Moscow

[freakypete]

Any advice on where to stay in moscow? ideally somewhere that we can get an invitation from as well to help us with the visa.

From what ive seen on the internet hostels in Moscow seem a lot more expensive (€20+) than anywhere else in east europe. why is that? or am i missing the cheaper ones?

[tumblezweedz]

I don't have specifics on hostels, since we didn't stay anywhere that civilized when we visited Moscow, but it doesn't surprise me that they're more expense than elsewhere in Eastern Europe. Russian hotels are also considerably pricier, and as long as you're in the cities, you won't find prices generally very cheap. They've long since figured out the old "milk the tourists" approach! Even when I was there in Soviet times, we foreigners had to pay "special prices" for everything. If you can get away into the smaller communities you should be able to avoid some of the mark-up, but I wouldn't depend upon it. If you can get a hostel to "invite" you, you may just have to accept the higher prices and enjoy the opportunity.

[Esterina]

The cost of living in Moscow is just about the same of in New-York says the last international cost of living survey...

I had found this address when I was planning on going. I had to cancel my trip before booking, but the comments in the Lonely Planet and the feeling from the emails we exchanged were very good. Not a hostel, but a private home, around 10 Euros a night (in 2004) and they provide the invitation letter (most hotels/hostels will though) : galinas.flat@mtu-net.ru

Other options :
Hostel Sherstone »»»18 Euros and up
Art Hostel »»»On the site $40 is mentioned, but in LP $15+breakfast...