Hotel Astoria, St Petersburg, Russian Federation

Built from 1910, the Hotel Astoria was one of St Petersburg’s most celebrated luxury hotels before the Revolution of 1917. Despite being torn down in the 1990s, its reconstruction has remained faithful to its former Old World character.

The facilities

Magnificent chandeliers, marble pillars, striking antiques and intricate plasterwork blend seamlessly with the modern furniture and art in the impressive lobby. The café, with its quaint little decorated tables and plush décor looking out onto St Isaac’s Square is a popular place for afternoon tea. The caviar and vodka bar serves Russian delicacies in the clubby comfort of leather chairs and panelled walls. Just off the lounge, Davidov’s is a gourmet restaurant where dinner and breakfast are leisurely affairs. Canary-yellow leather booths, soft lighting and freshly filled vases of flowers amongst the elaborate silverware set the scene. The service is outstanding in both the restaurant and bar.

On the up most level the spacious spa offers a wide array of treatments and provides a sauna and steam room for guests, with lounging areas to retreat to in the Russian winters. The Hotel Astoria has no pool but guests are able to use the pool in the next door Hotel Angleterre.

The rooms

Wide grandiose corridors lead you to the newly renovated rooms which are all furnished using natural fabrics and colours. The rooms have a warm and homely feel providing luxurious comfort in a simple and gloriously unfussy style. Either polished wood floors or plush carpeting blend well with the thick linen curtains and linen upholstered armchairs and bed covers and modern art with country style furnishings bedecks the walls. Though not large, all modern comforts are provided for and the bathrooms are elegant. Those with views of St Isaac’s cathedral are best; some even have balconies.