It is really the only game in town, despite a population of 400,000. Staff try very hard and quite a few speak English or German. Hotel was renovated a couple of years ago and the double rooms are pretty large. The place is as clean as an old Soviet era hotel can be and they are in the process of redoing the stairs. Don't think the elevators can ever be upgraded and are of a standard that only Russia seems to accept - but they work. Breakfast is of European style and fresh but don't be looking for a cappuccino - supper is very reasonable in price and extremely well done. Wireless Internet needs work however as I had to sit on the threshold of my room and the hallway to get a connection - and that only happened twice. From what others have said who stayed a couple of years ago, the hotel continues to improve its service.