W St. Petersburg

The W is the hip and sexy hotel option for travelers to St. Petersburg who want to leave the imperial décor to the palaces.

• Rooms with views of the Neva River and St. Isaac’s Cathedral.
• The Bliss Spa with its swimming pool and Triple Oxygen facials
• The cool, happening vibe

This is not the tsar’s royal Russian hotel but a leap into the 21st century that feels more like a design-conscious hot spot in Miami or LA than one you would find in St. Petersburg. In typical W style, the lobby announces the nightclub vibe with a Living Room where guests are encouraged to chill out around the fireplace and enjoy the constant beat of hip music. There’s a Bliss spa and Sweat fitness center so those familiar with the W drill will feel right at home. All of the 137 guest rooms also feature the signature W dream bed and contemporary décor along with state-of-the-art technology. The best rooms are those on the higher floors with views of St. Isaac’s Cathedral.

Those who want to be in a hip, party scene in the middle of the city will adore the W. Those looking for an over-the-top palace experience or a historical atmosphere would be better at the Four Seasons, which sits right next door.