What's the best way to get to the hotel from the airport?

The hotel is easily accessible by public transportation. You can take the metro from the airport to the Gostiny Dvor station, which is just a short walk from the hotel.

Is the hotel suitable for families?

Yes, the hotel is a great option for families. The rooms are clean and cozy, and the kitchen and dining area are well-equipped for preparing meals. Additionally, the staff is friendly and helpful, and they can assist with any special requests you may have.

Can I book a room with a view?

Unfortunately, the hotel doesn't have rooms with a view. However, the location is so central that you'll have plenty of opportunities to take in the sights and sounds of the city from the streets and public spaces.

Is the hotel located near any major attractions?

Yes, the hotel is located near several major attractions, including the Komissarzhevskaya Theater, which is just a short walk away. You'll also be close to the Gostiny Dvor shopping center and other popular destinations.

Can I cancel my booking if I need to?

Yes, the hotel has a flexible cancellation policy. If you need to cancel your booking, please contact the hotel directly to discuss your options.

What's the best way to get around the city?

The city has an excellent public transportation system, including the metro and buses. You can also take taxis or ride-sharing services, but be sure to agree on the price beforehand to avoid any confusion.

Can I store my luggage at the hotel if I arrive early?

Yes, the hotel has a luggage storage facility where you can store your bags if you arrive early. Please contact the front desk to arrange for storage.

Is the hotel suitable for solo travelers?

Yes, the hotel is a great option for solo travelers. The staff is friendly and helpful, and the location is central and safe. You'll also be able to meet other travelers at the hotel and explore the city together.

How do I check-in and check-out?

Check-in is at 2 PM, and check-out is at 12 PM. You can check-in at the front desk, and they'll give you your room key and any other information you need. When you're ready to check-out, just head back to the front desk and let them know.

A Hidden Gem in the Heart of St. Petersburg - Budget-Friendly Hotel

I recently visited St. Petersburg in December two years ago, and I managed to snag a round-trip ticket for 7,000 rubles. With my ticket in hand, I needed to find a place to stay and book a theater ticket. That's when I stumbled upon a room in the very center of the city for 1,300 rubles per night, complete with breakfast. The hotel was part of the 'Friends' chain, which has locations on Nevsky, Griboedovskaya, and Sennaya. I booked a room at 'Friends near Gostiny Dvor' for three nights, despite its two-star rating. As a tourist without any pretenses, I was more concerned about the location, amenities in the room, the metro nearby, and the Komissarzhevskaya Theater, which I had already booked a ticket to see.

My flight landed at night, so I spent the first night at the 'Star' hostel on Moscow Avenue. The next day, after a stroll around the city and meeting up with my daughter and son-in-law, I headed to the hotel.

I walked through Gostiny Dvor to the left, turned left, passed by a shop, a hostel, the entrance to the Aprelevka, and found myself on Lomonosov Street, house number 3. Finding the entrance wasn't a challenge, thanks to the sign above the door.

The entrance to the lobbyThis lobby in an old St. Petersburg building is home to several hotels. On the first floor to the left, there's a café where guests from 'Friends' have breakfast. Guests from the second floor probably enjoy it too. 'Friends near Gostiny Dvor' is located on the third floor, with no elevator. I only had a small suitcase, so I didn't have any trouble climbing the three flights of stairs.

The reception desk is right next to the staircase, beautifully decorated. The receptionist showed me to my room down a long corridor. My room was on the right-hand side, with the shared kitchen and dining area to the left, complete with a large refrigerator. There are 22 rooms in total.

Corridor. Room numbers to the right and leftI was lucky enough to get a room with a bunk bed, which seems to have been phased out now, at least I couldn't find any photos of them on the hotel's website when I was looking at the room for April.

ClosetThe room has a built-in closet with hangers for clothes, plenty of space to put things away.

Bunk bedThe lower bed is wide and double, while the top one is single. The ladder that leads up is super convenient for climbing, with a railing for added safety. I didn't need the bed myself, as I was staying in the room alone.

The bedding was spotlessly clean and of good quality, with a ridiculously soft teddy bear on the bed. It's a nice touch that the hotel greets you with a friend.

And this is the friend I metThat's my new buddy. I slept with them snuggled up tight, just like when I was a kid.

When you come back to the room exhausted in the evening, they're all smiles, happy to see you. It's a nice feature the hotel has, and the posters and framed pictures on the walls are a nice touch.

Большое зеркало, постеры и телевизор на стенеThere's a cozy relaxation area with chairs near the window, an original table with a carved wooden base, and colorful curtains in a village style.

Уголок для отдыхаВид из окнаOutside, there are old two-story houses, with shops on the first floor. By the way, some reviewers mention that the noise from Aprelevka market was a problem. Since my room faced Lomonosov Street, I didn't have any issues. There's a coat rack near the entrance, which was convenient. However, I missed a shoe rack, as it would be a problem if you're checking in with three people in the winter. It's not a luxury suite in a five-star hotel, after all. In Piatigorsk, I stayed in a two-star hotel with a shoe rack, though.

Входная зонаThe room had all the essentials.

BathroomShower boothThe shower booth was spotlessly clean, with decent plumbing, and everything worked as it should. The white tile was clean, and it was clear that the cleaning was done to a high standard. I was impressed by the powerful hair dryer. After unpacking, I walked down the corridor to check out the dining area.

Large shared fridgeThe kitchen area was pretty well-equipped. There was a fridge, which I used to store dairy products. The shelves had the necessary dishes, and there was an electric kettle, microwave, and toaster.

Kitchen areaThe dining area had a large table and plenty of chairs.

Dining areaIt was possible to seat a large number of guests at the table.

Piano with computerThe piano-computer combo was pretty cool, and I'm sure the kids would love the table football.

Table football in the dining hallThe dining hall had a massive flat-screen TV. To be honest, I only came here for a coffee and to grab some stuff from the fridge - I didn't cook anything in the hotel.Breakfast was included in my stay, and I got three meals in the cafe. At first, I thought, 'Do I really need breakfast?' But I'm glad I took it.

The cafe was on the first floor, and it had a really cool loft-style interior.

Cafe in a loft styleI think it's a great idea to have the hotel and cafe connected. You don't have to cook anything in the morning or look for a place to grab a bite. The breakfast consisted of two hot dishes (porridge and these little pancake-things, and a sort of omelette), and you could get tea, coffee, or freshly squeezed juice.The portions were massive for me. The porridge with cherries and chocolate was absolutely delicious, and the hot dish came with toast and green avocado oil.

Oatmeal with chocolate and nutsPancakes with condensed milkScrambled eggs with toast and butterCheese pancakesCappuccinoOrange juiceOne thing I loved was the variety of dishes - I tried something new every day. The oatmeal was a staple, but I'd also pick a different breakfast option each morning. After those filling breakfasts, I wasn't hungry until around 4 pm.I left my luggage in the storage room since my flight was at night, and the staff were super friendly when I checked out.

Overall, I was really happy with my choice. Plus, since it was off-season, the room was a lot cheaper. I'd definitely stay here again.

This hotel is perfect for people who don't get too worked up about finding flaws in every little thing. It's for laid-back travelers who want a decent room at a reasonable price, close to Nevsky Prospekt and the city center, with tasty breakfasts and a warm welcome.