Moscow's Hidden Gem: Apartment Hanaka - Bibliotechnaya 17 Luxury Awaits!
Moscow's Hidden Gem? Apartment Hanaka - Bibliotechnaya 17: A Review That's More "Real" Than "Perfect"
(Metadata: Moscow Hotels, Luxury Apartments Moscow, Apartment Hanaka Review, Bibliotechnaya 17, Wheelchair Accessible Moscow, Spa Moscow, Free Wi-Fi Moscow, Best Hotels Moscow)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your typical sterile hotel review. We're diving headfirst into the supposed luxury of Apartment Hanaka on Bibliotechnaya 17 in Moscow, and I'm here to tell you the truth (or at least, my truth). The hype is real, the location is central, and the promise of pampering is alluring. But did it deliver? Let's find out, shall we?
First Impressions & Getting There: A Slightly Sweaty Odyssey
Okay, first things first: Accessibility. This is crucial for a significant chunk of people, and I'm happy (and a little relieved) to report Hanaka mostly gets it right. The elevator was a lifesaver, honestly. Moscow's metro, bless its heart, is not known for its accessibility, so having a smooth ride up to your room is a huge win. They advertise facilities for disabled guests, and I saw evidence of this, although I didn’t personally need them. I'll leave the deep dive on specific aids to someone who actually uses them. Getting to the place? The airport transfer was smooth, although the driver seemed a bit…well, let’s say “peculiar” (more on that later). Taxi service is readily available, and there's car park [free of charge] and even a car park [on-site] which is a bonus in this city.
Entering the Hanaka Bubble: The Room & That Damn Internet!
Stepping into the apartment – wow. It’s… well, it's luxurious, alright. Non-smoking rooms, thankfully, were a necessity. The air conditioning kicked in immediately, which was heavenly after battling the Russian heat. Air conditioning in public areas was also a plus. And, let’s be honest, the room itself? Gorgeous. The blackout curtains, combined with the soundproofing, meant I could sleep until noon if I'd wanted to (which I did…twice!). The bed… oh, the extra long bed! Pure cloud comfort. You could probably host a small party on that thing. Bathrobes and slippers were waiting - a nice touch. Bathrooms were spacious and modern. Free bottled water was a life-saver, seriously. And a mirror, yay! It’s the small things, people.
But the internet? Internet access – wireless was a must (because, hello, reviews don't write themselves). Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! they boast… well, let’s just say it was a temperamental mistress. Sometimes blazing fast, sometimes… well, more dial-up era. I’d be mid-sentence in a review – boom! – disconnected! Internet access – LAN was an option and I considered it but… who uses LAN anymore? (Answer: probably me in a few days when I cave). This intermittent connection was frustrating, especially when trying to upload photos or get some work done. Thankfully, Internet services were offered, whatever that means.
Food, Glorious Food (and the Minor Mishaps)
Alright, moving on! Food. The sacred act of fueling the human body. Breakfast in room was a divine option, but the options were somewhat limited. I could have had breakfast takeaway service for an early start, but I'm not a morning person. The Asian breakfast was tempting, but I stuck with a safer (for me) option. There's a coffee shop and the restaurants are plentiful. Coffee/tea in restaurant, desserts in restaurant, salad in the restaurant, the works! A bar provides some drinks, and there is a poolside bar, which is interesting.
The general food experience was a mixed bag. I was feeling adventurous tried the Asian cuisine, which was… interesting. Definitely not the worst meal of my life, but the presentation was a bit… well, let’s just say “rustic.” The Western breakfast was more my speed, with the buffet in the restaurant a decent spread. Alternative meal arrangement they offered but the best part was, hands down, the bottle of water left in the room. Hydration nation!
Spa, Sauna & Serenity (or the Lack Thereof)
Now onto the good stuff! Spa time! The promise of ultimate relaxation was a huge draw. Hanaka boasts a spa/sauna, including a sauna, steamroom, and a pool with a view. Sounded incredible! The problem was… well, I never actually found it. Maybe I missed the secret portal to tranquility. Their pool was an outdoor swimming pool, I did see that! But the promised view… I have no idea? I was so busy looking around, I forgot to look at the view. I'm thinking, I just missed something? Maybe. They do offer massage, body wrap, and a foot bath! I'll have to try those next time. Next time? Well, let’s wait and see.
