Moscow and St. Petersburg boast a wide range of accommodation to suit almost any travel budget, but outside Russia's two major cities where, admittedly, few foreign tourists venture pickings are often limited. In the Golden Ring the tourist-heavy array of historical towns surrounding Moscow you can expect a better selection across the board, and there are rare delights to be found. In more far-flung areas, standards tend to be lower. Most hotels can provide letters of invitation and offer visa registration even if you are not staying with them for all your time in Russia, although regional establishments tend to be less flexible. St. Petersburg Spectacular views of the Kremlin and rooms a short walk from Red Square are two of the highlights of Moscow's centrally located hotels, many of which have recently undergone renovation and extensive remodeling to keep them in line with the expectations of foreign visitors.
Prices are similarly comparable to other major European cities.
As ever, contacts are the best way to get a deal, but patience and luck can often do just as well. Most organizations will ask you to commit to at least 10 hours a week before they bother with the twin questions of accommodation and visas, so if you are looking for inexpensive accommodations without any study obligations then renting either a small apartment or a room with a family is your best bet. Remember - travelers in Russia have to be aware of visa issues. The issuing of a visa, and its registration, is often tied to accommodation, so going it alone means you take more of the responsibility. Take a look at our Visas section for advice on getting a visa.