Receive Royal Treatment at the Best Hotels in St Petersburg

Set in a historic mansion adjacent to Mariinsky Palace on St. Isaac’s Square, the award-winning Lotte Hotel St. Petersburg is a grand dame of Russia’s second city. Fittingly palatial, the hotel is all marble and mahogany – with marble columns in the lobby, mahogany-clad walls and marble fireplaces in the rooms, too. When you’re in need of a pampering session, head to the in-house Balinese Mandara Spa for a dip in the tranquil pool.

With a touch of tsarist grandeur and a heaping of opulence, the Taleon Imperial Hotel will make you feel as if you’ve stepped back in time. Rooms flaunt the same aesthetic, with intricate ceilings, chandeliers and heavily draped curtains. Opt for one of the suites if you’re feeling flush – the Empress Suite has marble columns and velvet-clad sofas, while the beautifully tiled bathroom houses a deep soaking copper tub. Carve out time for the expansive rooftop spa to experience its authentic Russian banya.

While there are several hotels in St. Petersburg run by Finnish chain Sokos, Solo Sokos Hotel Palace Bridge on Vasilievsky Is­land is our pick – largely thanks to its mammoth 4,000sqm fitness centre and spa. The second floor houses an indoor golf club, the first in the city, and there’s an indoor pool, eight different saunas as well as a so-called snow paradise – where you can experience a -15C (5F) chill.

Guarded by two marble lions, the aptly-named Four Seasons Hotel Lion Palace sits within the walls of a 19th-century royal palace right on St. Isaac’s Square. This Four Seasons outpost is as opulent as they come – with high ceilings, rich antique-style furnishings, chandeliers, draped curtains and columned balconies with glorious views. The dining options are equally decadent, with everything from a vibrant sushi spot to a stylish Italian to satisfy your appetite. There’s also caviar tasting on offer at the garden-style Tea Lounge.

Tucked away on one of St. Petersburg’s most romantic corners at the Fontanka River Embankment, Rossi Boutique Hotel and Spa is filled with charm. There’s a swirl of aristocratic elegance here, best seen in the rooms with clawfoot tubs, gold panelling and even a baby grand piano in the Presidential Suite. When peckish, head to on-site restaurant Fiolet for a mix of Asian and European dishes.

Located on the banks of the Moika River, Domina Prestige Hotel combines genuine hospitality with playful contemporary design. There are 109 rooms, and four serve up prime views of the waterway below. A running theme throughout is a bold use of colour to create a sunny ambience – rooms are completely dressed in zany shades, from hot pink to lime green. Expect an equally colourful experience in the Arcobaleno restaurant, with the name meaning rainbow in Italian.

Location Hostel is located in the cultural hub Loft Project Etagi, neighbouring the permanent art exhibitions and lecture halls. The hostel provides beautiful modern accommodation in their 25 spacious and bright rooms, with excellent service and hospitality. All rooms feature a simple, creamy interior, and the walls are decorated with the works of Loft Project Etagi. The hostel is located in the heart of St. Petersburg, with easy access to famous sights.

On the Moika River in the heart of the city, Kempinski Hotel Moika 22 occupies a former 19th-century aristocratic mansion with 200 rooms and suites. The ninth floor of the hotel is occupied by the panoramic Bellevue Brasserie restaurant, which is one of the top spots to dine in St. Petersburg. The eatery features glass walls and a vaulted ceiling, so you can feast on breathtaking views of the city from your table. Other perks include a state-of-the-art wellness centre complete with spa treatments, a sauna, a Turkish bath and a jacuzzi.

This five-star hotel is in a restored 18th-century building, conveniently located close to St. Petersburg’s historic centre including the Hermitage Museum, the Mariinsky Theatre and Nevsky Prospekt. The Renaissance Baltic Hotel offers deluxe rooms and suites with stunning views of the city centre or St Isaac’s Cathedral. Rooms are spacious, and there’s a fitness centre, two saunas, 24-hour room service and two modern restaurants, one with a summer terrace.

AZIMUT Hotel is located on six floors of what was once Europe’s tallest building – it remains the highest structure in the historic district of St. Petersburg. Each of the rooms offers panoramic views of various tourist attractions. The interiors are bright and modern, with work stations and free high-speed wifi for those who are travelling for work. Guests can enjoy a hearty breakfast at the on-site restaurant in the morning as well as drinks and snacks throughout the day.

The Grand Hotel Europe is one of the oldest and most elegant hotels in St. Petersburg. Some of the famous guests have included Tchaikovsky and Bill Clinton. The hotel offers 266 modern rooms, including deluxe suites with a view of Ploshchad Iskusstv (Arts Square), historic rooms, junior suites with a terrace, and presidential suites. All rooms are equipped with air conditioning, minibars, satellite TVs and free wifi. The on-site L’Europe restaurant is one of the most famous in the city, providing international gourmet cuisine and a breakfast buffet every morning.

Hotel Ibis is a three-star accommodation conveniently situated in St. Petersburg’s business heart, Ligovskiy Prospekt. The hotel offers 221 modern rooms, a bar and the Ibis Kitchen restaurant featuring Mediterranean cuisine. Kick-start your day by filling up at the complimentary breakfast buffet, where you can dig into a wide range of Russian and international dishes. If you’re looking for convenience and a good central location, then this is a top spot to be.