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Arbat, 6: A Boutique Oasis in the Heart of Old Moscow
Article
Arbat, 6
Writer
Yana Karnaukhova
Tucked away in the historic center of Moscow, on the storied Arbat Street, stands the Arbat,6 Hotel—a boutique establishment that marries the charm of a bygone era with modern sophistication. This intimate hotel, which began as a heartfelt family business, has become a cherished destination for travelers seeking a unique and personal experience in one of Moscow’s most iconic neighborhoods.
The inspiration for the hotel came during a family vacation in Italy. Staying on a small farm that had been transformed into a cozy hotel, with its communal breakfast table and homely atmosphere, sparked a dream to create something similar in Moscow. Although the founders had no prior experience in the hotel industry, they were driven by a clear vision: to open a small hotel that offered guests a warm, welcoming atmosphere, much like the one they had enjoyed in Italy.
“Finding the perfect location was key, and they discovered it in a former apartment building on Arbat Street, a site rich with history.”
Finding the perfect location was key, and they discovered it in a former apartment building on Arbat Street, a site rich with history. The building, constructed in 1898 by the architect Sergei Mikhailovich Kalugin, was originally commissioned by retired Colonel Tisheninov. At the turn of the 20th century, part of this building housed furnished rooms—a historical detail that felt like a good omen for the hotel’s future.
Arbat,6 opened with just four rooms and a small living room, each space meticulously designed by the founders themselves. They infused the hotel with unique artistic touches, including the work of their friend, the acclaimed artist Tatiana Yan. Her paintings and photographs of the ancient temple in Yuriev Polsky were transformed into striking ceramic plates that now adorn the rooms. The living room walls were covered with William Morris wallpaper, a tribute to the timeless designs of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, evoking the atmosphere that might have existed in similar spaces over a hundred years ago.
As the hotel grew in popularity, it quickly became clear that more space was needed. A year and a half after opening, the Arbat Hotel expanded to include 27 additional rooms, along with a reception area, a meeting room, and a breakfast room. Despite this growth, the hotel has maintained its intimate, boutique character, with each new room continuing the legacy of thoughtful design and personal touch.
“The hotel pays great attention to supporting local producers – from using cosmetics in the rooms to serving fresh farm cheeses and cottage cheese for breakfast.”
A hallmark of the Arbat,6 is its commitment to showcasing the best of Russian craftsmanship, from the use cosmetics in the rooms to serving fresh farm cheeses and cottage cheese at breakfast, the hotel places a strong emphasis on supporting local producers. This dedication to quality and authenticity extends beyond the hotel’s immediate offerings. In the spirit of the great Russian entrepreneurs of the 19th century, the hotel’s founders have also established a charitable foundation. This foundation channels funds into supporting education and patriotic initiatives in regional schools, reflecting the hotel’s deep-rooted connection to its community.
Despite the challenges of running a hotel in a bustling metropolis, the hotel has retained the atmosphere of a small, cozy family retreat. Guests are treated not as customers, but as cherished visitors to a family home, a quality that has earned the hotel a loyal following over its six years of operation. This success is largely due to the passionate team that has been assembled—individuals who bring extensive experience from large international companies but who share a love for the personal, attentive service that defines the hotel.
Looking to the future, the team behind the hotel is embarking on an exciting new venture: the creation of a hotel complex in the Kaluga region. Set on 20 hectares of land, this project aims to recreate the ambiance of a noble estate, complete with a manor house, village, garden, park, and pond. The goal is to offer guests an immersive experience, allowing them to step back in time and savor the tranquil pleasures of country life—whether that means picking mushrooms, making jam, or simply enjoying the peace and beauty of the Russian countryside.
Arbat,6 stands as a testament to what can be achieved when passion meets purpose. It’s not just a place to stay, but a living story—one that continues to evolve, inviting guests to become a part of its rich tapestry. In the heart of Moscow, the hotel offers a rare blend of history, artistry, and heartfelt hospitality, making it a true gem on the city’s historic Arbat Street.
