After just touching down in Moscow yesterday morning, a few attractions later we are already skipping town onto our next destination, Saint Petersburg.
We were stuck in the high-speed train for more than 3 hours but finally made it to St Petersburg in one piece.
We were asked to stay cautious while we stepped out of the train station but the walk to the parking lot turned out to be a breeze. Next thing we knew, we were already on our tour bus heading towards Belmond Grand Hotel Europe, where we would be staying for the next 4 nights.
Built back in 1875, Belmond Grand Hotel Europe is the first 5-star hotel in the city and the architecture that houses the hotel actually went way back to 1824.
As one of the most iconic hotels in Saint Petersburg and a 5-star establishment, I certainly expected a bit more intimate ambience but instead, our room looked like something from a run-down motel on Highway 99 with decorations from the 1960s.
This side of the room including the beds and nightstands looked as if it's been renovated recently. By recently, I'm of course referring to 20 years ago.
The bathroom has probably been around since Day One (1875!).
I'm sure when the hotel first opened door, this looked glamorous in every way but it desperately needed a facelift now.
I tried not to spend too much time here during our stay. Enough said!
There's in fact one positive from our stay at this historic hotel - their breakfast buffet.
It's one of the most beautiful breakfast halls I've ever been associated with.
We were all looking forward to our breakfast every morning as if it (the breakfast hall) was one of the attractions!
All-you-can-eat pancakes with caviars, who can resist that!!!
Apart from its breakfast, the hotel's brilliant location in the heart of Nevsky Prospect (Nevsky Avenue) is also attracting tourists from all over the world.
Tourist attractions including Arts Square are all within walking distance and that's always a huge bonus, especially when you're enjoying a holiday in Russia.
Rating: ❤❤❤
Price: $$$$
Address: Mikhaylovskaya Ulitsa, 1/7, St Petersburg, Russia, 191186
Tel: +7 812 329-6000
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