Where to Stay in St. Petersburg - Moscow and St. Petersburg - page 219

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Family-Friendly Hotels

Russians dote on their kids but don't generally take them traveling to big cities,
preferring to take them to a family dacha (country cottage) or dom otdykha
(country resort) for vacations. Because Russia's newer hotels are aimed more at
lucrative business clients than at families, child-friendly services remain rare.
The international chains have the most amenities for families. Corinthia
Nevsky Palace stands out in this category, offering a children's playroom and
babysitting, as well as a fantastic Sunday brunch with children's entertainment.
The Pribaltiiskaya hotel offers an expanse of beachfront good for running
around (though the Baltic is too cold for swimming any time of year), as well as
a video game room. In addition, its forthcoming Aquapark should make it a big
family draw. Two smaller hotels with child-friendly attitudes are the Fifth Cor-
ner, whose young staff is happy to babysit; and Alexander House, run by a
couple ready with help and English advice on how to share St. Petersburg with
your children.

less expensive, less well-preserved neighbor of the Astoria, but it is still a luxurious place
to stay in an ideal location. Corridors are plainer, and the lobby, while glistening in white
marble, lacks any period style. The spacious guest rooms, many boasting wide windows,
are decorated in warm woods that differ little in quality and style from the Astoria's. The
view of St. Isaac's makes a street-facing room worthwhile; triple-paned windows keep the
traffic roar to a light hum.
24 Malaya Morskaya Ulitsa. & 812/494-5666. Fax [phone]. www.angleterrehotel.com. 193 units.
From 12,000 rubles double; from 16,000 rubles suite. Mid-May to mid-July 14,000 rubles double. AE, DC,
MC, V. Metro: Nevsky Prospekt. Amenities: Restaurant; concierge; executive-level rooms; health club;
small indoor pool; room service; sauna; smoke-free rooms; spa; free Wi-Fi in lobby. In room: A/C, TV w/pay
movies and satellite, fridge, hair dryer, Internet (500 rubles/hr.), minibar.
MODERATE
Herzen House Central, comfortable and nowhere near as costly as most
places in this neighborhood, the Herzen House should have lines out the door. It doesn't,
fortunately, but welcomes a steady flow of regular-folk travelers tipped off to its value
since it opened in 2007. No historical glamour here, just some medium-sized rooms
decked in lemon butter tones and wicker chairs. You can get two twin beds or one
double bed, and free tea, coffee, and Russian pastries around the clock in the lobby,
though you'll find no fridge. It's ecological by being economical (for example, it has
showers only, no baths, in the minimalist bathrooms). The Hermitage and St. Isaac's
Cathedral are among the sites just around the corner, and the nearest metro station is a
5-minute brisk walk. The street is a mish-mash of renovated apartment houses and those
screaming to be fixed up, a true taste of today's St. Petersburg. The young, diverse staff
can tip you off to new restaurants and bars and find a professional to look after your
children while you explore.
25 Bolshaya Morskaya Ulitsa. & 812/571-5098. Fax [phone]. www.herzen-hotel.ru. 22 units. From
3,200 rubles double. AE, DC, MC, V. Metro: Nevsky Prospekt. Amenities: Restaurant; babysitting. In room:
A/C, satellite TV; free Wi-Fi.

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