Grand Hotel Europe, St. Petersburg

I recently had the pleasure of visiting the Grand Hotel Europe, St, Petersburg, Russia, seeing some rooms, and enjoying a fabulous dinner at the hotel’s Russian restaurant, Caviar Bar. The Grand Hotel Europe, now a part of Belmond, is a cultural, historical and culinary landmark, and one of the world’s stately and premier establishments. As pointed out in the company’s brochure, this is where Tchaikovsky spent his honeymoon, and Dostoevsky was a guest.

St. Petersburg is, of course, one of the world’s great cities, with a remarkable history, and a fabulous destination in its own right. While Russia can be a challenging destination to visit, it’s worth the effort, and St. Petersburg does not disappoint if one opens their mind to learning a bit more of its place in history, and value the treasures it offers.

With a fabulous location on the city’s main thoroughfare, Nevsky Prospekt, the Grand Hotel Europe is a luxurious property that offers refined service and, under present management, continues to upgrade its product. The 301 rooms and suites have been undergoing renovation, with most completed at this time. rooms and suites are spacious and accommodating. While not as yet renovated, the suites on one end of the property with terraces overlooking the city are a fabulous value in summer. There are five dining venues including The Caviar Bar, including the fabulous two-tiered fine dining European restaurant.

At all touch points with guests, I found the staff was on their toes at all times, attentive and ready to serve. We also happen to enjoy a special relationship with Belmond, and can assist travelers with VIP treatment who may be lucky to venture to St. Petersburg. (You can also reference TravelStore’s preferred hotel program.)

Within short walking distance of the hotel are the fabulous Russian Museum with its exclusive collection of Russian art through the centuries; the magnificent Church on the Spilt Blood; Our Lady of Kazan Cathedral (modeled after St. Peter’s in Rome); Gostiny Dvor, the largest shopping arcade in the city; and a number of antique and quality shops, and numerous restaurants.