SO Sofitel

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.