National Hotel History

In more than hundred years of its history the National has lived through times of prosperity and devastation, war and revolution

The hotel has shared all the misfortunes and upheavals that have been Russia's fate over the eventful XXth century. The National's guests today include state leaders and public figures, prominent politicians, scientists, businessmen, writers, actors and musicians. The National is one of the centres of public, political and cultural life in Russia today.

1902 г.

The hotel was built in 1902, designed by architect Alexander Ivanov.

1989 г.

In the late 1960s, the Hotel Intourist, a towering, modern glass and concrete structure, was built next to the National.
In 1983, the State Committee for Foreign Tourism merged National and Intourist into a single hotel complex.
In 1989, the National-Intourist hotel complex was divided into two separate hotels.

1903 г.

The 160-room hotel was named Nacionalnaya and received its guests in 1903. The interior emphasises the unique design of the white marble main staircase with gilded decorations and metal railings.

1995 г.

In 1995 the National became part of one of the world's largest hotel chains, Le Meridien, which owned five-star hotels in different countries of the world.

1910 г.

From 1903 to 1910, a set of postcards depicting the National hotel was issued.

2000 г.

In 2000 the hotel was renamed Le Meridien National Hotel, upon the recommendation of Le Meridien.

1933 г.

In 1933, the National Hotel was taken over by Intourist, the state company for foreign tourism.

2009 г.

In 2009, the National became part of the Luxury Collection brand, owned by Starwood Hotels & Resorts, a magnificent chain of more than 70 best hotels and resorts worldwide.

Suite 178

This suite had a reading room with a large library. Hot from the press issues of newspapers and magazines were delivered here. Currently, it is one of the Kremlin Suites.

Suite 107

In October 1917, Vladimir Lenin stayed in this suite. Lenin and Nadezhda Krupskaya spent 7 days here. Currently, it is one of the Kremlin Suites. Besides Vladimir Lenin, other Soviet leaders, like Trotsky and Dzerzhinsky, also stayed in this suite.

Suites 101 and 115

This suite was called Louis XVI's Drawing Room, while suite 115 was called Louis XV's Drawing Room. A few pieces of the original interior design have been preserved, like paintings on the ceilings in suite 115 and a fireplace decorated with marble and metal fire screen in suite 101. Now these are presidential suites.