Stayed at this hotel four four nights recently and it really is something special. Ornate and opulent decor greats the guest as do helpful and friendly staff. The rooms are tastefully decorated and large. Good food served over three locations. Location is perfect for exploring the city.

This is a beautiful hotel and the interiors are charmed. The great columns , the chandeliers, the furniture is all reminiscent of Imperial Russia. The grand staircase in the hallway and the painted wall paintings are amazing photo op locations. Don't look for the efficiency of the International chain hotels. Every thing is understated and grows on you. We stayed here for 5 nights and we were upgraded to a suite. The breakfast restaurant is charming and the service is good. The breakfast does get repetitive over five days and wish they would have more variety. We couldn't eat at Victoria since the last order is at 10 pm. Room service was adequate but the serving was good. The room décor was nice but the pillows and mattress could do with a rehaul. The bathroom was splendid with a heated floor and enormous tub. The quality of the toiletries could be improved. The hotel gives you very little complimentary drinking water. Also I found the heating of the room a bit excessive and stifling but that's a matter of personal taste. We used Anna the concierge extensively for car bookings, taxi and reservations. She was fabulous. The car service company was also very good. However best of all is the location of the hotel. Its 5 minutes to the Hermitage and Palace square. It has restaurants , the river and all the attractions at a stones throw.

We had the most gorgeous room over the river and everyone had a comfy bed, which often doesn't happen when we sleep three to a room. The breakfast dining room was really majestic. All the staff were lovely. A really wonderful experience. Highly recommend. And a great location to everything as well. Easy walk to the Hermitage. etc