Safety & Cleanliness: The Covid-Era Checklist
Cleanliness and safety. Let's be honest, I was a little paranoid. The world is a germy place right now. Thankfully, Hanaka seemed to take things seriously. They advertise Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, and rooms sanitized between stays. They had a first aid kit and hand sanitizer everywhere. My room hadn't been sanitized I can attest to that. But they did have, and here is a detail I found interesting: Individually-wrapped food options. The safe dining setup, and staff trained in safety protocol was reassuring. The physical distancing of at least 1 meter (I think it might be less) was harder to enforce, but they tried. Room sanitization opt-out available, I'd be there. It's a good effort – but I’m not convinced that was a safe stay.
Things To Do (Besides Trying to Find the Spa)
Okay, so what can you do at Hanaka? Things to do? ways to relax. There is a fitness center (gym/fitness) to get your sweat on because there's a body scrub, Couple's room, Proposal spot (aww), and a Shrine! (okay, maybe no shrine). But not a lot of "things to do" in the immediate vicinity of the actual hotel. But it's ideally located for exploring Moscow, just be prepared.
Services & Conveniences: The Good, the Bad, and the Taxi Driver
Here’s where Hanaka really tries to shine. Services and conveniences, they’re all over it. Concierge, luggage storage, and a doorman made things easier. Daily housekeeping kept the place spotless. The laundry service was a lifesaver and the ironing service came in handy. Express check-in/out was a breeze. A gift/souvenir shop was a nice touch. But there was one particularly "memorable" encounter: the aforementioned taxi driver. He drove like he was auditioning for Mad Max and spent the entire ride regaling me with tales of… well, I still don’t know what. The language barrier and his rapid-fire Russian made comprehension impossible, but the sheer energy was something else. Let’s just say it was an experience.
For the Kids (or Not, Really)
They have a babysitting service! Family/child friendly, they advertise. There are kids facilities, and a kids meal. That's about all I got, I didn't have kids. But I did see some.
The Verdict: Is Hanaka Bibliotechnaya 17 a Hidden Gem?
Honestly? It's complicated. Apartment Hanaka is a beautiful, luxurious, and mostly well-equipped aparthotel in a prime location. The rooms are stunning, and the amenities are impressive. The staff, generally speaking, are friendly and helpful. But it's far from perfect. The internet hiccups, the mysterious spa situation, and the slightly uneven service all take away from the "perfect" experience.
If you're looking for a centrally located, high-end stay in Moscow with the trappings of luxury, Hanaka is certainly a solid choice. Just manage your expectations, pack your own internet backup (or download a lot of movies beforehand!), and be prepared for the occasional "quirk." Would I stay again? Possibly. I'm torn. It's not quite a flawless gem, maybe more like a slightly tarnished one… but one that’s still pretty damn sparkly. And hey, that taxi ride alone was worth the price of admission, right? Now, where's that secret spa entrance…?
Kaya Istanbul: Your Dream Istanbul Stay Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your perfectly-planned, Instagram-filtered itinerary. This is the raw, unfiltered, likely-to-go-off-the-rails experience of trying to navigate Moscow from a slightly chaotic apartment on Bibliotechnaya 17. Let's pray for no major meltdowns.
Moscow Mayhem: A Slightly Unhinged Itinerary (From Apartment Hanaka Bibliotechnaya 17)
Day 1: Arrival, Awkward Cyrillic, and the Quest for Caffeine
- Morning (9:00 AM - Whenever I Actually Get Up… Jet Lag Sucks!): Ugh, the flight was a red-eye special – probably the worst decision I made all year. Finally, dragged myself out of bed in bloody Moscow (Bibliotechnaya 17, remember?). Already regretting packing that one shirt. The view from the apartment is… well, it's not the Eiffel Tower, but it’s genuinely Moscow, which is something. First goal: Coffee. Survival depends on caffeine.
- Morning-ish (10:30 AM): Attempt to find a decent coffee shop. Using Google Translate. Cyrillic is my enemy… It's a confusing linguistic minefield. Wandered for, like, a half hour, feeling like a lost puppy. Finally found what appeared to be a café. Fingers crossed it’s not just serving instant stuff.
- Midday (12:00 PM): Triumph! Found coffee. Maybe not the best I've ever had, but it's warm and caffeinated, so I ain't complaining. Tried to order a croissant, failed miserably, and ended up with a bizarre bread roll. Gave me a bit of a what am I doing with my life? moment.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM): Stumbled upon the Bolshoi Theatre. Now, I'm not a huge ballet aficionado, but it's just… the Bolshoi, you know? Didn't have tickets, of course. Just a casual tourist with no plans. But, I sat on a bench outside and just absorbed it. The people-watching was pretty epic. So many fur coats! My own jacket feels a bit… underdressed.
- Late Afternoon (4:00 PM): Attempted to navigate the Metro. Oh, the Moscow Metro! Beautiful, yes. Terrifying, also yes. Got on the wrong train. Twice. Ended up somewhere vaguely near the Kremlin.
