First Look -- St. Petersburg's Upcoming State Hermitage Hotel

 

In Russia, St. Petersburg is set to welcome a new five-star hotel with a unique concept: The State Hermitage Hotel will be the only official hotel of the State Hermitage Museum when it opens this summer.

The hotel is located in the City Center District on Pravda Street, the result of a restoration of a landmark building that had fallen into decay, preserving its facade. It was originally build as a residence for the Lobov Family, a local merchant. Later on it was turned into a Cultural center with a theater where singers such as Vladimir Vysotskiy regularly performed.

The interior design was inspired by the architectural features and elements of the winter palace—without actually copying them. But, we hear, the designers were "able to establish a spiritual relationship with the ceremonial halls of the museum," and we say it looks fabulous.

The relationship between the Hotel and the Museum is also reflected in the names of the banquet and meeting rooms, such as the Carlo Rossi room (below), after the architect who designed the staff building of the Hermitage. Other elements of the hotel, such as uniforms and porcelain, were also inspired by the original uniforms and china wear used at the Winter Palace.

In order to facilitate the visits to the Hermitage Museum, the hotel is offering a number of facilities such as a free shuttle service between the Hotel and the Museum. Guests will also be able to review all activities which are going on in the Museum and plan their visit there by looking at the permanent Hermitage Museum TV channel which will be shown in the rooms as well as in some parts of the lobby (below). They can even buy their tickets for the entrance of the State Hermitage or any of its activities directly at the Hermitage Center which is placed in the lobby of the hotel. This is also the place where guest may sign up as a member of the “Friends of the Hermitage” Society.

The Official State Hermitage Hotel has 126 rooms and suites, each decorated in a unique style, with hardwood floors, soft lighting and materials with elegant color scheme that are all inspired by the interior of the State Hermitage Museum. There are several connecting rooms and rooms that are specially equipped for travelers with physical disabilities.

The main restaurant is named after Catherine the Great - the founder of the Hermitage. We hear the menu is inspired by meals that were once served at the Winter Palace. The Michelangelo Boutique Café, which offers an Italian Cuisine and has direct access to the street, will serve a traditional Russian tea or an original Italian Coffee.