"Stalinist Empire in the Middle of the Forest": Mystery of the Soviet Hotel

Majestic building among trees, monumental columns and luxurious interiors — the Soviet Hotel on Leningradskoe Highway has kept its secrets for decades. Why was one of the most luxurious hotels of the Stalinist era built practically on the outskirts of Moscow? What is the history of this place before the revolution? And why do many people confuse it with the famous restaurant "YaR"?

From Tavern to Luxurious Hotel

Few people know that on the site of the famous Soviet Hotel "Soviet" since the middle of the XIX century there was a legendary tavern "YaR" — one of the most famous entertainment venues of pre-revolutionary Moscow. Initially, "YaR" was located on the Copper Bridge, and in 1836 it moved to the area of today's Leningradskoe Highway, which was then the Petersburg Highway — essentially a countryside area.

The tavern quickly gained a reputation as a place where the whole color of Moscow society gathered — nobles, merchants, golden youth. Here performed the best Gypsy choirs, held lavish banquets. Among regular visitors were Pushkin, Chekhov, Kuprin, Shalyapin, Rasputin, and even members of the imperial family.

In 1910, the old wooden building of the tavern was demolished and a luxurious restaurant was built on its site according to the project of architect Adolf Eriksson. The interiors of the new "YaR" were breathtaking in their luxury: marble staircases, crystal chandeliers, painted ceilings, expensive furniture.

The Soviet Era and New Life

After the revolution, the restaurant was closed, and the building was used as a warehouse and dormitory. In the 1930s, it was decided to build a hotel in the style of Stalinist empire on this site. The existing building of "YaR" was taken as the basis, rebuilt and significantly expanded. The architect of the project was Pavel Shcheller.

The Soviet Hotel opened in 1952 and became one of the symbols of Stalinist architecture. The eight-story building was adorned with columns, moldings, and sculptures. Interiors were decorated in the style of royal luxury — with marble, moldings, crystal chandeliers, and large mirrors.

Why in the Middle of the Forest?

In the 1950s, the area around the hotel was indeed quite forested — Moscow had just begun to actively develop in this direction. Petrovsky Park and Timiryazevskaya Grove created an atmosphere of countryside leisure around the hotel.

This location had its advantages: the Soviet Hotel became a kind of gateway to the city for guests arriving from the northern direction. The proximity to Sheremetyevo Airport made it a convenient place for hosting foreign delegations.

The Restaurant "YaR" Is Revived

In 1952, together with the hotel, a restaurant named "YaR" was also opened. It was located in the original halls of the old restaurant, which retained their design during the building's renovation. During the Soviet era, "YaR" was one of the most prestigious restaurants in Moscow, where foreign guests were brought and important receptions were held.

Interestingly, many Muscovites still confuse the Soviet Hotel with the restaurant "YaR", although these are different establishments united by one building and shared history.

Secrets and Interesting Facts

• Many celebrities stayed at the hotel, including Yuri Gagarin, Fidel Castro, and Mao Zedong.

• During the USSR, many foreign specialists working in Moscow under long-term contracts lived in the hotel.

• The hotel was used as a filming location for many Soviet films, including "Diamond Hand".

• Underground passages and tunnels, allegedly leading from the hotel to other important Moscow buildings, became a popular urban legend.

• During the renovation in the 1990s, builders discovered sealed rooms with items from the pre-revolutionary era.

Today, the Soviet Hotel continues to operate, preserving its historical appearance. The restaurant "YaR" also functions, offering guests traditional Russian cuisine and the atmosphere of a bygone era.

Cover: pinterest.com