If you travel to Russia, make sure you visit its beloved second capital, Saint Petersburg. The city is known for its fascinating historical heritage and cultural life, and made the list of top world destinations to see in 2017. Arranging a visit to “Piter” could be a perfect idea to meet your would-be Russian bride, except probably for girls from Moscow—residents of these two competing capitals dislike each other like the folk from New York and LA. The “Northern capital”, as Russians call it, offers plenty of cultural delights. Rich museum collections and art galleries will keep you busy for days, and you surely won’t be able to enjoy all the gourmet local restaurants. But it’s worth giving it a try!
Founded in 1703, Saint Petersburg served as the capital of Russia until 1918. Tsar Peter I (Peter “the Great”), the city’s founder, moved his court and the country’s administration to the new Baltic town from Moscow in 1712. Since then, Moscow and “Piter” have been forever fighting cousins. Russian emperors employed best Italian architects to construct their Petersburg’s palaces, exuding opulence and splendour. Visitors liken the city’s style to a mix of Venice canal-rich magnificence and Prague’s quiet grandeur. It is a true cosmopolitan European metropolis.
You can arrive by air, train, or water. The larger part of foreign tourists arrive by plane. However, check other options when planning your trip. For example, a ferry from Finland could be a cool addition to the schedule. Tourists from Baltic states sometimes also travel by bus or car.
When choosing your accommodation, it’s important to consider location, comfort level, and, of course, prices.
Best hotels in St. Petersburg: Where to stay
TripAdvisor rating became the benchmark in picking the right spots to enjoy in your travel. The site allows visitors to rate properties on a variety of criteria, which influence the placement within its advisory lists.
Travelers’ choice: Top 10
Which places tourists rated the highest? This year the list includes large brands as well as smaller boutique companies.
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Alexander House
It is a quiet and stylish place located in the city centre.
- Sergey B has often visited the city and tried a variety of accommodation. However, he considers Alexander House special. There is a wonderful atmosphere, beautiful rooms and tasty food.
- Viktoria K added that she enjoyed dinners in a quiet and calm atmosphere without music and noise after a busy day.
- SVM0508 commented about friendly stuff and said “it feels like visiting some relatives.”
On the whole, most visitors fell in love with the place, its cozy interiors and prompt customer service.
The prices are between 21,120-31,680 rubles per night ($375-563).
It’s a lovely place with very individual rooms. Each suite is decorated in its own way. Open fireplaces create a special atmosphere for the guests. Photo: A-house.ru.
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Pushka Inn Hotel
Most travelers enjoy its spacious and well-lit suites.
Svetlana L appreciated sweet notes with a weather forecast and famous quotes.
Moreover, the location is perfect—2 minutes walk to Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood and the Hermitage.
Prices range from 9,000 to 19,250 rubles per night ($159-342).
Helpful staff is one of the reasons for visitors’ 5-star ratings. Photo: Pushka-inn.com.
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Four Seasons Hotel Lion Palace St. Petersburg
Everyone who chooses Four Season chain expects to get high-standard service and magnificent interiors.
Most travelers, Russians as well as foreigners, recommend Four Seasons as the best place in the city.
Miguel B from Spain said that getting out for dinner would be unnecessary— there are no better restaurants than the ones at Four Seasons.
And prices correspond: 25,000 to 409,000 rubles per night ($444-7,268).
If you choose Four Seasons, you won’t be disappointed for sure—if you can afford it. Photo: Fourseasons.com.
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The State Hermitage Museum Official Hotel
It is a luxurious old school hotel encapsulating history and opulence.
Guests considered the place stunning and commented about helpful and courteous staff.
Prices start from 11,390 rubles per night ($202) and reach 78,030 rubles ($1,386).
The lobby zone looks stunning. Photo: Thehermitagehotel.ru.
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Indigo St. Petersburg – Tchaikovskogo
It’s a lovely place not far from main attractions. The suites are clean, spacious, and beautiful.
Dom from Vietnam liked the offering of free fruit in the lobby.
Russians were also happy to stay in this place. People commented on tasty breakfasts, fitness facilities, and quirky interiors.
If you go there in summer, visit the rooftop bar.
Prices are between 10,800-21,600 rubles per night ($191-383).
If you’re looking for an accommodation in the city center with good service and reasonable prices, try Indigo. Photo: Ihg.com
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Belmond Grand Hotel Europe
Belmond Grand is known for its good reputation.
It’s a high-class place with wonderful service, stunning decorations, and exquisite meals.
Most visitors truly enjoyed their stay.
Prices are rather high: 19,500-373,500 rubles per night ($346-6,637).
The building looks imposing and luxurous. Photo: Belmond.com
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Astoria
The Rocco Forte branded hotel is rated high for its great location—all major venues, sights, and restaurants are within a walking distance.
The overall design is minimalistic and elegant.
Take a suite with the view at St. Isaac’s Cathedral to fully enjoy your stay.
Prices are between 17,000-212,000 rubles per night ($302-3,767).
Astoria, the building with famous red canopies, is one of the places full of history. Living here allows you quick access to all that “Piter” has to offer. Photo: Elenasmodels.com archives.
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Helvetia Deluxe Hotel
It’s a lovely place close to Nevsky Prospect and Moscow railway station, which is very convenient if you have a busy schedule.
On the whole, Helvetia gets positive responses concerning its staff and comfortable suites.
Prices vary from 8,500 to 24,800 rubles per night ($151-440).
