Early on Russian Christmas,upon arriving in St. Petersburg by overnight train from Moscow we proceeded to our hotel in hopes of being able to store our bags there and walk around until check-in time at 2:00 p.m. We were greeted at the bottom of the stairs by an lovely young woman who enthusiastically grabbed our bags and walked us up three flights of stairs to the reception desk. She led us to our lovely rooms and apologetically told us that breakfast would not be until 8:00. After a short nap we woke to an ample buffet of eggs, cheeses, breads, meats, fruits, juices, tea and coffee served in an elegant tearoom artistically furnished with antique tables, chairs and couches.

Nestled among bistros and tearooms, kitty-corner from the cathedral of Our Lady of Kazan, this unassuming hotel, identified only by a small sign on a black door: "Boutique Hotel Rachmaninov," takes you back a century or so. In contrast to the hotel and the ancient cathedral is bustling Nevskiy Prospect with its huge book store and department stores, about a city block away. Walk another three quarters of a mile and you come to the Hermitage Museum and the Neva River.

The day after we arrived, the hotel began modernizing its electric wiring and moved us from our comfortable rooms on the third floor to beyond belief sumptuous rooms on the second floor at no extra charge. Luxurious modern bathtubs, comfortable double beds, plenty of room, windows, hairdryer, heat, plenty of hot water, pleasure--pure pleasure awaited us upon our return from a day walking around the Hermitage.

This review would not be complete without heartfelt praise for the unique staff who treated us, not like guests, but like their mothers or aunties. Their worries that my 83-year old friend who walked with a cane would not be able to negotiate the stairs was unfounded. She happily walked up the stairs to what she and I both agreed is the most delightful hotel either of us has ever stayed in. With warmth and hospitality and the sincerity of old friends, these women make each guest feel as if she were the most important person in the world.

I am nostalgically planning a return in the near future. Sheila Dugan, Milanville, PA

We stayed 10 nights at Hotel Rachmaninov. It is very convenient to Nevskiy Prospekt, all tourist destinations, and the subway. It appears to be run by an all-woman staff and they were a delight to talk with, and very helpful in providing travel instructions, making dinner reservations, etc. The breakfast was substantial and the breakfast room was cheerful and spacious. The rooms themselves are somewhat spare and the hotel is on the 3rd floor of a walk-up building but these are small drawbacks to us. We definitely would go back, and we will recommend Rachmaninov to any of our friends/family who are going to St Petersburg.

This is a delightful hotel, just steps from Nevsky Prospect. The staff helped us make arrangements for taxis and had very good suggestions for restaurants and other things. The art on the doors is lovely and the rooms are very comfortable with excellent plumbing. Breakfast was sumptuous and they are always willing to make you a cup of tea.

There is no elevator so you do have to climb some stairs (3 flights, I think) but anyone fit enough to travel in Europe should be able to do that.

If you're looking for a little gem in Saint Petersburg, look no further.

Located just off Nevskiy Prospect, this boutique hotel has all of the old world charm you would imagine existed in bygone years.

Styled with antiques, great decor, classical music playing during the included breakfast (even with fresh bilinis), you can't help but love the place.

It's owner is also the center of the local modern art scene. Each room door is hand painted by local leading artists. They'll be able to guide you through the what's hot in contemporary art in SPB.

If you like period charm, in look, feel, and service, this is certainly the place to stay. Our second, and we'll be back for more.