Luxury Vasilyevsky Island Apartment: St. Petersburg's Hidden Gem!
Luxury Vasilyevsky Island Apartment: St. Petersburg's Hidden Gem! … or is it just kind of charming? My Honest Take.
Alright, buckle up, because I just spent a week at the "Luxury Vasilyevsky Island Apartment: St. Petersburg's Hidden Gem!" And let me tell you, the hype is real, and also, maybe a little bit overblown. It's less gem, more… carefully polished pebble. But hey, a polished pebble is still pretty!
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Let's start with the good, because there is a lot of good. The apartment itself? Spacious. Seriously, I felt like I could do cartwheels (which, for the record, I did not attempt, because… age). It had all the stuff, the Available in all rooms stuff. Air conditioning (a lifesaver in the humid St. Pete summer!), a comfy bed (Extra long bed, thank goodness!), a refrigerator for chilling the… wait for it… complimentary Free bottled water. And, of course, Wi-Fi [free]. Gotta have that, or how else would I have spent my nights furiously Googling "best pelmeni restaurants" (more on that later). They even thoughtfully included a complimentary tea setup and a Coffee/tea maker. I’m a sucker for a good cuppa, so major points there. And hey, bathrobes, slippers, and toiletries? Luxury, baby!
(Accessibility)
Okay, here’s where things get a little… nuanced. The website says Facilities for disabled guests are available. But I didn't actually see anything specifically designed for accessibility. I'm not disabled myself, so I can't truly judge, but I did notice the lack of any obvious ramps or wide doorways. Elevator? Check. That's a start! But if you need a truly accessible experience, I'd definitely recommend contacting the hotel directly and asking about specific needs. It's St. Petersburg, and frankly, I got the impression the city itself wasn’t super geared towards accessibility in general.
(Cleanliness and Safety - The Pandemic Reality)
This is where the apartment really shone. Cleanliness was a top priority. I saw the staff taking serious precautions. Professional-grade sanitizing services were clearly in effect. Signs everywhere reminding guests to… you know… be safe and wash hands. They had hand sanitizer stations everywhere. The rooms seemed freshly sanitized, thanks to room sanitization between stays. I felt genuinely safe there, which was incredibly reassuring. They are making an effort!
(Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - Food Glorious Food!)
This is where I have some mixed feelings. The apartment offers a ton of food options, but the execution sometimes fell a little flat. The breakfast [buffet] and Breakfast service were there, but, it wasn't the greatest I've had. The Buffet in restaurant was, well, buffet-y. Fine, functional, but nothing to write home about. The Asian breakfast sounded intriguing, but I didn’t dare venture. In fact, my quest for the best pelmeni was a constant one.
The 24-hour room service? Yes, please! That's a major win. Though, the menu, I must admit, was more "classic" than "adventurous." Thankfully, there was a convenience store nearby for emergency snack runs. And the bottle of water provided? Much appreciated, especially after a long day exploring the canals. A snack bar was available and you could order a salad in restaurant or soup.
(Things to Do, Ways to Relax - Spa-tastic or Just "There?")
Okay, here's where the "Luxury" part really gets a workout. There's a spa! Spa/sauna, a sauna, a steamroom! But… and there’s always a but, isn't there? The pool with view, looked fabulous in the photos, but, I didn’t go. And the massage? Expensive. The Body scrub and Body wrap, I skipped. I’m not one for the full-blown spa experience. I'd rather walk the streets of St. Petersburg than get a foot bath. The gym/fitness facilities were there.
(Services and Conveniences - The All-Important Extras)
They have a ton of these! Concierge service. Daily housekeeping (bless their hearts!). Laundry service, dry cleaning. All the usual suspects. Currency exchange was a big plus. They even had a gift/souvenir shop (filled with… well, tourist trinkets). The car park [free of charge] was a definite win. Parking in St. Petersburg can be a nightmare.
(For the Kids - Family-Friendly? Maybe.)
