Kempinski Hotel Moika 22 St. Petersburg, St. Petersburg

This is an excellent hotel. You'll be aware of its fantastic location as soon as you arrive. It's right on the eastern bank of the Moika river - 2 minutes away from Palace Square and a view of the Hermitage. 5 minutes the other way is Nevsky Prospekt. The hotel itself is similar to many good quality hotels around the world. In truth you could be anywhere. BUT, for those people who travel regularly in Russia, you'll soon notice the relative novelty of incredibly helpful and friendly staff. This is true for those at reception, the concierge, in the retaurants, and doormen. The rooms vary in line with their different prices. Smaller rooms on the lower floors, with views of the atrium are the cheapest, while large suites with lovely views of the Moika are on the upper floors. We were very happy in a smaller (superior) room - we hardly spent any time in the day there, while 2 of our party were in a deluxe suite which had plenty of room and a good view of the city. The restaurant on the top floor is well worth a visit - even just to enjoy a drink or two and tapas while looking out acroos the city rooftops. The food here is excellent, but if you are planning a full dinner or lunch, you may need another mortgage. Breakfast is served on the same floor as reception and has a wide choice of hot, cold, dairy, cereals, fruit etc. From the hotel you can walk to the Hermitage, St Isaac's Cathedral, theatres and many of the other major sites (even those the other side of the river are only 20 mins away on foot). The one hour river cruise along the Moika and Neva departs 100m from the door. There are plenty of good restaurants and bars nearby (delicious and cheap pies are 100m round the corner to the right as you leave the hotel - just ask the concierge if you're keen). It's hard to think of a serious negative although I painfully remember a minor one. In the men's toilets on the reception level, the door handles are too close to the edge of the door. If you shut the door while holding the handle you'll trap your fingers. I can't say if it's the same in the ladies', but be warned! That's my only grumble, so you won't be surprised to know that I would definitely recommend the Kempinski for anyone looking for a top end hotel in St Petersburg.