Astoria

This famous hotel in the historic center of Saint Petersburg sits close to Saint Isaac's Square and Saint Isaac's Cathedral. The Lion Bridge and the "Bronze Horseman" monument to Peter the Great are also within walking distance. Inside are 169 rooms across various categories, including 86 suites.

The interior blends the contemporary with history, and the details build a sense of luxury: antiques, linen textiles, decor.

The ground floor holds the restaurant of the same name, with a view of Saint Isaac's Cathedral, serving Russian and European cuisine. In the evening, stop by the Lichfield bar, home to an impressive gin collection of more than forty labels from around the world. Try them neat or ask to have them mixed with rare tonics. The Rotunda lounge offers a rich tea selection, along with starters, desserts, pancakes and pastries.

For business, there are eight conference rooms, including the grand Ballroom and the Winter Garden with its unique stained-glass ceiling. To unwind, there's the Spa Sisley Astoria spa center, a beauty salon, yoga, a sauna and a Turkish hammam. For those who can't skip a workout even on vacation, there's a gym.