The apartment claims to be Family/child friendly. They do offer babysitting service. But I didn't travel with kids. There were no obvious kid-friendly amenities, like a playground or dedicated kids’ club so maybe it wasn’t geared for kids.
(Getting Around)
Airport transfer available? Check. Taxi service readily available? Check. Car park [on-site]? Check. Getting around the city was remarkably easy, which is always a plus.
(The Not-So-Perfect Moments)
Okay, time for the honesty bomb. There were tiny things. Like, the TV remote that occasionally went rogue. Or the slightly temperamental Wi-Fi. And, I swear, at one point the hairdryer tried to turn into a smoke signal. Minor quibbles, sure, but they contributed to that "almost perfect" feeling.
(The Verdict - Hidden Gem? Partially Right!)
Look, "Luxury Vasilyevsky Island Apartment" is a very comfortable and well-appointed base for exploring stunning St. Petersburg. It’s clean, the staff are friendly, and it offers a ton of amenities. But it's not quite the hidden gem that its marketing suggests. It’s a solid, reliable, slightly expensive, and comfortable choice with potential. Just go in with realistic expectations. And, above all, be sure to hunt down those pelmeni. They are, indeed, a true hidden gem of Russia.
Escape to Paradise: Palm Inn Guesthouse, Lephalale!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! We’re going to Saint Petersburg. Specifically, we're going to the View Apartment on Vasilyevsky Island. This isn't going to be a perfectly polished travel brochure. This is real. Prepare for the beautiful mess that is… my brain.
Day 1: Arrival, Apartment Shenanigans, and Vodka-Fueled Optimism
Morning (or whenever I manage to roll out of bed in London): The flight! Ugh, airport security. The usual existential dread of wondering if I’ve packed enough socks. Finally, the glorious relief of touching down in St. Petersburg. The air smells… different. Crisp. Like history and a hint of… something I can't quite place.
Afternoon: The Apartment…or, "How to Survive Your First Russian Elevator" Finding the View Apartment. The address looked straightforward on the map. But, let me tell you, navigating the labyrinthine stairwells of these old buildings? A sport. Found it, though! And the building…well, it's seen better days. The elevator? More like a rusty coffin that might reach the top. I held my breath the whole way up, bracing myself for a dramatic plunge.
Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Settling In (and Failing Spectacularly): The apartment itself? Absolutely stunning. High ceilings, huge windows, a view over the Neva River that made my jaw drop. I immediately started taking photos like a maniac, feeling like a proper travel influencer (before realizing I’d forgotten the charger for my phone). Spent way too long trying to figure out the oven (which, incidentally, wasn't going to work) and ended up ordering a simple takeaway from a nearby restaurant. The food? Forgettable. The staff? Delightfully grumpy. Authentic!
Evening: The Vodka Experiment & The View: My plan was to ease into the Russian experience. So I found a local supermarket (the experience itself was worth the trip) and picked up a bottle of vodka. The real kind. I sat there with the apartment windows open, with a bottle of vodka, a packet of crisps and the jaw-dropping view. The city lights sparkled like a million scattered diamonds. Took a sip. Whew. Okay. This is going to be an interesting trip.
- Anecdote: I tried to pour myself a proper shot. Missed the glass. Vodka splattered on my hand, the table, the floor. This is how this trip is already going.
Day 2: Art, Churches and the Terrible Museum Coffee
Morning: The Hermitage Museum. The sheer scale of this place! It's a behemoth of art and history. Walked in, got instantly overwhelmed and spent the next 6 hours in what I can only describe as an art-induced coma. Saw the actual Mona Lisa (small, honestly. I expected more pizzazz). Wandered through rooms filled with gold, sat on a bench and sobbed silently at a painting of a dog. All the things. The sheer stuff!
Afternoon: Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood. Honestly? Stunning. The colors, the mosaics, the sheer opulence. So much gold. It's almost… too much, but in the best way possible. Walked in, looked at the domes, thought about the history, felt a lump in my throat. Felt very tiny. Felt the importance of history.
