Nestled in the heart of Moscow, on the historic Petrovka Street, OKNO Apart Hotel is a new addition to the city’s boutique hospitality scene. We sat down with Susana Martirosyan, the Co-Founder and the General Manager of OKNO, to learn about the inspiration behind this unique boutique hotel and its dedication to Russian culture, design, and personalized service.
Chic Icon: Susana, what inspired the creation of OKNO Hotel?
Susana Martirosyan: In Moscow, there weren’t hotels like this—boutique apart-hotels with a sense of history and personal touch. We wanted to create a place where guests could immerse themselves in Russian culture, tradition, and heritage, while also finding a cozy, home-like corner in the city. That’s why all our apartments are fully furnished, from kitchens with dishwashers and washing machines to carefully chosen dishes, glasses, carpets, paintings, flowers—many handmade. Every detail is intentional, creating a sense of warmth and individuality.
Chic Icon: Can you tell us more about the design details?
Susana Martirosyan: Of course. In our standard apartments, for example, you’ll see macramé lamps, handcrafted lighting, and arrangements of dried flowers—flowers sourced from all over Russia, from Kamchatka to St. Petersburg. Each apartment category reflects a different Russian craft tradition. If it’s Khokhloma style, you’ll notice the signature intricate patterns. Every piece, every corner tells a story of Russian craftsmanship.
Chic Icon: Who’s the designer behind it all?
Susana Martirosyan: That would be Yulia Gamidova. We first collaborated on the PAGE 20 Apart Hotel on New Arbat, and after that experience, we formed a team to create OKNO in a historic location on Petrovka Street. Yulia brought her vision to life here, seamlessly integrating tradition with contemporary comfort.
Chic Icon: What does “OKNO” mean?
Susana Martirosyan: It means “window.” Specifically, a window to Russia. Petrovka Street is named after Pyotr the Great, who opened a “window to Europe.” Our concept is similar: a window to Russia, through the lens of history, culture, and hospitality, set in an 18th-century building.
Chic Icon: Tell us about the food.
Susana Martirosyan: Our restaurant embraces traditional Russian cuisine, with touches for modern families. We’re child-friendly, with robes, slippers, and even special toiletries for little guests, so they feel valued. The kitchen serves blini, hearty Russian breakfasts, and we also plan to offer continental and Arabic options. Beyond breakfast, the space accommodates small business gatherings and private lunches, tailored with individual menus to suit each guest’s preferences.
Chic Icon: So the hotel offers a highly personalized experience?
Susana Martirosyan: Absolutely. Each guest is unique. We provide personal concierge services—from tickets and excursions to shopping advice and even personal stylists. Guests feel secure, cared for, and truly attended to. It’s not mass-market hospitality; it’s a family business. Every staff member is part of that family, and that warmth is palpable. Guests notice the difference.
We also invest in quality and details. A vintage automated piano, a unique Salvador Dali–illustrated Bible, high-end Italian furniture by Edra, Villeroy & Boch dishware, Valentino bath fittings—everything is carefully curated. Comfort, cleanliness, and luxury are paramount. When guests leave, they tell friends and family about their experience. Word-of-mouth is our best advertising.
Chic Icon: You just opened recently this year?
Susana Martirosyan: Yes, three months ago. Naturally, many are still discovering us, but with time, and through our dedication to guests, the reputation spreads. We maintain high ratings and actively encourage reviews—it’s crucial for future guests to know what to expect.
Chic Icon: Tell us about your own journey into hospitality.
Susana Martirosyan: Hospitality runs in my blood. I come from an Armenian family where guests were always welcomed warmly, with food and care. That inspired me to pursue this path. I studied hospitality in London, Malta, and Switzerland at Le Bouveret, graduating from César Ritz Colleges. I worked in Geneva and Montreux, then in Egypt, opening and managing hotels, before returning to Moscow. Along the way, I ran cafés, restaurants, and even a delicatessen factory, but hotels called me back. Meeting a key partner allowed us to launch PAGE 20 Apart Hotel, and then OKNO.
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