Hotel Astoria
Amenities
Credit Cards
Air-conditioning
Child-friendly
Wi-fi
Restaurant
Conference facilities
Sauna
Fitness centre
Wellness
Comments
Lance Grundy
Having read a lot about Imperial Russia I was well aware of the Hotel Astoria, particularly the role its famous restaurant, the Winter Garden, had played in pre-revolutionary St Petersburg society. Unfortunately, staying at this hotel, which has survived the 1917 Bolshevik revolution, two world wars and the collapse of the Soviet Union was well out of my budget but I noticed in my copy of “In Your Pocket” that the hotel’s restaurant ‘Davidov’ was offering an “international gourmet standard” three-course business lunch for only 600 rubles. So, following in the footsteps of such distinguished characters as Rasputin, HG Wells, Margaret Thatcher, Tony Bliar, George Bush, Jacques Chirac, Vladimir Putin, Madonna, Elton John, Jack Nicholson, Luciano Pavarotti, Pierre Cardin, Jean-Paul Gaultier, Prince Charles and Prince Michael of Kent, I decided to have lunch at the Hotel Astoria. On arrival, I was pleasantly surprised to discover I wouldn't be dining in the 'Davidov' restaurant after all but in the famous Winter Garden itself [which it turns out the hotel has reopened as part of its 100th Anniversary celebrations]. The Winter Garden reeks of history and the young, friendly and efficient waitresses were more than happy to discuss the history of the hotel and restaurant while they served us. The food was every bit as good as you would expect in a hotel of this standard and the atmosphere was welcoming and relaxed and not at all stuffy. This must be the best value meal I have ever had, served in surroundings which would normally be well out of my league. Definitely one of the highlights of my trip to St Petersburg. Check it out if you’re in town. Thank you In Your Pocket for a great tip!
Ksenia
Hi In Your Pocket,My stay in Astoria was very nice, especially the breakfast! I booked the hotel via your website; you gave me the best price options. Spasibo!Ksenia