Leningradskaya Hotel

The Leningradskaya Hotel is an outstanding example of mid-20th-century Soviet architecture. This building is one of the famous Seven Stalinist Skyscrapers that still define the silhouette of Moscow. Located on Komsomolskaya Square next to the three largest railway stations in the capital, it has become a recognizable symbol of the city and an important part of its architectural heritage.

Construction Beginnings and Opening

The decision to erect a series of Moscow skyscrapers was made by the Council of Ministers in January 1947. The ceremonial foundation of all the high-rises took place on September 7, 1947, when Moscow celebrated its 800th anniversary. Construction of the Leningradskaya Hotel itself began in 1949 and lasted four years. The hotel welcomed its first guests on November 1, 1953. Although the 17-storey building, 136 meters tall, was the shortest among the seven Stalinist skyscrapers, at the time of opening it was considered one of the most technologically advanced in the country. The building was equipped with:

• Air conditioning system
• Its own telephone exchange
• Independent boiler house
• Modern engineering communications

Modernization and the Present Day

In 2006, a Hilton representative office opened in Moscow. Two years later, the historic hotel began operating under the new name — Hilton Moscow Leningradskaya. The reconstruction changed the structure of the room inventory: the number of rooms decreased from 349 to 273, but their area increased. A special feature of the restoration was the preservation of historical authenticity. Five rooms were styled in the spirit of the 1950s and furnished with original furniture from that period. Public spaces underwent careful restoration under the direction of Maria Engelke — the author of the original artistic interior design.

Architectural Features of the Building

Project Authors and Concept

The skyscraper project was developed by architects Leonid Polyakov and Alexander Boretsky. They faced a difficult task — to create a high-rise that would organically fit into the architectural ensemble of Komsomolskaya Square. The three railway stations located here were already recognized architectural masterpieces, and the new building had to complement rather than disrupt the existing composition.

Unique Architectural Style

The Leningradskaya Hotel is both similar to and different from the other Stalinist skyscrapers. The base is a laconic rectangular tower rising from a seven-storey foundation. The structure is crowned with a spire featuring a composition of a five-pointed star and wheat ears. The architects gave the building features of Moscow Baroque — a trend in Russian architecture from the turn of the 17th–18th centuries. Characteristic elements include:

• A tent-shaped spire
• The central entrance stylized as a terem porch
• Miniature obelisks with spheres
• Whimsical pediments and molded shells
• Bright ornamentation of the inner vault reminiscent of the paintings in the Kremlin chambers

The Splendor of the Interior

First Lobby

The first lobby immediately immerses visitors in the atmosphere of Soviet-era luxury. Dark-blue vaults are decorated with golden floral ornamentation. The ceiling features an illuminated plafonds, and the walls are adorned with gilded ventilation grilles with candelabra. The hall’s special pride is the historic 1952 registration desk.

Grand Ceremonial Lobby

The grand ceremonial hall is accessed through openwork gilded gates reminiscent of the gates of the Verkhospassky Cathedral in the Moscow Kremlin. The high ceiling is decorated with carved panels coated with bronze powder. From it hang four chandelier-panikadilos stylized as church lamps. The windows of the ceremonial lobby are decorated with exquisite stained-glass panels with floral ornamentation, made in Riga in the 1940s. Luxurious side staircases leading to the second floor are guarded by bronze leopards holding shields. The Mystery of the Bronze Leopards: The origin of these sculptures is shrouded in mystery. According to one version, the architects found them in museum storage. There is a suggestion that the leopards were a gift from the English court to the Romanov family. The entrance to the elevator hall is designed as a luxurious portal finished with gilded carving and faced with crimson Shoksha quartzite — a rare rock from Karelia. Napoleon’s sarcophagus is made from the same stone.

Small Halls on the Second Floor

Two small but incredibly photogenic rooms are located on the second floor. Cross vaults are decorated with lush Baroque paintings by Maria Engelke. The solemnity of the halls is enhanced by:

• Richly decorated bronze floor lamps
• Round bas-reliefs on historical themes
• Bas-relief dedicated to the Battle of Kulikovo
• Bas-relief depicting the Battle on the Ice

Ballroom

The ballroom on the second floor functioned in Soviet times as the “Leningrad” restaurant — one of the most pompous in Moscow. Today this luxurious space is used for business events and banquets. The hall’s decoration features the main elements of Stalinist Empire style:

1. Wide marble columns
2. Heavy multi-tiered chandeliers
3. Mirrors in molded frames
4. Ceiling plafonds depicting the MSU building

Amazing Facts about the Hotel

Guinness World Record

The hotel boasts the world’s longest bronze chandelier, entered into the Guinness Book of Records. The multi-tiered structure, 15.5 meters long, decorates six flight of stairs at once, creating an impressive visual effect.

First Hard-Currency Casino

In 1989, one of the first hard-currency casinos in the USSR opened at the Leningradskaya Hotel. It operated until 2005, when the hotel closed for major reconstruction.

Engineering Achievements

The hotel’s revolving door was developed at a specialized research institute. Today it is recognized as a monument of Soviet engineering thought and continues to faithfully serve the hotel’s guests.

Bomb Shelter Transformation

After reconstruction, the former bomb shelter was converted into a modern fitness center with a pool and spa salon. This solution reflects the change in the building’s function from wartime to peacetime use.

Location and Transport Accessibility

The Hilton Moscow Leningradskaya is located at: Kalanchyovskaya Street, 21/40. The building is in immediate proximity to transport hubs:

• 5-minute walk to Komsomolskaya metro station
• Three major railway stations within walking distance
• Convenient access to the Garden Ring
• Close to Moscow’s historic center

It is only 2.5 kilometers from the hotel to Red Square and the Kremlin. Nearby are also the Sokolniki Exhibition Center, the Olimpiyskiy Sports Complex, and the Epiphany Cathedral.

Modern Hotel Facilities

Room Inventory

The 28-storey building houses 273 rooms ranging from 28 to 33 square meters. All rooms are equipped with modern amenities:

• Individual air conditioning
• Wireless Wi-Fi internet
• LCD TV with satellite channels
• Electronic lock and safe
• Minibar and coffee maker
• Bathroom with hairdryer, bathrobes, and slippers

The hotel offers rooms of various categories, from standard guest rooms to luxurious presidential suites. Executive lounges with breakfast and all-day refreshments are available on the VIP floors.

Conference Facilities

For business events, the hotel has seven conference rooms and a ceremonial 7-meter-high ballroom. A fully equipped business center offers computers, high-speed internet, fax, and copying services.

Restaurants and Leisure

The Janus restaurant serves Russian and international cuisine. The lobby bar is ideal for business meetings and informal gatherings. 24-hour room service ensures maximum guest comfort. On the lower level there is a modern spa complex:

1. Fitness center with professional equipment
2. 12-meter heated swimming pool
3. Sauna and jacuzzi
4. Massage room
5. Beauty salon with a wide range of treatments

Conclusion

The Hilton Moscow Leningradskaya is a unique combination of historical heritage and modern comfort. It is one of the most refined architectural monuments of the Stalin era, which, thanks to the meticulous work of restorers, has preserved its splendor for modern generations. You can visit the hotel not only as a guest. The lobby bar is open to everyone who wishes to enjoy the atmosphere of the majestic building over a cup of coffee. Guided tours are also organized with experienced guides who will tell in detail about the history of the building, reveal the secrets of its architecture, and show all the splendor of the interiors. The Leningradskaya Hotel remains a calling card of the capital and an important element of Moscow’s architectural ensemble. It is a place where history meets modernity, and the traditions of Soviet luxury organically combine with international hospitality standards.