You can use an online visa service (and pay more), but we dealt directly with the Russian Embassy.  You will need a TOURIST VISA for each person.  The application is available on the web site, as well as instructions.

The required "standard tourist confirmation" and "voucher" MUST COME FROM THE RUSSIAN HOTEL WHERE YOU ARE STAYING.  The hotel can fax them directly to you.  Do not accept confirmations and/or vouchers from any other travel agent or travel organization.  They will not be accepted by the Russian Embassy!

We learned this the hard way.  Our travel agent (who did a terrible job) used a company called Travel Bound to book the hotel and got the confirmation and vouchers from Travel Bound, not the hotel.  I argued with them about this in vain.  They assured me that the documents Travel Bound issued would be accepted at the Russian Embassy.  They were wrong!  The clerk at the embassy took one look at them and sent me away.

This is what the required documents look like: Confirmation  Voucher

Be sure to send (or take) the application and other documents to the CONSULATE at 2641 Tunlaw Rd. N.W., Washington DC, 20007.  Do not take or send them to the Embassy on Wisconsin Ave.

If you need more information, the Consulate phone numbers are listed on their web site at the bottom of the Tourist Visa page.

It's also a good idea to check the Russian Holidays link if you are applying in person.  I went all the way down there only to find them closed for two days (Feb 23 and 24) for Protector of Motherland Day!