The Rezidor Hotel Group, one of the fastest growing hotel companies worldwide, announces the signing and opening of Park Inn Veliky Novgorod. The former Beresta Palace Hotel featuring 225 rooms has been re-branded and is operating as a Park Inn with immediate effect. “The property brings our portfolio of Park Inns in Russia/CIS to 25 hotels in operation and under development – a clear sign for our commitment to this emerging region”, comments Kurt Ritter, President & CEO of Rezidor.

“We are delighted to cooperate with one of the world’s largest hotel chains. The experience of Rezidor will enhance the economic aspect of the project and its quality. I am confident that this is the first step towards the establishment of a long term partnership between our companies; within the next 5 years we are planning to reach one of the leading positions on the Russian hospitality market”, adds Denis Geerko, General Director of Effective Investments Company and owner of the new hotel.

Besides 225 rooms, the Park Inn Veliky Novgorod offers an all day restaurant and bar, 3 meeting rooms and a wellness area including a swimming pool, saunas and a gym. It was originally built in 1991 as one of the first international-standard hotels which opened after the fall of the Soviet Union and renovated in 2006.

Veliky Novgorod, which in Russia means “The Great New City” or “The Big New City”, is recognized as a major tourism destination both domestically and, increasingly, internationally. The city is strategically located along the main highway linking Moscow and St. Petersburg, making it a popular escape for residents of both cities. It is also a key stopover for tour groups visiting the “Golden Ring” cities which encircle Moscow.

Few Russian cities can compete with Veliky Novgorod in the variety and age of its medieval monuments. The foremost among these is the St Sophia Cathedral in the Kremlin, built between 1045 and 1050. It is the best preserved 11th century church and the first one to represent original features of Russian architecture. Among many historical sights, the Kremlin contains the Hall of Facets, which was built in the thirties of 15th century and served as a hall for ceremonies; and Chasozvonya (1673) - one of the oldest Russian clock towers.

Besides being a regional tourism hub, Veliky Novgorod attracts corporate visitors due to its status as a centre of education (home of Yaroslav the Wise University), an administrative centre for the Novgorod Region and its large industrial base focused around the chemical industry.