Shushma Hotel

This is a good value option close to the station. It is about a 15 minute walk to Bauman Street, the main tourist area. The staff were courteous and helpful. I appreciated I could leave my bag in the office when I arrived early and on the check-out day (the No 1 train to Moscow left in the evening). The room was a very good size with an airconditioner and water cooler maching in the corridor. Breakfast in the restaurant was good - typical Russian fare (similar food for lunch and dinner) - I liked the kasha. I spoke Russian so I can't comment on the English language skills of the staff. The other guests were all Russian - if you want the full Russian hotel experience this is a good option. I can also recommend the Tourist information centre in the Tatarstan Hotel. It organises very good excursions, both in Russian and English. Walk to Bauman St and turn right (away from the Kremlin). Go past the church tower and walk through the underpass. It is in the building with Burger King. Ignore the metal detector - everyone, including the guard, did. The 3 hour introductory tour of the city was very good (with Katya).

My only concern is that although it is not far from the tourist area, one should be careful when walking back at night as the surrounding was not well populated. It would be a short taxi ride. But overall I felt safe in Kazan. The station is about a 10 minute walk away.