Belmond Grand Hotel Europe

Occupying the full length of Mikhailovskaya Street, this palatial historical hotel has it all, from the original art deco detailing to the exquisite, enormous bathrooms in the downstairs bar to the 60cm mattresses and plush divine room fittings. Suites themed around personages, places and institutions dear to the heart of St. Petersburg are gorgeously designed down to the last detail. There are also three top-notch restaurants including the popular Caviar Bar (the only one in the city) and authentic pan-Asian Azia. For fine dining, L'Europe with its stained glass art deco interior simply cannot be beat for style or history. The Mezzanine Café, with its atrium above, oozes elegance and bustles with vivid atmosphere. The Grand Hotel Europe plays an important role in the city, with many famous guests, including Bill Clinton, Elton John, and Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Three royals visited in 2011 – Queen Sofia of Spain, Queen Margrethe II and Queen Paola of Belgium.