Accommodation Search Services
Now, instead of "Booking," there are a million Russian short-term rental services to figure out. We at Kupibilet have analyzed the main ones and honestly explained the advantages of each.
If you don't have a foreign card
This section of the selection features only Russian accommodation booking apps with the option to pay with "Mir."
Ostrovok.ru
The main Russian alternative to Booking.com. The service's advantage is that you can search for hotels in Europe and other foreign countries, book, and pay by card, despite restrictions on Visa and Mastercard operations. Given the sanctions situation, this is a pleasant bonus. Some hotels allow payment on arrival, but most require an advance payment.
Options are sorted by the following parameters: price, area, proximity to the center, accommodation type, amenities, meals, rating. Favorite hotels can be added to favorites and viewed in a separate tab. To help you choose the best, the service publishes traveler reviews and synchronizes with the TripAdvisor review database.
The service allows you to immediately see the price in the desired currency (you need to select it when searching for a hotel), suggests whether the required destination is open for entry, and what restrictions currently exist: whether a visa is needed, if there are direct flights, and if quarantine is still in effect.
What else:
— free cancellation, money will be refunded to the card;
— offers B2B services for organizing business trips.
In which cities and countries it searches for hotels: in all, from Kazan to Paris.
Yandex.Travel
This is an aggregator of offers from various resources — so accommodation can be booked directly through the service if the hotel is connected to it (most often these are Russian hotels), or through the hotel's website. The interface is pleasant, easy to use, and the service provides comprehensive information about the hotel, accommodation advantages, and location. Travelers can leave reviews about hotels (Yandex.Maps are synchronized with the service) and give ratings. Support is available via chat and phone 24/7 — even on holidays.
When booking some hotels, you will receive cashback in the form of Yandex points. If you use the "Yandex.Plus" service, these points can be used to pay for taxis, food, music, and movie services.
In which cities and countries you can find hotels: both in Russia and abroad.
Sutochno.ru
A daily rental search service where you can book your preferred option directly. It specializes not in hotels, but in private properties: apartments, cottages, villas, rooms. There is a convenient app for iOS and Android, a cashback system (bonuses for future bookings), and support that operates from 8 AM to 11 PM Moscow time. However, canceling a booking after making an advance payment is not very convenient — not all money will be refunded.
There's also a great service — an accommodation selection request. Describe in detail what you need, fill out the form, and you will be contacted to discuss the details.
In which cities and countries you can find hotels: in Russia (most options) and abroad.
101Hotels.com
The service interface is similar to "Booking" — those accustomed to using that service will appreciate the main page's appearance. You can book a hotel with payment on arrival.
Points are awarded for each booking (up to 12% cashback). If you travel frequently, you can use these points to pay for hotels and receive special offers.
The 101Hotels.com accommodation rental app is available on iOS and Android.
In which cities and countries it searches for hotels: both in Russia and abroad (many options).
Avito
Don't forget about the classic way to book accommodation — especially if you plan to stay in another city longer than the standard two tourist weeks. On Avito, you can rent an apartment directly from the owner: chat with them, discuss terms, clarify details, and agree on how you will pay for your stay. So, if you're planning, for example, to relocate to Sochi to live by the sea, look not at hotels (they will be more expensive), but at offers from people who rent out their apartments temporarily or for a long term.
To find accommodation, go to the "Real Estate" section, specify the city you're heading to, and select the "Rent" and "Daily" options. To book a preferred option, you will need to pay one day's rent as an advance payment. If you change your mind about going, the money will be refunded.
In which cities and countries you can find accommodation: in Russia. There are also foreign options, but not many.
Cian
The main Russian service for renting accommodation. Again, it will be useful if you are going somewhere for a long period (from a month). Although Cian also has apartments that are rented daily. Unfortunately, as with all similar services, an intermediary is often required for rental. If you want to rent quickly and without deception, filter ads and select the "from owner" parameter.
The website has good filters that help to clearly formulate a request. You can specify in advance whether you will be checking in with a pet, what area you expect, and what ceiling height is preferable. Cian also has a convenient app for renting accommodation on Android and iOS.
In which cities and countries you can find apartments: in Russia.
Kvartirka
A simple service where offers from private individuals are posted: apartments, rooms, houses. The interface is very simple but clear, with many low-priced offers. The service publishes all information about the owners; you can contact them and ask your questions about the accommodation.
"Kvartirka" cares about guarantees: when you make an advance payment, it is not transferred to the accommodation owner immediately, but only when you successfully check in. This way, scammers cannot deceive you and disappear with your money. Specialists monitor the database and block dishonest landlords.
Next to some offers, a "photo verified" tag is published. It is displayed when the service specialists are confident that the accommodation exists and looks the same as in the photos.
In which cities and countries you can find hotels: in Russia.
If you are a happy owner of a foreign card
Vrbo
On Vrbo, entire apartments are rented directly from owners: it's something like Avito or Airbnb. There are plenty of options: from ordinary studios, detached houses, and apartments to seaside villas, bungalows, and even castles (!). Yes, you can rent an entire castle, and there are even quite reasonable prices: 100-130 dollars per night. So now you know where to celebrate a wedding or birthday.
The service has been operating since 1995, so there are indeed many offers here. The interface is clear; you can view information about the host, read reviews, and contact them.
Homestay
This service offers not separate apartments, but accommodation with hosts. The idea is that you stay with locals and enjoy their hospitality. If you don't have a lot of money, enjoy socializing, and want a truly memorable authentic experience — this is the option for you.
It's unlikely you'll be able to check in with a huge family (though it's worth checking!), but if you're traveling alone or with a friend, you can experiment. Guests leave detailed reviews about their trip, we recommend reading them for inspiration.
Plus, it's a great way to practice the language of the country you plan to stay in. All advantages!
Vacasa
A service for renting private homes in Europe and the USA — the kind of homes shown in American movies. A special feature of renting on Vacasa is that after you leave the house, a cleaning service will clean it, so you won't need to spend time before checking out. 24/7 support is available, and check-in is contactless in most cases (meaning you can check in without meeting the host).
Flipkey
This is a project from the creators of TripAdvisor. Here you can book homes and apartments worldwide, with all information about location, amenities, owner, and availability for upcoming dates. You can book immediately or first contact the owner to discuss details.
Kid and Coe
A service designed for families with children. All apartments are equipped for accommodating a child: there are children's beds, dishes, toys, and books. The website publishes tips from local parents on what to do with children in the area where you rented accommodation. The service has a pleasant, friendly interface.
The Plum Guide
The service specializes in apartments that look like Pinterest pictures: all accommodation options are not cheap, but they are free of shabby tiles and peeling wallpaper. Cottages with designer renovations and a pool, stylish apartments in the center of Rome, houses with fireplaces and vintage furniture in English suburbs — in short, there's plenty to choose from. Life hack: you can consider this website as a source of inspiration for future renovations.
