Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
224
Landing the Best Room
Somebody has to get the best room in the house. It might as well be you.
• You can start by joining the hotel's frequent-guest program, which may
make you eligible for upgrades.
• A hotel-branded credit card usually gives the owner “silver” or “gold” status
in frequent-guest programs for free.
• Always ask about a corner room. They're often larger and quieter, with
more windows and light, and they often cost the same as standard rooms.
• When you make your reservation, ask if the hotel is renovating; if it is,
request a room away from the construction.
• Ask about nonsmoking rooms; rooms with views; rooms with twin, queen-
or king-size beds.
• If you're a light sleeper, request a quiet room away from vending machines,
elevators, restaurants, bars, and discos.
• Ask for a room that has been most recently renovated or redecorated.
If you aren't happy with your room when you arrive, ask for another one.
Most lodgings will be willing to accommodate you.
12
building away from Nevsky Prospekt on a slightly quieter boulevard, with half the rooms
facing the peaceful courtyard around the Armenian Cathedral. It's the only one with air-
conditioning. All charge the same rates for basic wood decor, plenty of greenery, and
natural light. The apartments have fully equipped kitchens, full bathrooms, and a range
of business services for long-term guests, and can be rented per night or per month. The
company can arrange visas and translators, too. All in all, an excellent midrange choice.
22 Nevsky Prospekt, 90 Nevsky Prospekt, 91 Nevsky Prospekt.
&
812/601-0636.
www.hon.ru. 115 units total.
Double 4,800 rubles Oct-Apr, from 6,000 rubles May-Sept; from 6,800 rubles suite. DC, MC, V. Metro: Nevsky
Prospekt or Ploshchad Vosstaniya.
Amenities:
Cafe in each hotel; executive-level rooms; Jacuzzi in suites;
room service; sauna.
In room:
A/C (some units), TV w/satellite, hair dryer, kitchen available in apts, free Wi-Fi.
Nevsky Prospekt Bed and Breakfast
The unbeatable location means this
rather modest bed-and-breakfast charges a bit more than it should, but overall it's an
appealing place and a welcome addition to the hotel scene in this neighborhood. The
five-room apartment building was appropriated by the Soviets and made into communal
housing, but it is again privately owned. Guests share two semirenovated bathrooms.
Though the lodging is in the heart of the city, the decor is reminiscent of Russian
dachas,
or country houses: basic wooden furniture, embroidered bedspreads, and white walls,
instead of the busy wallpaper favored by apartment-dwellers. The high ceilings and hard-
wood floors give it a sense of faded grandeur, as does a 5pm tea service in the small
dining room. The owners make Russian, European, and American breakfasts, which can
be a choice between coffee and a roll, ham and eggs, or steaming porridge, depending on
who's cooking. Internet access and visa arrangements are available. VAT is included.
11 Nevsky Prospekt.
&
812/325-9398.
Fax 812/325-9337. www.bnbrussia.com. 5 units. Double Nov-
Mar 99 euros; Apr and Aug-Oct 109 euros; summer 119 euros. AE, DC, MC, V. Metro: Nevsky Prospekt.
Amenities:
Cafe.
In room:
TV, free Wi-Fi.
