Equator Hotel — Hotel in Vladivostok

Equator hotel is not the best hotel I have stayed, but the experience here was awesome!||First of all, the staff were so friendly and smiley, and they do their job great!||My room was on the 9th floor and the view from the balcony was just amazing! The room is not so big, but clean and cosy. Bed is so comfortable and they give you a pillow menu to choose the best fit for your sleep.||There was no air con in my room ( not sure it is a thing in Vladivostok as it is very cool even in summer ) but there was a fan which I prefer rather than a/c.||The water power in the bathroom is good and hot shower makes you relaxed after all day walk. Haven’t tried yet but there is also bath tube.||The biggest surprise for me was a birthday cake that I found in my room after a long day. As a solo traveler, this meant a lot to me and I’m so grateful to this hotel staff making me happy when I’m alone far away from my home.||And the only issue here was the balcony. There is a great view and balcony, but there is no chair or table. The chair in the room is quite huge so I couldn’t take it out to the balcony as the door was small. I think they should put a chair and table in the balcony as the view is great!||Thanks again for the birthday cake! I wish the room was available for my last two days in Vladivostok and I didn’t need to go...

This was the first hotel we stayed in during our 3 week adventure in Russia.||On first impression, this is a Soviet era concrete building which lacks any character, but don't let that put you off. Once inside, it is a thoroughly modern hotel with facilities to match any other hotel of this grade.||Airport pick up is offered at a reasonable price ||(a service we took advantage of as we arrived at 6:40am)||The staff are welcoming and speak excellent English.||Our room (a suite on the 8th floor) was perfect. A large living area and separate bedroom, both with a stunning sea view.||There is no air conditioning, but fans are provided, so it is possible to keep the room fairly cool.||Breakfast was the standard continental affair, with some Russian touches added. The food quality was excellent.||Location is spot on, with all the major sights being within fairly easy walking distance.||It is also only a short (10 min) walk to the railway station. Perfect for us as Vladivostok was where we were starting our Trans Siberian railway journey.||If I were to visit Vladivostok again, I would...

The renovated rooms on higher floors should be fine, but other rooms on lower floors are a must-avoid unless you are on a tight budget. Make sure you know which kind of room you are booking. When I stayed, renovation was still going on, and there were tools and ladders left in the corridor. ||||The budget rooms are very old, with doors being worn (toilet door wouldn't close) and tiny beds which will pose a problem for anyone over 1.75m tall. The room is dusty and only towels are provided, so bring your own toiletries and slippers.||||||The staff take their time to fulfill requests such as delivering missing towels (perhaps because it was quite late? Anyhow the towel was not delivered until the next day!). ||||||The hotel is redeemed by its superb location. It is within walking distance of many restaurants along the sea, a large shopping mall, and a cinema. You can even walk to city center in 20 to 30 minutes. Additionally, WiFi is stable, but not very fast.||||||Judging by other photos, it seems that the more expensive rooms are fine. But the budget ones are...