Russia is a very large country with many options to choose from for accommodation. However, if you are on a budget, a hostel is the way to go. You want to be sure that you chose a clean and safe one though. Here are some of the best in and around the main cities.
Moscow Hostels
Moscow has several excellent hostels. Hostel Zebra, in Kazan, is one of the top places to stay in Moscow. They have a 24-hour reception and offer free Wi-Fi. Moscow Style Hostel is also very highly rated and offers many of the facilities that people are looking for, with free Wi-Fi access and breakfast, and late checkout. Famous landmarks like the Red Square and Kremlin are within walking distance.
If you are on a rather tight budget, you may prefer to stay at Chekhov House, which has recently been rated as one of the best cheap hostels to stay at in the city. Couples would be better off staying at the Friend House Hostel which has free Wi-Fi and internet access. They also have vending machines and shared spaces to make tea and coffee.
St. Petersburg Hostels
St. Petersburg also has some terrific hostels. The one you choose really depends on your budget and on the facilities you might need. Some are more sociable than others and other are more for couples rather than single person.
The Chickadee Hostel in St. Petersburg is one of the highest rated for its cleanliness, staff who speak English and for its convenient location. There is also a fully equipped kitchen available. Hostel Samovar is another great, and cheap, accommodation in St. Petersburg. It has a 24-hour reception, free Wi-Fi and is also in a good location for sightseeing in the city. The Vitamin Hostel is the perfect choice for couples, and it is also near the center of the city. Metro stations are within walking distance, so you can easily travel around the city.
Although most people travel to St. Petersburg or Moscow, there are also some fantastic hostels to be found outside of these two main cities. For instance, if you want to visit Veliky Novgorod to enjoy some historical sights, then you can stay at Guesthouse Alliance or Guest House Orlovskiy. These are very cheap places; they cost less than $8 a night, and they are both within 3 km of the center of the city.

Other Cities
The two best places to stay in Kazan are Hostel Navigator na Tukaya and Hostel Like. The former is new and offers many facilities, including a fully equipped kitchen. Hostel Like is also very modern and is found in a good location. Both are rated “very good” and are clean. They would be a good choice for a person looking for an affordable place to stay in Kazan.
The city of Irkutsk also has above average rated hostels that are clean and are known for their friendly staff. The Rolling Stones Hostel is considered to be the best one to pick. It is close to all the main sights of the city and they even offer bikes for rent.
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