Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
227
Floor Monitors
In a disconcerting holdover from the Soviet era, many older, larger hotels have a
dezhurnaya,
a sort of floor monitor, stationed outside the elevators who's
charged with keeping track of everyone who lives on her floor. She (it's invariably
a woman) knows when you come in and out, and with whom. Sometimes she's
even in charge of your key: You leave it at her desk upon departure, then present
a card upon your return to get it back. Don't let her presence intimidate you; in
the post-Soviet world, her job is largely cleaning and maintenance coordinator.
She can even be a source of help, making you a late-night cup of tea or finding
you discount theater tickets.
Alexandra Nevskogo.
Amenities:
3 restaurants; small creperie; bar; nightclub and casino; mini-coffee
shops on each floor; concierge; health club; indoor pool; room service; sauna.
In room:
TV w/cable, fridge,
minibar (in some rooms), Wi-Fi (300 rubles/day).
Rus
An inexpensive and decent choice in an up-and-coming neighborhood, the Rus
suffers the unfortunate drawback of a hideous design, which resembles a concrete spider. It
was the ultimate in Soviet modernity when it opened in the 1970s. Holdovers from the
Communist era include the “floor ladies” (see the “Floor Monitors” box below) and the
antiquated barber shop. The rooms are in various states of renovation, with the cheaper
ones offering narrow single beds and showers with no stalls, and the more expensive
(though still reasonable) ones including fresh carpeting and blond wood wardrobes. The
dizzying floor layout may mean a long walk from the elevator. The hotel is not far from the
lively neighborhood around Chernyshevskaya metro station and Taurida Gardens.
1 Ulitsa Artillereiskaya.
&
812/579-5003.
Fax 812/555-7770. www.hotelruss.spb.ru. 149 units. From
2,500 rubles double; 5,500 rubles suite. MC, V. Secure parking. Metro: Chernyshevskaya or Mayakovskaya.
Amenities:
Restaurant; cafes on each floor; concierge; room service; sauna; free Wi-Fi in lobby; cellphone
rental.
In room:
A/C (in some units), TV w/cable, fridge.
12
4
SOUTH OF NEVSKY
EXPENSIVE
Alexander House
This unbeatable hotel was born when a television jour-
nalist and his wife decided to switch careers and open a mini-hotel, using only environ-
mentally friendly building materials and furniture. That's no easy task in Russia, and they
remain St. Petersburg's most eco-friendly hoteliers. The project was clearly a labor of love,
with every item in each room chosen and placed with care. The rooms are named after
different cities, and each is decorated uniquely. What they have in common are exposed
brick and wood beams, double beds, and roomy wardrobes. There's no business center or
other big-hotel services, but they can rent you a laptop and help you arrange for transla-
tors, tours, or other needs. They welcome kids and pets and make guests feel immersed
in St. Petersburg. The hotel, the only one in its vicinity, inhabits a picturesque, tranquil
spot overlooking the Krikova Canal. Yet it's just down the street from Mariinsky Theater
and within walking distance of St. Isaac's Cathedral and Palace Square. You'll need to
