In 1898, a St. Petersburg insurance company purchased and began renovation of a hotel in the centre of Moscow on Teatralnaya Ploschad, or Theatre Square. Muscovites called it "Tchelishi" after its ex-owner, the builder and Merchant of the First Guild Paul Tchelishev. The rights to refurbish the building and run the hotel were acquired by the Northern Building Society, founded by the famous entrepreneur and patron of the arts Savva Mamontov.

Hotel Metropol, Moscow

View from Bolshoi Theatre

Hotel Metropol, Moscow

Hotel Metropol, Moscow

Hotel Metropol. Moscow

Hotel Metropol, Moscow

Hotel Metropol. Moscow.

Hotel Metropol, Moscow

The Hotel`s grand dining room, where Lenin made spirited speeches and Shalyapin sang, and which provided the model for part of the film "Dr. Zhivago". The illustrious Metropol Zal has become Moscow`s premier location for special occasions. The room is dominated by its spectacular stained glass roof which adds to the unique atmosphere of this impressive hall. At the centre of the room is a beautiful marble fountain, with the sound of gently falling water adding to the enchantment. A stage is available at one end of the hall, just one more reason why the Metropol Zal is in such high demand for so many different events.

Hotel Metropol, Moscow

One of the very finest restaurants in Moscow.

Hotel Metropol, Moscow