One of Europe’s most beautiful cities, St. Petersburg also features a great selection of luxury hotels to relax in after visiting the local attractions or conducting business. The city’s great transportation infrastructure also means that you’re never too far from where the action is, with the Metro, taxis and romantic boats making getting around “The Venice of the North” a breeze.

First and foremost among St. Petersburg luxury hotels is the Grand Hotel Europe, with over 100 years of history within its sumptuous rooms and suites. Now a part of Orient Express Hotels, the Grand Hotel Europe features high ceilings, beautiful period furniture and restaurant and cafés that have been famous ever since being patronized by the top classes of imperial Russia, including the legendary poet Pushkin. Especially famous is its caviar bar, a St. Petersburg institution and a great place to meet new people.

Another major historic St. Petersburg luxury hotel is the Astoria, now part of the Rocco Forte chain and featuring fabulous cuisine, classic architecture and one of the best locations in the city, close to major landmarks like Saint Isaac’s Cathedral, the Hermitage and the Mariinsky Theater.

The new wave of luxury is represented by hotels like the Corinthia Nevskij Palace, a modern construction with top-notch business communication facilities and great service. Near it, on the city’s famous Nevsky Prospekt shopping boulevard is the five-star Grand Hotel Emerald. Built in 2003, it showcases Russia’s up and coming economic power and is an ideal business trip base.

Two other major luxury hotel chains in St. Petersburg are represented by the Kempinski Hotel Moika 22 and the Radisson SAS Royal Hotel. The Kempinski property is in the heart of the city on the Moika River, within walking distance to the renowned Hermitage Museum, while the Radisson SAS Royal offers its guests Scandinavian accommodation excellence in a prime location on Nevsky Prospekt. Both properties feature elegant interiors and under-floor bathroom heating, a must when traveling during a Russian winter.