I stayed at the Metropol in Oct 2011. I found it to be good, room service was a bit uninspiring (only bothered on my first night, and my mistake might have been ordered something more Russian than Western). A bit annoying at times to always walk to the back of the building to the guarded entrance to get in - walking to/from the office I came along the major street on the Bolshoi side, and my room was near a front corner on the Bolshoi side.
Great for access to Red square, Gum, the weekend markets, Lenin's tomb, the underground shopping arcade.
Work paid for it, I did have a minor heart attack when I saw the rates, and was expecting a tiny room with a single bed based on their website!! I had breakfast included on some nights, and not on others, and had fun sorting that out when I checked out. The breakfast spread in the restaurant was impressive, I didn't have dinner there, though.
Free wifi in the lobby area, but incredibly expensive in-room (at that time, there was an AUD100+ connection fee, and a daily charge of over $20).
I arrived early (~9-10am) and our corporate TA had not requested early checkin. They were able to accommodate me with a room by lunch time; I was asked to wait in the lobby, but I said I'd explore and come back. I ended up with a very nice room - Queen bed, desk, and a sofa, coffee table, plus two chairs; plenty of room to swing a cat or 10!
The ladies who seek male custom in the lobby and bar area did not bother me, and I didn't actually realise that they were seeking customers until about my last night there. Pretty typical for Moscow, as I understand.
As a solo woman traveller, I found it to be comfortable and safe. Helpful staff, even with a brusque Russian demeanour, especially when I melted on my last day when the driver didn't show up to pick me up and take me to Domodedovo (or he was the rude bugger who was in the car park ignored me, and left by the time I got a bellman to ask if he was for me).
The area around Metropol was quieter through the week; and busier Fri/Sat/Sun with the markets, etc. I quite liked the area, and am bummed that our office has moved and I'd probably have to stay somewhere else if I ever have to go back for work.