Balthaus Hotel 

Remembering my stay in this hotel always makes me smile. Once there, I entered the lobby and with my few words of Russian I spoke: My name is ... I have a reservation. There the lady behind the counter jumps up and shouts: HA! I have been waiting for YOU! Somewhat irritated and amused at the same time I was glad that the booking has worked. It would have been quite late to get something new. The woman, early / mid 50s, type slender sumo mum with black, sixties curls down to the shoulder, in business costume and kind face, talk to me like a waterfall. Everything is prepared, how the journey was, if I really came here in a car, forms, registration, breakfast times, no smoking or ironing in the room ... I was waiting patiently, obviously, from time to time in the wrong place said "yes" to what she says. Then she stopped. I asked for speaking a little slower and clearer. She nods, took a deep breath - and kept talking in double (!) volume and also much faster :) Obviously, she did not trusted my communication skills, put on her coat and then energic guided me around: Out to the car, she showed me, where to park. Then she took me by the hand and pulled me towards the stairs and up to the 2nd floor and showed me the room, pressed all light switches and waited for an appreciative nod on my part. As soon as this was over, we went on to the restaurant, where there will be breakfast and dinner. I had asked for money withdrawal and SIM card charging option - there was everything available in the building. And was shown to me, of course. When withdrawing money I was surprisingly left alone for a short time. After that I got a show, like the (antique) phone card-charging-automat is working. Very easy - if you have the money suitable. She grabbed my big bank note and I hurried after it ... But, all went well - and finallly it has been a really nice welcome in Russia. After days on the road with irregular, questionable food I went to the restaurant for a culinary welcome. Some Russian food, of course. Pelmeni would have been nice - unfortunately, they were already sold out for today... The room was ok and clean, as was the bath room. The room's window opened towards the hallway, not to the oputside, as usually expected. Breakfast was tasty. No buffet.