decisions. Researchers emphasize that individual properties may vary, and travelers should verify current policies and services with the hotel before booking. According to these assessments, both Moscow and St. Petersburg continue to refine their hospitality profiles to better serve diverse guest needs across Europe and beyond.