Hotel National, Moscow

Constructed by the famed Russian architect Alexander Ivanov, a member of The Emperor Academy of Arts, Hotel National welcomed its first guests in 1903. Built in the Moscow Modern style, the hotel displayed Ivanovs penchant for “classicized” eclecticism, which combined varied ornamented décor motifs from late classicism. Prior to the revolution, this ornate style drew foreign diplomats, politicians, royals, business tycoons, and famous performers, including the Russian composer Nikolai Andreyevich Rimsky-Korsakov, the great ballerina Anna Pavlova, renowned English author Herbert Wells, and many others. After 1917, Hotel National was proclaimed the First House of the Soviets and became a residence of the Bolshevik government, accommodating top communist leaders including Vladimir Lenin. From 1931 to 1932, the hotel underwent extensive renovations, including refurbishment of the building's main facades, renewal of its interiors, and more. Additionally, the hotels elegant furnishings—taken from former estates and palaces—were supplemented with artifacts from Russian tsar palaces and aristocratic estates. As a result, the hotel took on a museum-like quality, with singular furniture, exceptional paintings, and exclusive objets d'art, which remain in the premises today. During World War II, Hotel National served as a centre for the anti-fascist coalition and a large number of government delegations stayed there. This role continued throughout the 20th century, as it hosted a league of distinguished guests. In 1991 Hotel National began its most recent renovation and reconstruction, which ended on May 9, 1995 (Victory Day), when the hotel reopened its doors. This same year, The Russian Federation Chamber of Commerce and Industry officially bestowed the hotel with a top five-star rating. In 1997, Hotel National joined Le Méridien, establishing itself as Le Royal Méridien National.