From Russia with Love: Four Seasons St. Petersburg to Open in 2012

Four Seasons Hotel Lion Palace, St Petersburg, RussiaFour Seasons is heading to Russia’s cultural capital of St. Petersburg. One of the most magnificent cities in Europe, St. Petersburg is aesthetically marvelous: from the Hermitage Museum to the dome of St. Isaac’s Cathedral rising over the pastel facades lining the River Neva. (We recommend a trip during the White Nights of Summer, when darkness never falls and a lively cultural program means concerts galore.) Come May 2012, you’ll be able to get your vodka and caviar fix in splendid surroundings at the brand new Four Seasons. The hotel will debut inside the restored landmark known as the “House with the Lions”-- originally built in 1820 as the residence of Princess Lobanova-Rostovskaya. The entrance is guarded by two stone lions mentioned in Alexander Pushkin’s 1833 poem, The Bronze Horseman.

You couldn’t ask for a better location in St. Pete’s: just two blocks from the Winter Palace and Hermitage Museum. Managed by Martin Rhomberg, the Four Seasons Hotel Lion Palace St. Petersburg will have 177 rooms including 26 suites; a sumptuous four-level spa with Russian saunas; and three restaurants including a Japanese sushi spot and a signature Italian restaurant. Accommodations on the newly added fifth floor open to rooftop terraces with spectacular views. This will be the first hotel in Russia for the renowned brand.