BACK TO THE LIST OF "HOMES OF REST" AND "SANATORIUMS" OF THE MOSCOW REGION
.Introducing the concept
An extensive network of rest homes/satanoriums was set up in the 20s and 30s. These vestiges of the Soviet era are still around, active, affordable, and available to the public, and may be considered a good alternative to hotels if you don't need to be in the middle of Moscow.
"Home of rest" ("dom otdykha") is not to be understood as "retirement home" and "sanatorium" ("sanatoriy") is not necessarily for the mentally ill. Suppose you can think of them as health spas minus the glamour, set up for the working masses.
Their purpose and nature requires them to be away from cities and major highways. Their "Soviet" character means that marketing is not among their strengths. Lots of them belong to "institutions" that are immune to change. By opting to stay in a "sanatoriy" or "dom otdykha" you will find yourself in a time capsule, changed little since the days of Secretary-General Comrade Brezhnev.
Camps ("lager") and "turbazy" (singular "turbaza") are a related concept. They are cheaper, basic to the core, and offer no medical treatment. I notice, however, that many of these seem to be evolving into motels or resorts.
Any information I come across on cheap and authentic satanoriums and related establishments within accessible distance to Moscow will be added here. "Alternative" types of accommodation are also listed on my From Moscow to St. Petersburg and other pages/projects, such as www.kalugaregion.net
Hints and recommendations appreciated, as always.
Telephone numbers are given as dialed from Moscow. From abroad you dial +7-495-seven digit Moscow number.
Any questions? My contact information is here.