My husband and i stayed at the Arbat Nord recently for 3 nights. After a few issues organising our visa and confirming the booking we arrived and were greeted by the same receptionist who i had dealt with over the phone. She was very unprofessional and not particularly helpful. At one point she walked away from us mid-query because a boyfriend had come to see her. We waited for a few minutes unattended until the other receptionist decided to help. The rooms are very clean and comfortable and the bathroom is great. Breakfast was quite good and the staff in the restaurant were lovely. It isn't exactly in the centre but we were able to walk to a lot of places but it was quite tiring. St Petersburg is a bit of a culture shock when you first arrive and we didn't feel safe on metro etc so unless you are up for a walk i would probably suggest staying closer to the centre - near St Isaac's Cathedral is probably a good spot. Hotels are quite dear in Russia though so be prepared to pay a bit more for something decent in the centre.

After a week in Moscow in an old Soviet style hotel, Arbat Nord was a complete and delightful surprise. Fine small European style hotel, good size, modern rooms, very clean and accommodating. Quiet neighborhood along with good windows and insulation made for easy sleeping. Excellent continental restaurant. Cheerful and helpful staff. A little walk from the Hermitage but only a few blocks from Nevsky Prospekt. I will recommend this hotel to all my friends who intend to visit St. Petersburg.

My wife and I stayed in this marvelous small hotel for five nights in May, 2005. The room was excellent with great beds and a wonderful shower. The entire hotel was clean, neat and well maintained. The women working the reception desk spoke excellent English, and they were always very helpful and very friendly. Upon your request they will line up dependable taxis, although you can easily walk downtown in less than 20 minutes or to the metro in less than 10 minutes. There is a very nice dining room/bar in the basement where every morning there was a wonderful buffet breakfast which was included in our room rate. I liked everything about the food selection for breakfast, although the only bread they had was ordinary sliced bread for the toaster. I would have preferred if they would have had good Russian bread and rolls available for breakfast, but that small concern does nothing to lower my highest opinion of this hotel. I would stay there again and I'd recommend it to my friends. It is definitely a five star hotel and a good value for the money.

We really enjoyed our stay at this lovely small hotel in St Petersburg. It is in a renovated old buiding in a quiet street. The room (twin) was quite small but modern and comfortable with duvets and good beds and the bathroom was good too. The buffet breakfast was varied and the best we had in Russia. The staff were very efficient and helpful - we were really pleased with everything. Within easy walking distance to the metro and about 25 minutes walk to Nevsky Prospect. The only downside was the ugly hotel opposite but we did not really notice that too much. We would definitely stay here again.