- Evening (6:00 PM): Kremlin/Red Square! The lights, the grandness of it all… seriously, spectacular. I get goosebumps from seeing the architecture. Took a million photos. Probably overdid it.
- Evening (8:00 PM): Hunt for dinner. Feeling exhausted, hungry, and slightly overwhelmed. Craving something… not bread roll shaped. Ended up at a place that looked promising online. The Russian dumplings (pelmeni) are divine. Did a happy dance right there at the table. Then quickly stopped when a group of Russians saw.
- Night (9:30 PM): Back to the apartment. Collapsing into my bed. Considering ordering more dumplings via delivery and falling asleep. I think I already love Moscow, which is weird, because I’ve only been here for a few hours. Praying tomorrow is less chaotic and more… dumpling-filled.
Day 2: History, Heartbreak, and a Very Long Walk
- Morning (9:00 AM): Woke up to the sounds of Moscow. The city is alive. More importantly, the quest for coffee continues! Today, I am a woman on a mission.
- Morning-ish (10:00 AM): Victory! Found coffee. Strong coffee.
- Morning-ish (10:30 AM): The GUM department store. Okay, it's a shopping mall (expensive shopping mall), but the architecture is incredible. It's like a palace, right in the middle of Red Square. Had a gelato. It was a splurge, but, hey, you only live once, right? The people-watching is incredible there, too. A real mix of tourists and locals going about their days.
- Midday (12:00 PM): The State Tretyakov Gallery. I'm no art expert, but the paintings are seriously impressive. I spent hours just wandering around, getting lost in the details and stories. I had intended to only stay for a few hours, but ended up wandering around for longer.
- Afternoon (2:30 PM): Lunch (finally) at a small, unassuming restaurant near the Tretyakov. Tried to order in Russian and succeeded! Small victories.
- Afternoon (4:00 PM): Walked along the Moskva River. Stumbled across this beautiful bridge overlooking the water. Took a break. It was gorgeous. I felt like I was in some kind of movie.
- Late Afternoon (5:00 PM): The journey to the Sparrow Hills for a panoramic view of Moscow. Unfortunately, the rain started pouring down! Did not take the photos I had planned on taking, but, still managed to get a glimpse of the city. So beautiful. Was still worth it, even in the rain.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Dinner. Found a small restaurant in the area, and tried to order the local specialty, borsch. The soup was warm and hearty. A big improvement on the weird bread roll of yesterday.
- Night (9:00 PM): Another collapse into bed. My feet ache. I think I've walked approximately a million miles. I'm starting to feel more comfortable just existing in Moscow. Feeling like I'm starting to get the hang of things.
Day 3: Goodbye Moscow (For Now!)
- Morning (9:00 AM): Last morning! Still found excellent coffee.
- Morning-ish (10:00 AM): A final visit to Red Square. One last look at the grandeur.
- Midday (12:00 PM): Packing (terribly). Realized I probably overpacked.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM): Getting a taxi to the airport. Praying I don’t miss my flight home.
- Afternoon (2:30 PM): Airport madness. Praying. Again.
- Evening (6:00 PM): On the plane. Looking back. The trip was messy. It was chaotic. But, it was also… amazing. Moscow, you magnificent, confusing, beautiful city. I'll be back.
- Night (9:00 PM): Sitting in the plane, thinking about the trip. I will miss everything about it.
Post-Trip Ponderings:
- I definitely need to learn more Russian. Like, seriously.
- I probably ate way too many dumplings. No regrets.
- I accidentally brought back a souvenir I had not intended on bringing… a cold. Which is not very Russian, but oh well.
- Moscow is a city of contradictions. It's intense, beautiful, and maddening all at the same time. And I wouldn't have traded the experience for anything.
This is it, the end of my slightly unhinged Moscow adventure. I hope to see you all there!
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Moscow's Hidden Gem: Apartment Hanaka - Bibliotechnaya 17 Luxury Awaits! (Or Does It?) - The Real Deal FAQs
Okay, spill the tea! Is this place *really* as luxurious as it sounds? I'm picturing chandeliers and caviar...
What's the deal with the location? Is it actually *hidden*? And, is it safe? I've heard things about Moscow…
Describe the inside! Is it truly "apartment goals"? Give me the nitty-gritty.
What's the Wi-Fi like? Because let's be honest, that’s *crucial*.
How's the service? Are the staff helpful? Do they speak English? (Because, you know…)
Any quirky features or memorable anecdotes? Stuff you wouldn't find in the glossy brochure.
Let's talk about the big stuff - value for money. Is it worth the price tag?
What are the main things you want people to consider before booking?
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