Corinthia Hotel St Petersburg ★★★★★

“My whole life has been pledged to this meeting with you…” – Alexander Pushkin

St Petersburg is a city I decided to come to many years ago as a young, fresh-faced journalist. I was eager to debunk the myths about Russia, experience the culture of this grand nation that stretches through Europe and Asia, and to explore a city of such historical significance and cultural grandeur. Nowadays one of the world’s most beautiful destinations, St Petersburg is a city of champagne and caviar, a city of Tsarist history and royal balls, a city famous for its architecture, literature, poetry and fine art. Moreover, what I have come to know about the Russians here is that behind the stereotypical tough-guy or porcelain-doll exterior, there is an unending warmth and hospitality.

Above all, though, what draws me back to this destination, like a bee to the honeysuckle, is the intriguing and luxurious feel to the whole city, something which has been mirrored with astute perfection throughout the Corinthia Hotel. Upon arrival, I was greeted like royalty, and with a very welcomed welcome drink, before being led to my beautiful abode for the weekend. A room fit for a Tsar. This exceptional start was indeed a true reflection of the rest of my stay at this magnificent hotel.

Although you could easily and happily spend your getaway simply relaxing in the opulence of the Corinthia Hotel, St Petersburg, a maze of streets and rivers, sometimes described as the “Venice of the North”, is a city undoubtedly worth exploring. But before tearing myself away from the grandeur, beauty and warmth of the hotel, and into the chilly city, a landscape of snowflakes, icicles and frost-covered rooftops, I decided to fill my boots with the hearty breakfast provided for all guests.

There is an unending choice of things to do and sites to see in St Petersburg, with something suitable for everyone, but my favourite day there encompassed a stroll through the magnificent Hermitage art gallery, an embodiment of the city of St Petersburg itself, which has often been referred to as Russia’s “Window to the West” and cultural capital. This melting point of refined European and exotic Asian arts, traditions and cultures, has not only inspired Sokurov’s film ‘Russian Ark’, thanks to its amazing collection of masterpieces, but has also inspired me in my artistic appreciation, and may well do the same for you.

If, of course, you decide to toast the end of your stay with a vodka or two, opting for the “true Russian experience”, you’ll be pleased to know that the Corinthia Hotel offers a late checkout option, allowing you to relax in bed until as late as 6pm the next day!

As I get ready to head home now, after such a wonderful experience, I’m dreaming up a new excuse or opportunity to return to the beautiful Corinthia Hotel and relive this weekend all over again. But for now, that’s all, from Russia with love!