Best Eastern Sonata Hotel, Saint Petersburg

Advantages: Big collection of (international) arts
Disadvantages: Simply too big to cover in one day

...The place to visit once in Saint Petersburg! Even when you're not that much interested in arts or history, it's the place to be an feel the atmoshpere of the old Russian times. Exhibitions change from time to time and can be checked at www.hermitagemuseum.org Make sure you get a map when entering, otherwise you will get lost. Give this visit an early start when you want to get the most out of it or make a selection before. The exhibitions give an impression of the life of the old tsars, their power and wealth. The history of Saint Petersburg, his people, etc. The biggest part of the collection is arts collected by the tsars. For example, more then 50% of the work of the famous Dutch painters is shown in The Hermitage. Tickets can be purchased online to avoid the sometimes long lines for the counters. The Hermitage is open from Tuesday... Read review

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Advantages: A wonderful, beautiful city with a rich history
Disadvantages: None

...buildings, St Petersburg has emerged remarkably unscathed. The city has remained as elegant and stylish as originally intended and its beauty rivals, and possibly exceeds, that of any European city. Getting Around Thanks to the superb location of our hotel (see previous review for more details) we needed very little help in getting around the city. Our whole time in St Petersburg we only got the bus once when we arrived, down Nevsky Prospect. Our tried and tested point at the map technique saw us on the correct bus and it was, again, very cheap at 15 roubles (28p). St Petersburg does have a metro system connecting the northern and southern suburbs with the centre of town via all the different mainline stations. However the centre of the city is relatively compact and, as it is so beautiful, walking is by far the best way to get around... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Central location, brand new, excellent facilities
Disadvantages: Breakfasts could be more inspiring, concierge service had its failings

...The Petro Palace is a new 4* hotel in St Petersburg, Russia. Opened in 2005, the hotel occupies a renovated historic Staal's building located in the centre of the city. It has a total of 193 rooms, a combination of single, double and twins rooms and suites. We discovered the Petro Palace on recommendation from our travel agent and stayed for 4 nights mid May 06. Location The Petro Palace hotel is located halfway along Malaya Morskaya Ulitsa which runs off the main thoroughfare Nevsky Prospect. An excellent local landmark is the beautiful Admiralty building which is just over the road and the hotel is also a stone's throw from St Isaac's Cathedral and the Astoria Hotel. The nearest metro station is Nevsky Prospect, although this is a good 20 minute walk away, but buses run right past the hotel. Location wise, the Petro Palace... Read review

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