Odessa, a major resort city, was also an important trading center of the Russian Empire in the early 20th century. The Odessa port ranked second in cargo turnover in the country. The development of trade contributed to the construction of many hotels, among which the 'Big Moscow' stood out on the famous Deribasovskaya Street. Interestingly, it became a hotel by chance.

In the early last century, two merchants, Dementyev and Vasilyev, were engaged in selling furniture, dishes, silk, and haberdashery from the East. Their business thrived, and they decided to build a luxurious office in the Art Nouveau style for their Trading House. However, the construction coincided with the beginning of the Russo-Japanese War, which led to a halt in supplies and significant debts. To offset the construction costs, the building was urgently converted into a hotel.

The facade of the building was adorned with original elements: stucco, bas-reliefs, masks, griffin statues, glass spheres on the roof, plant ornaments, images of lions and female heads, as well as coats of arms with the monogram of Empress Catherine II. There were over 20,000 decorative elements in total. The 'Big Moscow' became the most comfortable hotel with electricity, plumbing, heating, and the first elevator in Odessa. At the same time, the cost of accommodation was only one ruble per day. On the first floor, the merchants opened the 'Tatar' restaurant.

During the Soviet era, the hotel was nationalized. Later, the building housed the Food Commission Department, a confectionery store, and the 'Chronicle' cinema. By the early 21st century, the building fell into disrepair, and its restoration was completed only a few years ago. According to some reports, the new owner planned to open a hotel there.