Marking a century of hospitality a plaque commemorates the 100th anniversary of the Hotel National. It stands as a testament to the hotel’s rich history. This five-star hotel opened its doors in 1903. The Hotel National is located on Manege Square. It faces directly across from The Kremlin.
Let’s delve into the story behind this Moscow landmark. The Varvarinskoe Joint-Stock Company of Householders financed the Hotel National. Alexander Ivanov designed it. Construction began in 1901. The hotel initially featured 160 rooms. Its opening is sometimes listed as January 1. This discrepancy arises from Russia’s use of the Julian calendar at the time. It was 13 days behind the Gregorian calendar.
The Hotel National played a significant role after the Russian Revolution. In March 1918 the Soviet government moved to Moscow. Lenin resided in room 107 of the hotel with his wife for seven days. This is marked by a plaque. Trotsky and Felix Dzerzhinsky also stayed here. In 1919 the building became the First House of Soviets.
By 1931 the building needed repair. It was renovated to house foreign visitors. Museum-quality furniture and antiques were brought in. These came from palaces of the Tsars and Russian nobility. In 1932 the Hotel National reopened under its original name.
During World War II the hotel hosted numerous Allied delegations. W. Averell Harriman and Anthony Eden stayed here. In the late 1960s the modern Hotel Intourist was built next door. The hotels merged in 1983.
A piece of the facade fell off in 1989. The Hotel National closed for reconstruction. It reopened in 1995 as part of Forte Hotels. Later it was renamed Le M\u00e9ridien National Hotel. In 2009 it returned to its original name.
Tragedy struck on December 9 2003. A Chechen suicide bomber detonated outside the hotel. Six people died.
The City of Moscow privatized the hotel in 2011. Businessman Mikhail Gutseriev bought it. In 2022 Marriott severed ties with the hotel.
The Hotel National has welcomed many famous guests. William Bullit lived here temporarily in 1933. Srila AC Bhaktivedanta Swami stayed here in 1971. Sean Connery and Michelle Pfeiffer filmed scenes for “The Russia House” here. Jacques Chirac Kofi Annan and Donald Trump have also visited.
This plaque celebrates the Hotel National’s century of service. It remains a symbol of Moscow’s history and luxury.