The current appearance of the hotel building, built in the 1870s by Ludwig Fontan, was gained at the beginning of the 20th century by Fyodor Lidvall, the “chief architect” of St. Petersburg modernism. Partially he was engaged in interiors himself, the German Carl Mackensen did a lot. In particular, he designed the halls of the legendary “Europe” restaurant, which have survived to the present day, with stained-glass windows according to the drawings by Leonty Benoit. They "remember" Nicholas II, Jacques Chirac, Montserrat Caballe and many others. The hotel is given the status of a cultural heritage monument and — an unofficial — prominent city landmark.

The new Presidential wing, the opening of which was timed to the 140th anniversary of the hotel, is an important page in its history. It consists of six suites: one Presidential and five, named after artists of the Russian avant-garde. Presidential has everything you need to receive high-ranking guests. There are several bedrooms, a study, a front dining room, a spa area and separate rooms for servants. This is the largest room in its category in St. Petersburg (350 square meters). Decorated in eclectic style. The “Malevich” and “Archipenko” suites are inspired by abstractionism and suprematism, the interiors of the rest are referred to the works of Kandinsky, Rodchenko and El Lissitzky. This important project was entrusted to the New York architect Adam Tihany, who has established himself at other Belmond sites.

Of the important details: if you arrive with children, the hotel has everything you need, including a children's menu in restaurants, bath accessories and babysitting services; if in the company of a music lover, the concierge will get the best places in the Mariinsky Theater; if with foreign partners, you should think about caviar tasting (besides the hotel sommelier knows everything about vodka).

Read the full text in paper or electronic version of the journal.