On

On
the Nevsky Prospekt – the Champs-Élysées of
St Petersburg – you’ll find the Corinthia Hotel St Petersburg.
Surrounded by buildings, monuments and anecdotes of historical and
cultural significance, the three-mile stretch, planned by Peter the
Great in the early 18th century, remains the city’s main
thoroughfare.

The hotel itself combines three buildings; two on Nevsky
Prospect and one on Stremyannaya Street. The oldest of these was
constructed by architect Martin Liven in 1834 and was the residence
of the Samoilov Family, a famous Russian theatre dynasty who lived
on the second floor of the building between 1869 and 1887. Once a
veritable gathering point for actors, musicians, artists and
writers of St Petersburg, the arts remain an integral part of the
Corinthia St Petersburg’s culture (the Memorial Samoilov Family
Museum is housed in the basement).

While this outpost is no competition to its English counterpart,
the Corinthia Hotel St Petersburg’s grandiose corridors, warm staff
and newly renovated interiors mark it as a stand out choice for
discerning travellers seeking understated luxury.

Rooms

Level upon level of expansive areas make up the strata of the
Corinthia Hotel St Petersburg. A 2018 hotel-wide update means the
388 elegant accommodations (including executives and suites) feel
fresh, revived and considered. Guests can enjoy sinkable bed sheets
and the addition of blackout blinds mean Russia’s White Nights are
a non-issue come 5AM. (Word to the wise: bring a bread roll from
the breakfast buffet to trace your way back through the
labyrinthine corridors.)

Breakfast

A spread fit for an oligarch, breakfasts at the Corinthia spare
no expense with lavish servings of pastries (ranging from
Nutella-stuffed croissants to currant-laden Danishes), a hot and
cold food bar, fresh juices and traditional dishes.

How about lunch and dinner?

Overlooking the Nevsky Prospect, the Imperial Restaurant serves
European dishes with a hint of Russian flavour. Situated on the
lobby level of the hotel is the Café Vienna – a popular coffee and
teahouse offering a wide selection of blends and varieties to
choose from, plus tempting treats created by the hotel’s pastry
chef.

Is there a bar?

Yes, there are two. The Lobby Bar is a laid-back meeting spot
for a post-excursion tipple, while the Nevsky Bar & Lounge –
with its live jazz band – offers a punchier evening atmosphere.

Within a short walk you’ll find…

Right on Nevsky Prospect, the hotel’s centralised location means
most of the city’s main attractions are in walking distance. Once
you’ve crossed off The Hermitage, The Church of the Saviour of
Spilled Blood and the Faberge museum, wander deeper into the
districts side streets. Rubenstein Street is a particularly neat
find, with copious Shoreditch-style bars, interesting clothing
shops like Gate 31 and for the worth-a-look touristy drop in, head
back on to Nevsky and make a right at the Eliseyev Emporium –
stocked high with cans of caviar, vodka-laden chocolates and
caramel-flavoured jelly in a particularly flamboyant setting.

Things you should know

It’s worth considering booking an executive suite for perks
alone (never mind the increased space, pristine finish and work in
mind layout). Access to the executive lounge offers 24-hour
computer service, meeting tables and sofa area and best of all
round-the-clock canapés, drinks (from champagne to hot tea) and
more substantial eats. With a daily changing menu and free pass to
food this is an under-the-radar perk, not to mention economical
choice, particularly for solo travellers.

The Samoilov Museum, which documents the history of Russian
ballet and theatre, is located inside the hotel. A Partner Hotel
for the Arts, the concierge is sure to suggest an evening at the
ballet or opera during your stay. Post-performance, those taken by
the ballet may wish to tour the art-deco style Nevsky Ballrooms –
the perfect spot for a pas de deux.