The benefits of staying at this hotel are that they have English-speaking floor assistants, who are very helpful. Otherwise, the hotel is extremely noisy especially in the evening. No credit cards accepted, Ruble payment only. Hotel Avacha is a Russian hotel close to the market and center of town. The lobby has recently been renovated and the receptionists speak some English but otherwise Russian is the overall language of communication.
Rooms are ok, small beds, antiquated shower arrangements, but the rooms are clean.
There is a buffet restaurant in the hotel. No credit cards accepted, ruble payment only. The Hotel Oktyabrskaya is located in a nice old building close to the Regional Administration and Lenin Square. The lobby and rooms have been recently renovated. Rooms are furnished Russian style and most personnel do not speak English.