Booking accommodation in Russia

Abhay_ddn

Hi Irena,
Zenhotels told me they don’t support the use of western credit cards to make a booking at a Russian hotel and it is only possible to book via the pay at reception on arrival option via cash. Does this match with your understanding? Thank you.

Irena

Abhay_ddn Three weeks ago I booked a hotel in Moscow with Zenhotels with a Western card. I don't know if this has changed. I have entered the Zenhotels website and it seems that everything remains the same, it even allows you to pay with PayPal.

Abhay_ddn

Oh ok, let me trying using it and making the booking and see what happens. Thank you for the feedback.

Irena

Abhay_ddn Hello, Any problem making the booking?

Abhay_ddn

Hi, I had booked via the phone at my first destination hotel and will pay in cash when I get there.

I am currently in the US. When I try to see if I can make a booking at the second destination hotel via the app, it does take me to the final screen and allows me to pay via my western credit card or PayPal/Apple Pay. I did not click the final book because I will only know if I will go to destination 2 when I reach destination 1. Not sure if the app will still allow me to book when I’m physically in Russia, I think it allowed you to do it from Moscow.

I wonder how quick is the refund if you cancel a booking via the app? I could try booking a day at destination 2 to see if it works and then cancel it.

Irena

Abhay_ddn The refund is immediate, although money may take a few days.

Abhay_ddn

Hi, I think I’ll probably try using the app once I’m at destination 1 and I will then let you know if it worked for destination 2. That would be in mid January.

Abhay_ddn

Hi there, so my plans changed again and I was able to make a booking successfully from the US using a western credit card for a hotel#1 in Russia via the website you recommended.

Paying exclusively by card is available for most of the hotels but not for a small number. For the one where it has the on the spot option hotel#2, I called the hotel and they agreed to accept payment in cash when I get there.

When I reach Russia, I will try to use the app to book using a western credit card to extend my stay and let you know if it worked.

Irena

Abhay_ddn Thank you very much 🙂 Have a nive trip. Keep us informed.

Abhay_ddn

Thank you, will do. 👍

Abhay_ddn

Irena, I was able to book another day at the hotel from within Russia using my US credit card so it works!
Fabulous tip you gave us, thank you!

Irena

Abhay_ddn Great 🙂 Thank you very much for the feedback