For:
- Major visitor attractions on your doorstep
- Unparalleled historic architecture and atmosphere
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Against:
- High prices
- Lack of local amenities
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A phrase much loved by guide book writers and travel industry professionals but pretty much unknown to locals, the "Golden Triangle" is the area of St. Petersburg's downtown between Nevsky Prospekt and the Neva and Fontanka Rivers. Encompassing Palace Square and the State Hermitage Museum, the State Russian Museum, the Church of Our Saviour on the Spilled Blood, the Summer Garden and the Field of Mars, as well as numerous other historic churches, museums and, above all, palaces, this district was largely the preserve of the Imperial family and the very highest echelons of the aristocracy prior to the October Revolution, and has since become St. Petersburg's tourist centre.
While the neighborhood still has its own organic existence, with many apartment buildings occupied by long-term residents as well as schools and office buildings, it nonetheless has by far and away the highest concentration of hotels in the city, not to mention hostels, vacation apartments and mini-hotels. On the one hand it is unquestionably the most popular neighborhood for visitors, with the easiest access on foot to most of St. Petersburg's top visitor attractions, but on the other hand this means that you pay a premium for accommodation in the area. It is also worth noting that, if you are considering self-catering accommodation, the neighborhood is very poorly served for grocery shopping, and that the northern part of the "Golden Triangle" along the Neva River is actually quite isolated from public transport, with no metro station within comfortable walking distance and only a few bus services along the embankment.
Recommended accommodation in the "Golden Triangle":
3a, Naberezhnaya Reki Moyki, St. Petersburg, 191186, RussiaShow on map
758 m
Nearest metro: Gostiny Dvor, Nevsky prospekt
This small hotel's peculiar name refers to the three nearby bridges across the Moyka River and Griboedov Canal. It's a superb location for sightseeing, with Palace Square and the Hermitage, the State Russian Museum, and the Cathedral of Our Saviour on the Spilled Blood all within little over five minutes' walk. The 3MostA occupies a converted 18th century shopping arcade and offers very elegant and cozy accommodation as well as an attractive rooftop restaurant.
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8, Sadovaya Ulitsa, St. Petersburg, 191186, RussiaShow on map
1.28 km
Nearest metro: Gostiny Dvor
Located next to Manezhnaya Ploshchad and only a few minutes' walk from the State Russian Museum, Apple Hostel has established a solid reputation as a friendly, well equipped hostel for backpackers. Praised for its efficient staff, cleanliness and quietly sociable atmosphere, the hostel offers mixed and female-only dorms as well as a few private double rooms. There is also a fully fitted communal kitchen and lounge area. Prices are reasonable.
1/7, Michailovskaya Ulitsa, St. Petersburg, 191011, RussiaShow on map
894 m
Nearest metro: Gostiny Dvor, Nevsky prospekt
Located on Nevsky Prospekt and just a few steps from Ploshchad Iskusstv (Arts Square) and the State Russian Museum, the Grand Hotel Europe has been a byword for luxury in St. Petersburg for nearly 150 years. Famed for its beautiful Art Nouveau interiors, preserved in many guest rooms as well as public spaces, and sumptuous fine dining, the Grand Hotel Europe also offers a comprehensive range of 5-star business and leisure facilities.
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22, Naberezhnaya Reki Moyki, St. Petersburg, 191186, RussiaShow on map
234 m
Nearest metro: Admiralteyskaya, Gostiny Dvor, Nevsky prospekt
Despite its 19th century facade and traditional atmosphere, the Kempinski Moika 22 is actually a completely modern property, built almost from scratch in 2005. While some rooms lack a real sense of 5-star luxury and fitness facilities in particular are rather basic, these shortcomings are compensated by impeccable Kempinski service and the superb location directly across the Moyka River from Palace Square, with views onto the Winter Palace from many rooms.
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10, Bolshaya Konyushennaya Ulitsa, St. Petersburg, 191186, RussiaShow on map
457 m
Nearest metro: Gostiny Dvor, Nevsky prospekt
There is nothing particularly grand about this basic but perfectly serviceable 3-star hotel except its excellent location just off Nevsky Prospekt on beautiful Bolshaya Konyushennaya Ulitsa, a few hundred meters from Palace Square and the State Hermitage Museum. The Nevsky Grand Hotel offers 131 simply fitted and, for the location, quite reasonably priced guest rooms. There is little in the way of extra facilities, but for an affordable bed and adequate breakfast it is worth considering.
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14, Naberezhnaya Reki Moyki, St. Petersburg, 191186, RussiaShow on map
339 m
Nearest metro: Gostiny Dvor, Nevsky prospekt
Consistently rated among the very best hotels in St. Petersburg according to traveler reviews, the Pushka Inn occupies a pretty 18th century mansion on the Moyka River Embankment only five minutes' walk from the State Hermitage Museum and Palace Square. Providing elegant and homely accommodation in 33 guest rooms, as well as a superior on-site restaurant, the Pushka Inn is particularly praised for its exceptional service and welcome.
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