The stylish Hotel Astoria in St Petersburg beautifully captures the essence and grandeur of the historic
city. Set amongst a picturesque network of canals and bridges opposite the golden dome of St. Isaac’s Cathedral and within walking distance of the Hermitage Museum and the Mariinsky Theatre, it is without doubt the city’s most famous hotel. With a recent multimillion-dollar refurbishment to celebrate its century, the hotel offers guests a privileged glimpse into St Petersburg’s dazzling past, cleverly complemented with modern style and amenities.

The Astoria offers 169 effortlessly luxurious rooms and suites furnished in elegant style with five star amenities. While all the rooms are comfortable and spacious, the Lux Traveller loves the 310-squaremetre Olga Polizzi-designed Tsar Suite. Decorated with an eclectic mix of authentic Russian art and antiques along with contemporary elements, the spacious Tsar Suite comprises a large bedroom with dedicated dressing area, a marble bathroom with double shower and a spacious lounge overlooking St Isaac’s Square. There’s also a private gym with a dedicated massage area, a library stocked with over 300 Russian classics, a fully-equipped kitchen area and a dining room. The hotel’s Astoria Restaurant offers the finest Russian and French cuisine, while Borsalino, in
neighbouring Angleterre Hotel, specialises in Italian fare. Russian afternoon tea at the hotel’s Rotonda Lounge comes with a selection of traditional Russian delights. And for cocktails the stylish 24-hour Lichfield Bar is the place to be seen.

Paying homage to the British photographer, the bar houses a collection of iconic images of stars from the 60s and 70s. After exploring the historic delights and sights of beautiful St Petersburg, visit La Maison de Beauté Carita Astoria, a sprawling beauty salon boasting the same spirit and atmosphere as the flagship salon in Paris, for a selection of body and beauty treatments. Head to the hotel’s Astoria SPA for a sauna or hammam. Or, if you want to work off all that caviar, take advantage of the 24-hour gymnasium.