Moscow: 5 Places to Stay

Distinct among Moscow's top hotels for its sleek modernity, the Ararat is epitomized by its glass-topped penthouse lounge — where power brokers and visiting European celebrities gather for breakfast mocha or evening vodka, along with spectacular views over the Kremlin's star-peaked towers. Like the rest of the hotel, the space is spare, spacious, and thoroughly contemporary — and a significant departure from Moscow's other, glitzier offerings (whether prerevolutionary or Soviet-era remakes). Most of the 220 guest rooms here are more elegantly functional than cozy — uncluttered by wall coverings, outfitted with streamlined, innocuous furniture and earth-toned fabrics, and illuminated by enormous windows. The on-site Quantum Health Club has state-of-the-art cardio and weight equipment and a chic rooftop pool surrounded by chaise lounges. At the adjacent spa, steam billows up into the Roman-style baths, and masseuses offer (surprisingly old-world) Russian deep-tissue massages, guaranteed to work out any kinks left over from the flight in.

Insider Tip: Don't miss the ground-floor Armenian jewelry boutique selling one-of-a-kind couture creations.

Room to Book: The Winter Garden Suite, with three rooms and a partial glass ceiling — but remember to pull the shades down before you go to bed in summertime: the sun rises at 4 a.m.

• 1. Ararat Park Hyatt
  4 Neglinnaya Ulitsa, Moscow, Russia 125009; 7-495-783-1234 55.76006637.621502 moscow.park.hyatt.com