Nevsky Inn

I would strongly recommend you use their driver to get from the airport. Hotel is very difficult to find with no signs outside. Hotel is on the fourth floor (no lift) of a building that is in very poor condition. When you get into the hotel itself, it is nice. Excellent location within walking distance of the Hermitage, etc. Staff was very friendly and spoke a little English. Be sure to schedule your departure well in advance. I had to leave early in the morning and there was no way to lock the door from the outside without a key, and no one was around to lock it behind me. Room was OK in size for one or two people. beds were small but comfortable.

This was my second visit to St Petersburg in winter. I'd say this hotel would be most suitable for people like me - a single traveller - or a couple, who enjoy a more informal approach to accommodation. The bedroom and service are of a good modest hotel standard, but the breakfast room/lounge with access to facilities such as fridge, coffee etc made it much more homely. Also the fact that it is and appears as a huge appartment with rooms off a central corridor. The staff are very welcoming and helpful. I got a personal welcome, which was a nice touch. Not all speak fluent English though there's telephone access to fluent speakers if required (didn't try to use this). They help with transfers to the airport if you need them too. Visa registration was done promptly also. My room was simple, but well-heated, spacious and with fine en-suite facilities and a room safe. I took to it immediately, even if the bed seemed narrow by UK standards. Breakfast - with a choice of eggs, toast, cheese, muesli, yoghurt, fruit juice and coffee - suited me fine, though some people might prefer more variety. Access to the hotel is EASY and don't be put off by the lack of hotel facade or the unappealing stairwell. There's no lift but it's not a steep climb. The location is brilliant, literally a few steps from the Nevsky Prospekt near major tourist attractions (Hermitage, St Isaac's....) and within about 5 mins' brisk walking distance of the Nevsky metro station. It's good value for St Petersburg and I'd stay there again without any hesitation!

The only undesirable thing about this bed and breakfast type hotel is that the rooms are not environmentally controlled. That said, if you go to St Petersburg and especially if it is your first time then definitely stay here. The staff will bend over backwards to help you and the small cost of the rooms will more than pay for themselves over and over. No matter what you think....take whatever advice they give you. I went to the train station there to pick up my tickets and on the way back my passport was stolen from me. The manager, owner, and other staff did everything in their power to help me with my situation. Through a very strange series of events I was able to recover my passport for a "finders fee" and something right out of a spy novel. I do not know what I would have done without the assistance of the Nevsky Inn. They truly went above and beyond the call of duty and I whole heartedly recommend them for your stay in St Petersburg.

The taxi driver could not find the hotel and had to call, he got directions and when we arrived I was sure I was going to be mugged! There was no sign outside, and of course I had no idea who he was talking to on the phone. The door was a big metal door with a keypad. He entered a code and the door buzzed open and in we went there was a rather shabby looking staircase. I was sure I was in deep trouble! We went up 4 flights and were finally at the suite/hotel. Inside it was very nice and clean and the staff was great. The 4th floor walking up part was not fun and the entry hall/stairs were a little scary. However, the rooms were small but clean and the common area was a great spot to have a cup of tea, meet other guests and you can keep stuff in the fridge and heat it up in the microwave. Breakfast was nice, too. If you use this hotel contact them ahead of time to get a ride from the airport. The taxi I took (or who took me... ) cost 2000 rubles and shoud have been about 700, their driver is even less. Bring your own soap/shampoo and washcloth.