- Quirky Observation: The pigeons here are ridiculously confident. They practically glare at you, as if daring you to steal their breadcrumbs.
Late Afternoon: More Exploration & The Great Coffee Debacle. Wandered through the streets, got lost (naturally). Found a cute little cafe and decided to grab a coffee. The coffee? Undrinkable. Bitter, weak, and tasted vaguely of old tires. I'm not usually picky about coffee, but this was an experience. I drank water instead.
Evening: Dinner at a traditional restaurant with local cuisine. Everything was great (borscht, pierogi, but I had to try them all just for the sake of it), but the real entertainment was the table next to us, where this group of Russians was deep in conversation. They looked like they were having an intense philosophical debate. I didn’t understand a single word, but I loved it.
Day 3: Canals, Castles, and a Near-Disaster
Morning: Canal Cruise. The city from the water is even more beautiful. The buildings lining the canals, the bridges… it's like a fairytale. Sat back, let the river breeze blow through my hair, and tried to channel my inner Anastasia. (Spoiler alert: didn’t work.)
Afternoon: Peterhof Palace and Gardens. Okay, so this place is Versailles, but cooler. I'm probably wrong, but trust me. The fountains, the gardens, the sheer grandeur… it’s breathtaking. But the crowds! The crowds were brutal. I was pushed, shoved, and nearly trampled by a group of tourists wielding selfie sticks.
- Emotional Reaction: I spent too much time trying to get the perfect photo, and then lost my phone (which I found later!).
Late Afternoon: The Near-Disaster. Tried to take a metro ride. Got on the wrong train. Got completely lost. Panicked. Seriously considered calling it a day and going home. Eventually, after much flustered gesturing and broken English, somehow, managed to stumble back to the apartment.
- Rant: Public transport in a foreign country when you don’t speak the language: do NOT recommend.
Evening: Ordered takeaway to the apartment. Pizza. It was amazing. The only thing I could trust in my life.
Day 4: Reflection, Departure and the lingering aftertaste of a very good trip
Morning: Woke up. Sat by the windows, with my vodka, tea and just the view. The city, still covered in early sunshine. Feeling a little emotional about leaving. Looked at my photos. Feeling grateful. Feeling hopeful.
Afternoon: Packing. A messy affair, as per usual. Trying to jam all my souvenirs into my already bursting suitcase. Remembering the experience and all its amazing and flawed moments, the vodka spills, the bad coffee, and the beauty of the city.
Late Afternoon: Going to the airport. Feeling like I was leaving a friend.
Evening: Departure. This trip had been so much more than just a trip. This was real life, in the best and worst ways.
Final Thoughts:
This trip wasn't perfect. Far from it. I got lost, I ate terrible coffee, and I nearly drowned in a sea of selfie sticks. But it was mine. It was messy, it was honest, it was full of laughter and frustration, and it was, without a doubt, unforgettable. Saint Petersburg is a city that stays with you. Now I just need to book my return flight… and maybe take a phrasebook next time.
Escape to Paradise: Boracay's IL Mare Sakura Resort Awaits!
Luxury Vasilyevsky Island Apartment: St. Petersburg's Hidden Gem! (Or Is It?) - Your Unofficial Guide
Alright, spill the tea – is this place *really* as luxurious as it sounds?
Honestly? It depends on your definition of luxury. The website's got these sweeping, gorgeous shots – marble everywhere, chandeliers that could probably buy a small car… and yeah, some of that *is* accurate. The apartment *is* stunning. The first time I walked in, I actually gasped. It felt like stepping into a movie set. Seriously, I thought Natalie Portman was going to stroll in any second.
But then… reality hits. Like, the *shower*. They have this rainfall showerhead, which is supposed to be the epitome of luxury, right? Well, it's fantastic… until the water pressure decides to stage a protest. Sometimes it's a gentle drizzle, more like a gentle suggestion of water, instead of a proper downpour. You're left standing there, feeling like you’re being misted in a greenhouse. Minor, I know, but it kinda throws off the whole "millionaire lifestyle" vibe.
