Matisov Domik, St. Petersburg

If you can't afford to stay on Nevsky Prospekt, but are afraid to stay anywhere cheaper, Matisov Domik is the place to stay. It is clean, cheerful, generally well maintained, and comfortable. The courtyard is cheerful with a small, lush, enclosed garden. The receptionist ignored us until my husband spoke up. A man in a suit (security?) just stared at us and did not ask if we needed help with the bags. The staff is generally aloof, like train ticket booth ladies. Our large, bright room had two large European-style three-paned windows overlooking the canal across the street. (Unfortunately, only one of each window's panels opened, and then only by 90 degrees, sticking awkwardly into the room and blocking any breeze.) We had asked for a double bed and were given two twins, which we pushed together. The room was decorated mostly in neutrals, with a dark green bedspread and curtains, and touches of glitzy brass. The room was furnished with a fridge, two comfortable chairs, a color TV, and a small desk and chair. There was plenty of room to move around. The bathroom was large, clean, white, and recently renovated. It had a corner shower with a rounded sliding door. A very good breakfast is included. It is served in a small dining area off the courtyard. You cannot be in a hurry, however. Unfortunately, there is nothing around except apartment buildings. You will have to take a taxi, or walk 10 minutes to a bus or tram station. It will take 20-30 minutes to get downtown in a taxi after 7:00pm. Other than that, it will take over an hour to get into town; traffic in St. Petersburg is quite heavy. A bus takes the same amount of time, and you may be standing the entire time. Despite these drawbacks, we plan to stay there again.