5-star hotels in Saint Petersburg

These four five-star hotels make convenient bases for walks around the historic centre: all are close to St Isaac’s Cathedral. At Astoria, you can choose a cathedral-view room, while Domina offers a stay on the Moika embankment. For a terrace overlooking the cathedral, try Renartiss Isaakiy in the warmer months or SO St. Petersburg, where HI SO Terrace restaurant is open from May to September.

Cosmos Selection Saint-Petersburg Nevsky Royal and Corinthia St Petersburg are right on Nevsky Prospekt, making it easy to start exploring on foot. Helvetia, close to the avenue, suits those who prefer an independent hotel in a historic mansion. At Grand Hotel Emerald on Suvorovsky Prospekt, you can alternate sightseeing with spa time and workouts in the fitness centre, which is free for hotel guests.

These hotels make a convenient base for walks around the historic centre; the choice comes down to the atmosphere you prefer. History lovers will appreciate the preserved formal interiors at Osobnyak Voennogo Ministra, Milyutin’s former residence. Design-focused Hotel INDIGO has a restaurant with an open-air rooftop terrace.

Palace Bridge is an urban resort in central St Petersburg, well placed for sightseeing and relaxing afterward in its spacious aqua zone with an indoor pool and saunas. Villa du Prince offers a more intimate stay on Kamenny Island, with 22 rooms overlooking the Malaya Nevka or the garden and a cosy spa area.

Baltic Star suits a break by the Gulf of Finland and Konstantinovsky Palace. Tsar Palace in Pushkin has a pool beneath a transparent dome; a refundable deposit starting at RUB 10,000 is required at check-in. Choose the intimate designer hotel Voda for its indoor spa pool, sauna and hammam near the Gulf.