Although the Ritz Carlton is undeniably one of the grand dames of the world hotel scene, it is a relative newcomer to the Moscow stage. And yet, from the moment they opened their polished, dark cherry wooden doors, they haven’t missed a beat.

The 334 guestrooms are of the finest quality –  five-star, in fact. There is a butler service, a business service and a florist service. There’s an overnight shoeshine, bathrooms finished in marble from Portugal and the Altai mountains and electronic fingertip panels for controlling lighting and curtains. There are dining options to suit every palate and inclination from a bite of sushi to a feast a la Russe. And it is located right next to Red Square – you really couldn’t be any closer to the Russian action if you tried.