8 Best places to stay in St Petersburg

A glorious grand dame hotel looming above Nevsky Prospect, and next to Arts Square, the Grand has been welcoming guests into its stunning art nouveau interior for more than a century.

Just walking through the door is like stepping back into a more graceful, elegant age; everything – from the city’s only caviar bar to the generously-sized bedrooms – oozes classic Russian style.

Sip cocktails at the Lobby Bar, dominated by original stained-glass panels and a swooping, marble bar. Dine at L’Europe – a theatrical dream of a dining room, delivering classic Russian dishes and live music since 1905.

For a genuine appreciation of St. Petersburg’s many charms, frequent visitors choose Moika 22, an elegant property on the historic Moika River, just steps away from the Hermitage. This is the oldest part of the city, and many believe its most charming neighborhood, with baroque and classical facades and the play of light on water.

Managed by Kempinski, the Moika 22’s enviable location is enhanced by luxury accommodation and stellar service. The hotel’s popular roof bar and restaurant offer unparalleled views of the city’s key landmarks and into Palace Square, and there is no better place in the city to appreciate the White Nights.

St. Petersburg’s history is entwined with that of the Hotel Astoria, one of the city’s oldest and most elegant places to stay. It’s particularly famous for its stunning art nouveau design and starry list of former guests; Hitler planned to host a victory party in its gilded restaurant, while Lenin, Isadora Duncan and Madonna have all stayed in its luxurious suites.

The hotel’s location on St. Isaac’s Square means you’re ideally placed for exploring key attractions including the Hermitage, Mariinsky Theatre and Nevsky Prospekt, with easy access to the suburban summer palaces.  Hotel staff – clad in red and white uniforms that match the decor – are a fantastic resource for local tips, reservations and recommendations.

A great choice for those in search of old-fashioned glamour, from the black and white prints in Lichfield’s Bar to the glittering chandeliers of the Astoria restaurant, this is very much a champagne and caviar kind of place.

The Hotel Indigo St. Petersburg Tchaikovskogo is an excellent base for exploring St. Petersburg’s history and art. Near the Fontanka River, the hotel is a short walk from The Summer Gardens and several of the branches of the State Russian Museum.

The hotel’s design is hip and contemporary; trompe l’oeil and murals on bedroom walls, huge paper lanterns in the spectacular main atrium, and a glass-walled rooftop restaurant, Vina & Voda, which offers marvelous panoramic views of St. Petersburg.

Step back into the atmosphere of Imperial Russia with a stay at the exquisite Four Seasons – a hotel whose elegance, and opulence matches the city outside its doors. A grand 19th-century palace, just steps away from the State Hermitage, the luxury interiors encourage guests to channel their inner aristocrat, with butter-soft carpets, marble floors and sumptuous fabrics throughout.

This is a place to relax and indulge, with an afternoon of pampering at the luxurious Luceo Spa, or caviar and champagne in the classic, wood-pannelled lounge. Staff are renowned for their knowledge of the city and attention to detail – nothing is too much trouble. An ideal choice for a celebratory weekend, or a truly indulgent break.

The Faces Hotels chain in St. Petersburg offer a nice balance of affordable comfort in excellent locations, with friendly staff who are eager to help you make the most of your time in the city.

Whether you need a compact single room, or two-floor duplex suite with kitchenette, these well-appointed spaces are designed in a clean, modern style in cool tones.

This hotel on Malaya Morskaya is close to the city’s main highlights, and has a wide range of restaurants within walking distance. For those who value that central location and decent service without the price tag of a luxury branded property, the Faces Hotels are a safe choice.

St. Petersburg hotels don’t get much more hip and hedonistic than the SO Sofitel, which oozes contemporary style from every pore, with Fabergé egg-style lamps, and textiles woven with vibrant Russian folklore designs. Rooms are more minimalist than the common areas, but the odd flash of gilt, or deep purple, keeps the vibe going.

This is the place if you want to hang out with the city’s young, cool crowd; on the weekend, the rooftop bar is the place to be, with international DJ’s playing regular sets.

Its central location, opposite St. Isaac’s Cathedral and within walking distance of Nevsky Prospekt and the Hermitage, makes it as buzzy outside as in. If, and when, it all gets a bit too much, the basement Urban Wellness Zone Spa offers a quiet spot for rest and renewal.

The SO is one for party folk and those who love contemporary style; if you’re looking for a sense of historic St Petersburg, this isn’t the place to stay.

Housed in a mid-19th-century mansion, the Pushka Inn offers cosy accommodation at an affordable price. The location is unbeatable – on the historic Moika Canal just moments from the Hermitage.

The rooms, all decked out in fin de siecle golds and creams, come in a range of sizes and types, from singles to family apartments with kitchenettes – just in case you fancy rustling up a batch of borscht.

The hotel’s attentive and friendly staff can help you choose from the many eating options in the neighborhood – though the hotel’s own Janno restaurant is excellent, and popular with many locals.