Hotel revamps up for grabs in Moscow

Interiors work is set to take off with Moscow’s plan to upgrade many of its 200 state-owned hotels.

The city government of Moscow has appointed international surveyor Knight Frank to advise on the various options for the sites, depending on their potential and state of repair.

Options include targeting investors who will carry out refurbishments, bringing in management advice or organising straight leasing of operations, says Knight Frank partner John Inge, who expects international hotel groups to compete for prize sites.

“The majority [of the hotels] need face lifts; there will be considerable design work,” says Inge, to bring them up to three, four and five star standards.

Inge expects international design groups to become involved in the projects, “although there is a growing expertise in Russia”, he adds.

The portfolio comprises hotels from 100 to 3200 rooms, of which the most impressive will initially be offered, says the surveyor. One of the first up for grabs is the 1000-room Ukraina on the bank for the River Moskva.