More Than a Third of Russians Say They Want Hotel-Style Living, Survey Finds

A survey of Russian city dwellers has found that 37 percent would like their apartment buildings to run like hotels, with a reception desk, cleaning on request, door-to-door delivery and a concierge.

Another 29 percent said they would consider the format if it did not push up their housing fees, according to developer Nedvex, which shared the findings with Lenta.ru.

Opposition was limited: 12 percent came out against hotel-style infrastructure, 14 percent called such services excessive and 8 percent were unsure.

The most wanted services were apartment cleaning on request, a round-the-clock reception and a minor repair service, named by 48, 43 and 36 percent of respondents respectively. For shared spaces, co-working areas, a fitness room and a lobby with a lounge were the most common picks.

On money, one in five said they would pay up to 5,000 rubles a month extra for hotel service, 19 percent would pay between 5,000 and 10,000 rubles, and 18 percent would rather pay per use. Nearly a quarter, 23 percent, would not pay anything extra.

Freeing up time from household chores was named the main advantage. But 57 percent worry about higher housing fees, and 34 percent fear everyone in the building would be charged even if only some residents used the service.

The online poll covered more than 3,500 people aged 25 to 55 in Moscow, St. Petersburg and million-plus cities, including owners, renters and those planning to buy a flat within five years.