Perhaps the cultural and historical capital of Russia, St Petersburg, is known as Venice of the north and, despite seeing history everywhere you look, is very much a modern city. A hedonistic, sparkling metropolis with canals to be cruised, legendary white nights in the summer when the sun never really sets, and enough art galleries, monuments, palaces, and museums to fill your days. Special accommodation is required then, and the Grand Hotel Europe more than delivers; luxurious, glamorous comfort awaits.
Location
The Belmond Grand Hotel Europe resides in a truly iconic building on Nevsky Prospekt in the city’s cultural heart. A few minutes’ walk away, you will find several of the city’s major attractions, including the Russian State Museum, Winter Palace, and Hermitage Museum.
St. Petersberg was the Capital of the Empire of the Tzars for two centuries and remains the cultural capital of Eastern Europe. It boasts grand boulevards, historic squares, and iconic public art commemorating rulers, artists, poets, famous military victories, and heroic resistance.
There are numerous public buildings, theatres, and museums, but the jewel in the crown is undoubtedly the Hermitage Museum, Russia’s national gallery housed in the former Summer Palace of Catherine the Great. We visited in late February and enjoyed peaceful, almost private access to this monumental collection on the scale of the Louvre or the Smithsonian.
The Grand Hotel Europe opened in 1875, one of the first Luxury Hotels in the World, hosting Rasputin, Romanov, and Tchaikovsky in their prime, it has been at the beating heart of this cultural superpower ever since. The hotel is conveniently just 17km from the airport and is happy to assist with arranging transfers if required.
Style & Character
Probably the most glamorous hotel in St Petersburg, the hotel has strong associations with the worlds of theatre, music, and dance. Nevsky Prospekt is home to some of the city’s great architectural treasures. The hotel dazzles in such company; it is renowned for its impressive façade and decorative interiors and oozes opulence at every turn.
Service & Facilities
The hotel has a reputation as a cultural and culinary landmark and has played a central role in the life of the city for 140 years. There is much to amuse and entertain in the hotel itself; indulge in some serious retail therapy at one of the many designer boutiques, be pampered at the CARITA Beauty Salon, then relax in the sauna and plunge pool afterward, or get the heart-pumping at the well-equipped fitness center. The service is impeccable, they remember you and your preferences, and the local area tips are invaluable.
Rooms
There are 266 lavish Rooms and Suites and you won’t be disappointed whichever you choose; even the Rooms include an entrance hall and seating area! With a Suite, you gain more space and a stunning marble bathroom, or why not live like a Tsar in one of the magnificent Unique Historic Suites. If contemporary is more your style, then you’ll adore the Avant-Garde Suites; these chic spaces celebrate Russian avant-garde artists, plus the butler service and sensational views add a certain something too!
Food & Drink
The signature restaurant, L’Europe is the oldest haute cuisine restaurant in Russia, an Art Nouveau masterpiece that has been the hub of the St. Petersberg social scene for generations. Under its spectacular stained glass window featuring the Greek god Apollo, the patron of travelers, L’Europe has hosted banquets for Igor Stravinsky, Queen Elizabeth II of England and President Bill Clinton, yet retains the air of informality that inspired Sir Elton John to take to the stage and play an impromptu concert
The hotel also offers St. Petersberg’s only dedicated Caviar restaurant under the watchful eye of Alexander Dimitriev, Maitre D, and vodka sommelier. Maintaining no less than thirty-five vodkas, as well as their home-infused liqueurs, Dimitriev and his team also boast a partnership with champagne house Dom Perignon. Their signature dish is “Egg in Egg” blending hen egg with sturgeons roe to create a truffle-flavored scrambled egg that is topped with Oscietra caviar.
Musical Legacy
Music is in the DNA of the Grand Hotel Europe, which is situated adjacent to the Arts Square and opposite the building of the Noble Assembly, which is the home of the Philharmonic. Mindful that rehearsal space is always in short supply, the hotel’s Grande suites contain historic pianos, enabling artists to prepare in their rooms. Distinguished guests included Strauss, Shostakovich, Stravinsky, and a veritable who’s who of classical music.
This musical legacy has tangible benefits for today’s guests. The concierge has privileged access to late tickets, including seats in the hotel’s own box at the Mariinksy Theatre. On Friday evenings, the L’Europe restaurant hosts a famous Tchaikovsky night.
Not surprisingly, the hotel is the established first choice for A-list celebrities visiting the town. The Lobby bar, with its stunning art nouveau interior, is open 24 hours for cocktails, drinks, and food. Don’t be surprised if you run into Richard Gere, Michael Douglas, or Leonardo DiCaprio.
In summary, Russia’s first-ever five-star hotel remains as relevant today as it ever was. St. Petersberg should be on every Luxury Traveller’s radar, and there is no better place to check in than the Grand Hotel Europe.
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