The convenient location makes Helvetia a great option. Photo: Helvetiahotel.ru.
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NasHotel
It is located on Vasilyevsky island but not far from the city center. The nearest metro station is 5-minute walk away and it will take you right to Nevsky Prospect.
The rooms are clean and pretty simple and staff is friendly.
Prices: 4,725-8,010 rubles per night ($83-142).
The interiors look simple but have an excellent location and friendly personnel. Photo: Nashotel.ru.
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Domina Prestige St.Petersburg
The hotel is centrally located near St. Isaac’s cathedral and only 20 minutes walk to the Hermitage.
Most visitors take a note of its unusual design and polite staff. Those who came by car were happy to discover free parking.
The room can be booked for 8,500-12,900 rubles per night ($151-229).
It could be a nice variant for those who value extraordinary design. Photo: Dominarussia.com.
The 10 best value hotels in Saint Petersburg
When sorted by value, there is a bit different picture:
- Domina Prestige St.Petersburg on Emb. Reki Moiki in the central part of the city. 8,500-12,900 ₽ ($151-229).
- Indigo St. Petersburg — Tchaikovskogo on Chaikovskogo Street. Ideally placed for sightseeing. 14,400-29,700 ₽ ($255-527).
- Rossi Boutique Hotel & SPA on Reki Fontanki Embankment. It’s located on the edge of the old town and very close to major attractions. 15,930-57,000 ₽ ($283-1,012).
- Crowne Plaza St. Petersburg – Ligovsky on Ligovsky Prospect, which is slightly off Nevsky prospect. 9,585-24,144 ₽ ($170-429).
- Staybridge Suites St. Petersburg on Moskovskiy Avenue. It’s situated about 15 minutes by subway to the city center. 9,159-23,000 ₽ ($162-408).
- Aston on Vladimirskiy Avenue, not far from Nevsky prospect. 8,123-10,450 ₽ ($144-185).
- Park Inn by Radisson Pulkovo Airport St. Petersburg on Pulkovskoye Hwy, close to the airport. 8,589-12,888 ₽ ($152-229).
- Novotel St. Petersburg Centre on Mayakovskogo Street near the city center. 6,300-10,950 ₽ ($111-194).
- NasHotel on 11th Liniya V.O. on Vasilyevsky island. 4,725-8,010 ₽ ($83-142).
- Demetra Art Hotel on Vosstaniya Street, central position and away from the crowds. 8,970-20,200 ₽ ($159-358).
Where Russians stay: Top 10
The most popular accommodation choices among locals, according to Trivago:
- Crowne Plaza St. Petersburg – Ligovsky on Ligovsky Prospect. Slightly off Nevsky prospect, the main avenue of the city. 9,585-24,144 ₽ ($170-429).
- Crowne Plaza St. Petersburg Airport on Startovaya Street (close to the airport). 9,100-13,195 ₽ ($161-234).
- Demetra Art Hotel on Vosstaniya Street, central location in a quiet street. 8,970-20,200 ₽ ($159-358).
- Club Hotel Agni on Nevsky Avenue located 20 minutes away from the Hermitage and the Winter palace. 9,500-13,700 ₽ ($168-243).
- Indigo St. Petersburg – Tchaikovskogo on Chaikovskogo Street, close to main sights. 14,400-29,700 ₽ ($255-527).
- Sokos hotel Vasilyevsky on 8 Liniya V.O. It’s away from the centre but next to a subway station. 8,368-9,582 ₽ ($148-170).
- Staybridge Suites St. Petersburg on Moskovskiy Avenue. It takes about 15 minutes by metro to the city center. 9,159-23,000 ₽ ($162-408).
- Guest house on Sotsialisticheskaya on Sotsialisticheskaya Street (central location). It’s certainly cheap although a bit worn out. Prices are about 2,200 ₽ ($39) and you can hardly find available rooms for the next few weeks.
- Belmond Grand Hotel Europe on Nevskiy Avenue (perfect location, beautiful place). 19,500-373,500 ₽ ($346-6,637).
- Angleterre Hotel on Malaya Morskaya Street (opposite St. Isaac’s Cathedral). 10,030-224,200 ₽ ($182-3,978).
Read also:
- Best hotels in Moscow, Russia
- Top 10 attractions to see in St. Petersburg
- St. Petersburg, Russia, is #14 most popular destination in the world
- How is it possible for Russian and Ukrainian women on low wages to travel and live exciting lives?
Saint Petersburg is a really wonderful city of the Russian Federation, which is famous for its historical and fascinating heritage and cultural life. And there are plenty of options for tourists, from basic hostels to luxurious modern hotels with world class facilities.
Oh, it’s a really great city, which everybody should visit even once time. But if you want to explore this place properly, one day won’t be enough. There are a lot of places of interest, so every person will find a favorite one. Besides, there are a lot of museums, exhibitions, theaters, cinemas, cafes, shops and what not. To make a long story shorter, Saint Petersburg is a mixture of modern and past times, which you will fall in love with at once!
Saint Petersburg is a great city with a rich history. I visited it twice and was in awe of its beauty and hospitality. I stayed at the Guest house on Sotsialisticheskaya street. It is rather cosy and not very expensive – a good variant for tourists.
I think St. Peterburg is a really beautiful city with its own sightseeing and as every big town has many good hotels. Each of them is amazing and its very comfortable to stay at any of them. I think everyone who has been in St.Peterburg wanted to stay at each of them).