Arbat Nord

Description:

• An inviting, peach-colored building on a quiet side street, the Arbat Nord is an elegant mix of antique desks and top-of-the-line laptop reservation terminals. Opened in 2004, it blends more carefully with St. Petersburg's 18th-century classicism than the hotels of the Soviet era. Staff is always ready to include personal touches, such as guidebooks in your native language or wine from your country left at the bedside. Its five stories hold mid- to large-size rooms of polished dark woods and sumptuous, firm bedding. The top-floor rooms have skylights that offer stunning views of the long summer sunsets and sunrises -- though be sure the blinds close securely if you want to get any sleep during the White Nights. The neighborhood is so quiet it feels almost isolated, but it's just around the corner from Chernyshevskaya metro station and plenty of usual and unusual commerce.

• © Frommer's 2012

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Highly Recommended 2010