Accommodations: AZ St. Petersburg

HOST FAMILIES

The preferred option of accommodations for most of our clients is the host family in St. Petersburg. All the families in Russia are regularly inspected by the school. The rooms are clean and, by Russian standards, spacious. Bathroom and kitchen are shared with the family. All apartments have telephone. Breakfast and dinner are always included. Maximum travel time to the school is 50 minutes, average travel time door to door is 40 minutes. Half of the host families live in the center, the other half in modern suburban areas of St.Petersburg.

Participants specify the preferred type of host-family when signing up. These preferences will be taken into consideration as far as possible, but, we regret, we cannot make any guarantee that they will always be met absolutely. We usually select families without any foreign language knowledge (English speaking Russians are desperate for some English conversation). However, if a participant feels uneasy about this approach, we will try to find him a place to live where English is spoken. Our experience shows that even absolute beginners will be able to communicate after the first few days.

It is obvious that a certain flexibility and tolerance on the part of the guest will be necessary for a successful stay and integration. Russia is a country with a basic infrastructure and power or hot water failures are not uncommon. However, justly famous Russian hospitality will play its part in overcoming most of these problems.

HOTELS

Grand Hotel Europen (Kempinski)*****

St. Petersburg's best address. Located in the very heart of St. Petersburg's historic central shopping and business district, the Hotel combines all the charm of a bygone age with deluxe modern facilities and the high international standards of service. Frequented in the 19th century by Tchaikovsky, Turgenyev and Gorki, this historical landmark was completely refurbished a couple of years ago. The Grand was host to President Clinton and was the first Russian member of The Leading Hotels of the World.

Hotel Astoria (Rocco Forte)*****

Completely refurbished in 1991, the Astoria captures probably best the spirit of a time when St. Petersburg was the Capital of the Russian Empire. 242 spacious rooms, elegant dinner halls and a breath-taking view over to St. Isaacs cathedral are just a few reasons why the Astoria is so different from other hotels

Corinthia Nevskij Palace *****

The Corinthia Nevskij Palace opened in 1993 and is located in the heart of the historical, business and shopping areas of St. Petersburg. It is comprised of two historic nineteenth century buildings with a classic façade restored to its original splendour. Completely renovated interiors, and spacious, elegant rooms offer a warm atmosphere and fine comfort. The restaurants belong to the best places to eat out in the city and are popular also with well off locals.

Hotel Angleterre****

Under one roof and one management with the Astoria, this hotel offers an inexpensive alternative to the main hotel. The 193 rooms are somewhat smaller, the room style is modern, but the quality of service is the same as in the Astoria.

Radisson SAS Royal****

Situated in the historical centre of St.Petersburg at the intersection of Nevsky and Vladimirsky Prospekt, this latest addition to the local hotel scene convinces with a very cosy and personal atmosphere. The building underwent extensive renovation works, preserving the unique façade and thus retaining over 200 years of history. The service is very attentive, the rooms are spacious and the lobby bar is fast developing into a meeting point for locals.

Neptun Best-Western****

The first Best Western hotel in Russia recently opened a new wing, which gave the city its first economy four star hotel in the centre. Adjacent to the accommodation area is an impressive indoor sport and fitness complex with pool, sauna, work-out area, squash, tennis and bowling (not included in the room rate). The closest metro station Puskhinskaya is within walking distance (10 min).

Hotel Pribaltiskaya****

Located on Vasiliy Island around 7 km from the city centre, the biggest hotel in St.Petersburg (1200 air-conditioned rooms, built in 1978) offers a nice view on the Gulf of Finland, a full-service infrastructure and a regular shuttle service to the centre. Good quality for money.

Hotel Pulkovskaya ****

This model hotel complex with 840 rooms was built in the eighties and is located half way between the international airport and the city centre, close to the metro station "Moskovskaya". The Pulvokskaya hotel features several restaurants, lots of ancillary services and a congress centre.

Hotel Moskva***

Very central location at the end of Nevsky Prospekt near the Alexander Nevsky Monastery. The former Intourist hotel tries hard to keep its classic Soviet look. Many of the (small) rooms have been renovated and offer excellent value for money. A metro stop is actually below the hotel (accessible through a separate entrance).

Hotel Saint-Petersburg ***

Located on eastern bank of the river Neva close to the historic cruiser Aurora, the former hotel Leningrad offers a breathtaking view across the river towards the historical skyline of St.Petersburg - including the Hermitage. This classical tourist hotel from the seventies features more than 400 rooms, two restaurants, three bars and the usual ancillary services. Some of the rooms have been renovated recently.

Hotel Deson Ladoga***

Relatively new hotel one metro stop from the Hotel Moskva, but on the other (eastern) side of the Neva. Nice, clean and relatively spacious rooms.

Hotel Sovetskaya ***

The hotel complex is situated on the Fontanka river embankment not far from the Mariinsky theatre and Saint Nicole Cathedral. The building itself is modern, some of the rooms have been renovated. A good and central address for budget travellers.

Hotel Rossija**

Located on Moskovsky Prospekt close to the metro station Park Pobedy. The rooms are small, not renovated and the Soviet Union comes back to life when you enter this hotel. On the other hand, it is a clean, cheap and very safe place.

Hotel Neva **

This small budget hotel lies in the heart of the city and offers a very personal atmosphere. All rooms have en-suite facilities. The standard is basic though. Ideal for the young budget traveller.

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