As winter approaches in Russia’s capital city, a warm respite beckons just a few steps from Red Square.

Closed for many years, a grand set of doors has just been thrown open, revealing luxurious accommodations, five inviting dining and drinking establishments, and an unparalleled international standard of personalised service: welcome to the new Four Seasons Hotel Moscow.

“After years of meticulous planning, the old Hotel Moskva is now reborn as Four Seasons Hotel Moscow with fashion forward style and modern comforts on Manezhnaya Square,” said general manager Max Musto, who oversees a handpicked, highly trained staff.

“It is our mission to write the next exciting chapter in the storied history of this building, and this city.”

Originally built in the 1930s, Hotel Moskva hosted many of the key figures in the Russian saga.

As an unofficial home base for the Soviet Union’s political and cultural power players, the hotel’s clientele also included a star-studded cast of international guests.

Now, with immense respect for architect Alexei Shchusev’s original vision, interior designers Richmond International have created a contemporary homage to history that is firmly positioned in the 21st century.

The exterior façade has been replicated in meticulous detail, including the distinctive asymmetry between the two wings that surround a new glass-topped atrium.

A birch motif is woven throughout the interior décor, and echoes of the past are seen in decorative details such as the column capitals and scalloped rosette surrounding the main ballroom’s chandelier, and the handcrafted mosaic tiles in the glass-enclosed pool area.

Four Seasons Hotel Moscow is ideally located on Manezhnaya Square and just steps from Red Square, the colourful domes of St. Basil’s Cathedral, the world renowned Bolshoi Theatre, and the prestigious GUM shopping complex.

The Hotel’s Concierge team is ready to introduce these sites and much more to guests.

“Winter in Russia heralds a season of romantic sleigh rides in Sokolniki, performances of Petr Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker at the Bolshoi Theatre, and ice skating in Gorky Park,” said chef concierge Gleb Kryuchkov.

“For those interested in learning about the history and culture of our Far North, Eco Husky Park hosts traditional ceremonies and exhibitions; and for more modern pursuits, the city is abuzz about Montana, a new weekend nightclub on a yacht in the Moscow River.”

Offering the city’s most spacious accommodations, the hotel’s 180 rooms and suites are naturally lit through floor-to-ceiling windows, and many have step-out balconies.

In addition to the new, fully customisable Four Seasons Bed, up-to-the-minute features include iHome docking stations, media hub with international socket options, high speed internet access, and an iPad in each room for easy access to in-room dining, spa appointments and more.

Marble bathrooms include separate showers, with complimentary custom amenities by Roberto Cavalli.

“With 40 distinct floor plans and postcard views from every side of the hotel, it won’t be long before return guests are requesting specific room numbers,” predicts Musto.

“And already, our five two-bedroom Grand Premier Suites, each commanding sweeping views from their corner positions, are in high demand.”