History
The Construction of the Hotel Cosmos Complex was intended for servicing to the 1980 Summer Olympics which were held in Moscow. The architecture of the building with a view of the VDNKh Park and the Monument to the Conquerors of Space was designed by Soviet and French architects based on the French project. Already approved by the Moscow City Executive Committee, the hotel plan included:
- 1,718 Standard Twin bedrooms
- 53 two-room Suites
- 6 four-room Suites
- Hotel catering network for about 3600 seats
While planning new facilities, the specialists had to adhere strictly to Soviet architecture standards, which not only differed greatly from the Western ones, but were considerably more stringent. The construction of the building was conducted by Sefri Co., France.
The official opening of the hotel took place on 18 July, 1979. It was a big fest with many politicians, businessmen and pop stars participating. During its more than 20-year history the hotel had pleasure to see many famous people staying at the property: Joe Dassin, a well-known French singer, Alla Pugachyova, a Russian pop star, Garri Kasparov, a Russian Olympic Chess Champion.
Interesting Facts
Cosmos Hotel hosted:
- XXII Moscow Olympics 1980 Press Centre
- Moscow Goodwill Games 1996 Press Centre. Headed by T.Turner
- The International Chess Olympics 1995
- The 1st Global Forum for "Nuclear Free World and Disarmament of Mankind" featuring A.D.Sakharov
- The 12th World Festival of Youth and Students, 1985
- The International Song Festival "Gradus ad Parnassum" (annually for three years)
- The 1st International Beauty Contest "Miss Charm" 1989
- International Conferences by the Ministry of Internal Affairs. 48 countries were represented by Ministers and Deputy Ministers.
- The International Convention of Cosmonauts and Astronauts 1984
- The International Body-Building Tournament
- TV Shows "The Morning Star", "The Song of The Year" (for three years)
- Charity actions for children victims of military actions and veterans of the Great Patriotic War under the patronage of the Russian Federation Government
- International exhibitions and conferences by the International Center For Financial and Economic Development
- International trade shows and conferences by the Russian Bank Association
- "Russian Leisure" Travel Fairs and many other large-scale events...
During its history the Hotel Cosmos has become winner in many contests. Quite recently, on 11 December 1998 the property won a diploma "For Important Contribution to Development of Moscow Incoming Travel" by annual awards for Moscow City Hospitality Industry Development. The chef Anatoly V. Shalin was awarded "The Best Master-chef of Moscow Hotel Restaurant".