Review of Hotel Angleterre, by Matt Morley

The Angleterre is one of the oldest luxury hotels in St Petersburg and is located in the very centre of the city, next to St Isaac's Square. Together with the adjacent Hotel Astoria, it makes up the second half of Rocco Forte's Russian luxury hotel duo.

For those who need a little assistance in letting out their stress, the Auriege Beauty Centre has a wide range of therapeutic programmes for the face and body, including several dedicated facial treatments from the Auriege Institue de Beaute, Paris. On the same floor, there are male and female saunas, a fitness room, swimming pool and even a turbo-solarium for when the cold winter's days have left your face a little paler than you'd like!

Hotel Angleterre's new split-level Caviar Bar may well have an equally positive effect on your complexion however, boasting as it does unrivalled views of the magnificent St Isaacs Square and a serious line in Champagne and caviar. Decorated in a striking black and red colour scheme of which the focal point is the large marble bar flanked by black leather bar stools, two silver and black geometric panels at either side highlight the extensive range of cocktails and drinks on offer.

Breaking with tradition then, the luxury hotel's Caviar Bar chooses to specialize in Champagne and caviar, rather than the traditional vodka, and has a selection of many of the finest Russian caviar and French Champagne. The Hotel Angleterre's delicious signature cocktail is also a must, consisting of cointreau, Champagne and cranberry juice.

Chefs Colin Flood and Stefano Balduccio have created a delicious range of bar snacks including Kamshatka crab salad with celeriac remoulade, large king prawns with garlic dressing, lobster with spicy noodles and tomato salsa, four types of Russian caviar and a fine oyster selection.

For dinner meanwhile, Hotel Angleterre's restaurant Borsalino continues to offer a buzzy option for guests of both the Astoria and Angleterre next door. Chef Balduccio has produced an authentic menu of Italian classics, presented in a refined yet uncomplicated manner, just as one would find in Italy. Taking inspiration from 10 different Italian provinces, there is something here for everyone.

Each evening the restaurant also plays host to live jazz singers who help add to the elegant, modern atmosphere of the main room, designed by well known London-based designer David Collins.

Holding the flag high for modern luxury hotel design in Russia's second city, each of the Astoria's 188 bedrooms and 5 suites were designed by Olga Polizzi and decorated in a style that tastefully combines the classic with the contemporary, the Russian with the European. Colour schemes are predominantly soft and comforting, beds are generously sized to ensure a good night's rest, the linens are all made by Volga and bathrooms feature luxurious marble finishings.

Those staying in one of the Deluxe Suites will be greeted by two bedrooms overlooking the Cathedral, both with king-sized beds. A spacious living room fitted with satellite television and DVD player combines with an Italian marble bathroom to create a superlative accommodation option at a remarkably reasonable price.

An executive level on the hotel's 5th floor is aimed squarely at guests who are visiting on business. Bedrooms are provided with additional services such as tea and coffee, complimentary local telephone calls, cable TV and in-house movies. A dedicated lounge area also offers a bar with soft drinks, complimentary newspapers, internet access and a large surround-sound TV screen, making it the perfect place to prepare for the meetings ahead, or unwind after a hard day.