Lake Baikal in southern Siberia is one of the greatest lakes in the world, and stretches over 600km. Most of the travellers visit Baikal in order to explore its magnificent beauty in expeditions, with overnight stays in tents or boats. However, if this type of activity is not your preference, there are small hotels and hostels scattered across the shore of Lake Baikal, and Culture Trip has selected ten of the best.
Located on the unique island of Olkhon, Baikal View Hotel sits on the banks Lake Baikal. Each room offers outstanding panoramic views of the lake, and the hotel is bright, unusual and offers excellent cuisine. Delicious pasta varieties and tea with thyme, a local herb, await you. There’s also a pool for visitors to dip into, or you can take a bike and enjoy the views of the unbeatable nature. A visit to the nearby village to taste local omul dish is a must, or simply admire the best views of the lake from the panoramic Baikal View Café.
Courtyard by Marriott is the best hotel for business meetings and conferences in Irkutsk. Everything from the interior to the furnishing and service is made to the highest level. The rooms are clean and classic with a nice modern touch, a comfortable bed conducive to relaxation, and wide windows offering a great view on the center of Irkutsk. The hotel is situated walking distance from the Kirov Place, Angara River and the theatre, offering a relaxed atmosphere, where you can enjoy a full American-style breakfast before embarking on a sightseeing journey.
Hotel Angara is the perfect choice for a comfortable stay in Irkutsk. Located in the Kirov Square a short walk from the City Hall, the three-star Angara offers panoramic views of the city of Irkutsk and its historical sights. The hotel was built during Soviet period, but after reconstruction it has been modernized significantly. The hotel offers a spacious spa with a salon, three internationally renowned restaurants, free Wi-Fi and colorful rooms. Other facilities include indoor swimming pool, sauna and a gym. Guests can enjoy a relaxing massage, dental services, and spa beauty treatments.
Residents of Irkutsk visit Listvyanka village almost every weekend. Hotel Baikal’skie Terema has an undoubted advantage as it is located on the hill just 400 meters away from the shore of Lake Baikal, but also away from the noisy parties and busy roads, allowing a quiet place for relaxation and retreat. The hotel is executed in the traditions of wooden architecture of past centuries with wooden furniture, but modern in terms of comfort and recreation. Baikal’skie Terema offers a luxurious Russian banya, delicacies of local Siberian cuisine, including unique and flavorsome dishes of saguday, ukha and whitefish. The hotel has a beautiful view of Lake Baikal and the surrounding Khamar-Daban mountains.
Atlas Hotel is one of the smallest hotels in Irkutsk, but nonetheless offer an excellent service. Located three kilometers from the center of Irkutsk, Atlas offers its customers 28 comfortable rooms placed into different categories, ranging from standard to studio and suite. All rooms have a refrigerator, flat-screen TV, cable channels, as well as complimentary toiletry accessories. At any time you will meet friendly staff who will ensure that you have the most comfortable stay. Atlas Hotel also has a coffeehouse and a bar, serving delicious European cuisine. It is also possible to arrange a transfer from the airport, bus station, or train station.
Boutique Hotel Marussia is located in the historic area of Irkutsk, 130 Quarter, which includes several dozen monuments from the 18th century. It is designed in Russian style in a three-storey log building, with an interior made of wooden floors and walls. From the first to the third floors there are rooms with king size beds and essentials including a minibar, designer toiletries, and extra touches such as hypo-allergenic bedding and complimentary bottled water to ensure that you will have the best stay. Each room boasts a stunning view of the 130 Quarter or an ancient church.
Zvezda Hotel provides four types of accommodation: a standard room, studio, suite and deluxe suite. Visitors can also opt for the presidential suite, consisting of three spacious rooms and two bathrooms with a jacuzzi. There are two unique restaurants inside, The Chinese Character and Hunters, dedicated to serving Chinese and Russian cuisine respectively. Restaurant Hunters is famous for its signature dishes made from meat, while Chinese Character will delight you with a delicious selection of Chinese delicacies and drinks prepared by chefs from the South of China. There is a complimentary breakfast buffet every day, and Zvezda Hotel also features two indoor pools, a Russian sauna, and fishing and ski trail opportunities on site.
This wonderful little hotel is located in the historical and traditional 130 Quarter, the famous central tourist zone of Irkutsk. The building of Kupechesky Dvor Hotel represents a unique historical reconstruction of a traditional Siberian farmhouse. The rooms are large and comfortable, with all the standard necessities included. Hotel Kupechesky Dvor does not have its own restaurant, but this does not matter, as the staff reimburse this by delivering food directly in your suite at the desired time. Furthermore, the 130 Quarter has many restaurants with authentic Russian and European cuisine.
Ushanka Hostel is a cozy hostel located on the second floor of a wooden house in the heart Irkutsk, a stone’s throw from the city’s main attractions. You will have a choice between a double economy room with one bed, or a bed either in four or six person dorm room. All rooms offer access to shared bathrooms. The hostel is not just a place to sleep and regain energy, in this cosy corner you can find prompt help and new friends.
Located in close proximity to the city center, in walking distance from the main shopping street of Irkutsk, Hotel Europe, offers immaculate service with a morning buffet offering a diverse breakfast. All rooms have premium bed amenities with air conditioning, refrigerators, TV, tea and coffee makers, iron and ironing boards, and a mini bar. There is a lounge and a fitness center on site.
