Four Seasons Hotel Lion Palace St. Petersburg

Like most former palaces in the center of St. Petersburg, this one was originally an apartment building -- albeit an exclusive one. Today, the five-story yellow structure still retains its 19th-century glamour, and original features create a stately atmosphere. Flanking the entrance are two lion statues that have stood for almost 200 years and survived the Siege of Leningrad. Inside, the grand staircase features original granite steps and columns, ornate ceilings, and gold and bronze decorative touches that recall the building's 1820 construction. Terraces are decorated with sculptural female figures bearing the Russian coat of arms -- yet another example of the property's meticulous renovations that were overseen by St. Petersburg heritage authorities. There is little to complain about here for those travelers who can foot the bill. Most are couples who can be seen lingering over the fantastic artwork and floral arrangements displayed throughout the building. Though business travelers and families are also frequent guests, drawn to the hotel's fantastic features -- from meeting rooms ensconced in wood paneling, to a children's play room.

From its historic location, this hotel has great views of Saint Isaac’s Cathedral. As a popular location in St. Petersburg, it draws plenty of tour bus traffic, but the soundproof rooms don’t get traffic noise. Many guests use the hotel’s concierge desk to schedule guided city tours. The nearest metro station, Admiralteyskaya, is an eight-minute walk from the hotel. However, historic sights are within walking distance, including the Hermitage Museum and Winter Palace, which are 10 minutes away on foot. A subway trip to Peter and Paul Fortress takes about 30 minutes. Five minutes away on foot is the Nevsky Prospekt, the main boulevard in St. Petersburg that leads to the Russian Museum and Church of the Savior on Spilt Blood, which are about a 20-minute walk, or eight-minute cab ride. It’s a 10-minute drive or 20-minute walk to the Mariinsky Theatre. The drive to the Pulkovo Airport takes 20 minutes without traffic. 

Rooms have an elegant neoclassical air and all the niceties expected of this caliber of property. The minibars are superbly stocked, the bottled water free, and the marble bathrooms wallpapered and beautifully lit. Decor is classic: bed canopies, gold light fixtures, fine wooden furniture, and light blue and royal red textiles. Tall ceilings and windows give rooms a spacious feeling, and wall art is an eclectic mix of modern and classic pieces. Rooms vary in size from 377 to 603 square feet (35 to 56 square feet) and offer different views, such as Saint Isaac's Cathedral, the inner courtyard, or the Admiralty building (those on lower floors will have to contend with views of tour buses sometimes). Bathrooms feature double basins, rainfall showers, and soaking bathtubs. Plush bathrobes and makeup mirrors are nice touches. Some bathrooms also have flat-screen TVs, while some Suites have two bathrooms (a full and a powder room). Each bedroom has a 42-inch flat-screen TV, along with a DVD player and an iPod dock. Fifth-floor Terrace Rooms have heated terraces overlooking the city, parquet entryways, and sitting areas. The Lobanov Presidential Suite has a fireplace, sprawling terrace with Admiralty views, and dining area for six people. All rooms have Illy espresso machines. Wi-Fi is free and laptop rentals are available. 

Despite its city center location, this hotel lives up to its luxury status by offering plenty of luxury extras for guests. This includes a spa and gym, both not necessarily common among hotels in St. Petersburg. Natural light pours down from a skylight over the indoor spa pool, which has a waterfall, underwater jets, and lounge chairs. It's not suitable for swimming, but great for relaxing. The eight-room spa features a sauna, steam room, hot tub, and 24-hour gym with a nice selection of modern machines, a weight lifting area, and cold bottled water and towels. For children, there’s a playroom -- which lacks the colorful designs commonly found in kids’ clubs in favor of elegant Old World details -- with toys and a flat-screen TV for movies.The glass-topped Tea Lounge offers breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea in a pleasant, garden-themed dining room. Sintoho, an Asian restaurant, has a sushi bar and teppanyaki table for private dinners. The modern Italian restaurant, Percorso, offers a romantic setting with black-and-white tiled floors and tufted booths, plus an excellent wine cellar. Xander Bar provides fireside vodka tastings in the lobby, as well as champagne and traditional Russian appetizers. Catering is also available for conferences or weddings with a total of 9,202 square feet of space, including a grand ballroom for 216-person wedding receptions. There are also six meeting rooms, a boardroom, and 24-hour concierge service. Free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the hotel.