Hotel Belarus

It's just one of many monolithic Soviet-era hotels, but Belarus is clearly the most well known. There are other similar places within spitting distance, but perhaps because it's the most popular, Belarus gets away with slightly higher prices.

Rooms are run-of-the-mill sovok (Soviet-style), and the echoing old marble lobby, where many guests gather to sit in old leather chairs, resembles a weigh station for lost souls. You'll break your fast with a so-so smorgasbord on the top floor, but it's the panoramic view, not the cold cuts, that you'll carry with you throughout the day.