Russia, No Objections….

Russia hit the news recently after speaking out: Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that the world must be firm but cautious when dealing with North Korea and in so many other words, essentially said Russia will not object to a new U.N. Security Council resolution on the situation surrounding North Korea.

While we are waiting to see how the situation develops, why not have a look at Russia’s popular vacation spots now that they are surprsingly in step with the US position on North Korea. After all, no matter what side of an issue they’re on, Russia is an excellent destination for Americans who seek what was previously very much off limits to most.

Visiting Moscow is a perfect way to get introduced to Russia. With its stunning Kremlin, fascinating architecture, simple but filling cuisine, and well-appointed hotel suites, Moscow sticks in the memory of even the most distracted of vacationers. The Ararat Park Hyatt Moscow is just a short walk from the Kremlin, the Parliament House, and the Red Square, so it’s a good way to take in the sites without having navigate the city. If you’re the late-night type, you can catch up on emails after dinner on the hotel’s free wireless internet, and then hit up the Cafe Ararat, which is open until midnight. While you are there, try visiting the Bolshoi Theater and Izmailovo Park–and take a metro tour to catch downtown stations filled with chandeliers, murals, mosaics, and marble.

St. Petersburg can be your next stop in Russia, because it’s perfect for seeing Italianate mansions, plenty of historical artifacts, and interesting canals. The Hotel Astoria – A Rocco Forte Hotel makes for a fantastic stay to complement the heady cultural blend of the city. Built in 1912, the Hotel Astoria is located near the Hermitage museum and Mariinsky Theatre, and overlooks St Isaac’s cathedral. If you book a room through What a Hotel!, you’ll score Exclusive Complimentary Perks and have stunning views from the hotel over Isaac’s Square, the Mariinsky Palace, or the the Monument of Nicholas I, depending on where your room is situated.
Whether you decide to head to Serbia or Kaliningrad next, we also have no objections to visting Russia, so go explore!