Hello.
I’ve noticed ZenHotels is taking payments from abroad for Russia hotels via Paypal.
Can anyone confirm this is a trustworthy option?
PayPal has buyer protection.
Thanks. Good point. I’d still like to find someone who’s done it recently with success.
@KO11 I just booked my May and June Moscow apartment with PayPal on ZenHotels. No issues so far
I also noticed that ZenHotels accepts many discount codes that reduce the monthly apartment cost by 3-5%
I’m getting close to doing the same. I understand risks are involved but the chance to prepay is big. Would be nice to confirm with the apartment/hotel that payment was received before spending too much in advance.
Thanks for the update.
@KO11 I think the much more significant risk is that the apartment owner does not register me with migration. I am discussing that with them right now. We’ll see what happens.
I was able to confirm with a hotel they have my reservation so all is good. I’ll trust ZenHotels more now.
Not sure about the registration issue as I typically stay in hotels.
Ostrovok allows you to book hotels without a credit card. And pay with cash on arrival.
@NomadicHedgie Did you get any update on registering while in an apartment? I’m considering this next visit. As I look into this I’m seeing alot of differing opinions. With the new SIM card laws they basically monitor everything so it would be even more critical to register, I assume.
@KO11 As is often the case, the apartment owner refused to register me. However, my visa company should be able to help me register. Hotels seem more likely than apartments to register their guests.
@Bill Ostrovok allows you to book hotels without a credit card. And pay with cash on arrival.
Ostrovok and Zenhotels are the same company and website. Zenhotels is just the version running from a company registered and located in Cyprus, so it works with the American controlled banking system.
Being the same, booking options are the same: some places require prepayment, some no, many have both choices.
@NomadicHedgie Hotels seem more likely than apartments to register their guests.
hotels are obligated to register guests. It is mandatory.
Exceptions are some few hostels that are not under the status of hotels. Very uncommon I had the case once in 20 years. Some minihotels have not registered themselves correctly, run illegally or in the grey, so will not register guests. It is unusual but could happen.
Some minihotels can have at the desk someone not familiar with the procedure. It happened to me in november in SPb on Vosstaniya, the girl in charge when i arrived had no clue and moreover didn’t care I just paid and had the room. But then also I had no need for the registration, as it was done an earlier day elsewhere.
(minihotels are often former collective apartments redone. A floor with some rooms. It is common also in Poland)
Zen hotels is legit. i used the for a hotel in Moscow several times. I used a US credit card. They are based in Cyprus I beleive.
@Timoti I’ve relied on it before entering Russia and now while in Russia. No issues. Payments via Paypal.