Everything about the Belmond Grand was exceptional the quality of food and the beautiful Christmas decorations. Breakfasts are wonderful everything you could possibly want, the cafe bar had extremely slow service, but to be honest we found the service slow everywhere in Russia, but as we were on holiday it did not matter, perhaps if on business you would find it a problem. Russia overall both Moscow and St Petersburg was truly exceptional, especially the train journey from Moscow to St Petersburg. Both cities were free of the kind of litter we find at home, everything appeared to run on time and the Metros have to be seen to be believed.

The weather was terrible - cold and rainy, instead of the snow and minus degrees we were hoping for. Apart from that we loved everything about St Petersburg. Grand Europe Hotel is perfect for sightseeing, shopping and restaurants. You can walk to most interesting sights. But it is worth travelling by underground since the stations are as beautiful and interesting as anything above ground. The hotel feels very special and matches the atmosphere of the city. I think our room was standard and was fine but not outstanding. The entrance, lobby bar and restaurant, however, are amazing. Breakfast is expensive and we only had it once but it was worth it just for the experience. If you were really canny, you could make your breakfast brunch and skip having to buy a lunch that day. St P tip which we received and was useful is agree on a price before you get in a taxi and don't accept the meter price. We only took one taxi but agreed on1000 rubles when the driver started off at 2000.

The overall experience of this place was very positive: the location is good, right on the Nevsky prospect, Great view from the room: beautiful Savior on the Spilled Blood. Room service, most of the dishes I tried was also very good. Dry cleaning was made in time and properly. The feeling inside is good and the flowers decoration at the entrance was marvelous. I liked it a lot, that the floor in the bathroom was warm and the towels was there for better feeling. I would consider it as a 5 rated hotel, only a few things really disappointed me: - in this luxury 5 star hotel the guests should leave a deposit. This is funny: a deposit. Like in 90th in the 3 star hotel in Turkey or Egypt. Like customers are already suspected on not to pay the bill for mini bar or laundry . And, when I refused to leave deposit, they went to my room to clear the minibar: to take away chocolate bars and bear, that they should want to sell to customers! And the service lady refused to bring laundry to the room unless I will go down and pay it (tell them about the credit cards machine! They should know that) - the room service was knocking into my room late in the evening so that I return the trolley , my dinner was served on. Even I have not finished the meal yet. These things really disappoint. - no socket next to the bad. It’s already a common thing to charge the phone/ headphones, watch, etc next to the bad. But you can only do it in the room by moving night table Otherwise, it’s a nice place to stay