I have stayed in many hotels in St. Petersburg and count the best ones as good as any in America or Western Europe. The Nevsky Palace on Nevsky Prospect is one of my favorite five-star hotels. It is located in a great part of the city, and the staff could work in the best of American hotels. The various restaurants in the hotel boast world-class chefs, and the business center is well appointed and open a large part of every day.
The rooms are spotless and boast large, comfortable bathrooms with all of the necessary amenities. The beds are large and firm, and you may request fresh linens every day if that is your desire. The television offers cable news, Leno and Conan O’Brien at night, and all the current movies on various pay channels.
The buffet breakfast consists of more items than I can list. Suffice it to say, the on-site chef will make you an omelet to order and you can choose from a standard American breakfast or revel in fresh salmon. There are over a dozen choices of various meats and sausages, cereals, a dozen choices of fresh pastries, and a myriad of beverages that you can enjoy.
The hotel is absolutely dependable about getting you to the airport or train station on time, and the transfer fee is cheaper than hiring a cab for that purpose. There is a fully qualified medical doctor on call at all times, and the one time we called on him, he proved to more than up to the task.
I remember that last October, we ordered in the upstairs dining room, the Lands Krona, and the food was a little slow in coming. We were in danger of missing the train to Moscow, and the chef provided the meal in a picnic basket for six people free of charge. That level of service is not standard for all of Russia, and it is quite easy to get spoiled at the Nevsky Palace.
The hotel offers a full range of guest services to include a spa, an exercise room, a range of massage services, any type of excursion in and around St. Petersburg, and translators upon request.