Nevsky Forum Hotel

Offering just 29 rooms, the boutique Nevsky Forum Hotel is both refined and cozy. A classic beige building fronted with molding, the Nevsky has an elegant exterior. Inside, the lobby is a bit small and underwhelming with modern purple-printed upholstered chairs and couches. But just off this space sits a Japanese-style tea room with moody ceiling lighting -- plus tea (and coffee) is free throughout the day. Other than the restaurant and bar, there are no other common areas, but rooms are stylish and contemporary and many include sitting areas and other extra lounge spaces. With its excellent location and range of room sizes, this hotel accommodates business travelers and tourists, including couples and families.

The Nevsky Forum Hotel is exceptionally well-located right on the bustling Nevsky Prospect, St. Petersburg's main street packed with restaurants and shops. Major attractions are a bit of a hike on foot, though sights like Kazansky Cathedral and the Russian Museum are walkable in under 25 minutes. For sights farther out, the hotel is directly across the street from the Mayakovskaya metro station (a one-minute walk). Moscow Station (Moskovsky Vokzal) is an eight-minute walk. Pulkovo Airport is about an hour and a half by public transit, but the hotel can arrange airport transfers, which can take as little as 25 minutes by car. Limited free parking is also available at the hotel.

The elegant, contemporary guest rooms sport neutral color palettes seen in beige fabrics, cream-colored walls, and dark wood furniture -- but they vary in decorative details based on room category. Cork floors provide a flourish, and upgraded rooms add style with modern suede couches, large art pieces, or exposed brick walls. A range of room categories are available, from single rooms to apartment-style rooms with kitchenettes to a luxurious suite with a jacuzzi and private sauna. All rooms have individually controlled air conditioning, flat-screen satellite TVs, free Wi-Fi, electronic safes, generously stocked minibars, and free mineral water. Not all rooms include coffee and tea service, but hot drinks are available free of charge in the lobby. Bathrooms vary in style -- some are fairly small with just shower stalls -- but they are modern with magnifying mirrors, hairdryers, robes, slippers, and free individual toiletries. Some guests complain their windows don't open. While windows are triple-glazed, guests sometimes note noise from the bustling Nevsky Prospect, so light sleepers may want to choose rear-facing rooms. 

This small boutique property doesn't have the amenities of larger hotels, but it still offers a full-service restaurant and several high-end services. The hotel's restaurant, La Presse, serves Russian and European cuisine and includes a bar. There's a free breakfast buffet for guests, which includes a nice spread of standard buffet fare like cereal, cold cuts, pastries, pancakes, and fruit, plus a selection of several free hot a la carte options. There's also a Japanese-style tea room off the lobby, which serves free tea (and coffee) all day. Room service is available until late.The staff and concierge offer a wide range of services including ticket and tour assistance, reservations, laundry service, car service, and airport transfers. Small pets are permitted. Business guests have access to a computer, laptop, scanner, and printer. Limited free parking is available.