So, yeah, it's luxurious. Mostly. But prepare for the occasional wonky shower and maybe a slightly less-than-perfect marble tile. It's still a damn fine place, though. Just… temper your expectations with a dash of St. Petersburg reality, which can be a bit… quirky, shall we say?
What's the deal with Vasilyevsky Island itself? Is it… well, actually *cool*?
Okay, listen. Vasilyevsky Island? It's got *serious* potential. Think of it as the cool, artsy sibling of Nevsky Prospekt. It's less crowded (usually), has way more character, and is just brimming with history. The spit, walking its little cobblestone paths with the wind whipping off the Neva? Magical. Literally. I swear, I saw a ghost of Pushkin once (or maybe it was just too much vodka the night before).
The downside? It can feel a *little* isolated. Getting to the main tourist attractions sometimes feels like you're embarking on an epic quest. The public transport… bless its heart, it tries. I once spent a solid 45 minutes stuck on a tram that was apparently having a philosophical debate with the road. But that's St. Petersburg for you! Embrace the journey, or plan to spend a fortune on taxis.
But yeah, it *is* cool. Really cool. Just pack your patience and your sense of adventure. And maybe a good book for those tram rides.
How easy is it to get around from the apartment? Because, let's be honest, nobody wants to spend their whole trip on a bus.
Okay, let's get real. You *can* walk to a lot of things, assuming you like walking. And I do! Walking is the best way to find those hidden gems -- a cozy little coffee shop, a tiny, perfectly formed bakery. But St. Petersburg is HUGE.
There's the metro. Cheap and mostly effective. The stations are breathtaking, like actual art museums. But the crowds during rush hour? Forget about it. I'm talking sardines-in-a-can levels of intimacy. You'll be sharing more personal space with strangers than you might prefer. And the escalators are legendary... long enough to contemplate your entire existence.
Taxis are available, but can add up quickly. And Uber-esque apps? Hit or miss. So, plan for a bit of everything. Walking shoes, a metro pass, a stash of cash for taxis, and a deep breath. You'll survive.
What about the food scene near the apartment? Are we talking Michelin stars, or… something more basic?
Alright, the food scene is… developing. Vasilyevsky Island has some *amazing* places. There's this tiny Georgian place (it had the best khachapuri I've ever eaten... seriously, I dream of it). And a place that makes incredible pierogi. But Michelin stars? Don't hold your breath.
You'll definitely find some good restaurants, trendy cafes, and little bakeries that will knock your socks off with their pastries. It's a food lover's paradise, *if* you're willing to explore. Don't be afraid to step away from the main tourist drag. That's where the real gems are. And where you'll probably find the best, and most authentic, food... and the least English-speaking waiters. Brush up on your basic Russian, trust me!
The major downside is, sometimes, finding a place open late. Russian dinner is often a very early affair. So stock up on snacks.
Let's Talk Shopping: Are there any good places nearby to pick up unique souvenirs, or am I stuck with the generic "I love St. Pete" t-shirts?
Okay, here's the *real* scoop on souvenirs. Forget the "I Love St. Pete" t-shirts. Seriously. They’re everywhere, and they're… well, they're not exactly memorable. Vasilyevsky Island has some *amazing* options if you know where to look.
The art galleries in the area are a great place to start, you can pick up some lovely, locally created paintings, prints, or ceramics. The nearby markets are bustling with stalls, selling handcrafted goods, Matryoshka dolls, antique trinkets (make sure to haggle!), and those impossibly fluffy fur hats that you secretly want to try on (but probably won't buy).
But listen to this anecdote: I found this tiny little shop tucked away on the side street, and it was *heaven*. It was filled with beautifully crafted wooden boxes, all hand-painted with scenes from Russian folklore. I bought one for my mother, and then another one for myself. Okay, maybe I bought like, *five*. Don’t judge me! They were gorgeous and original, and they were worth every single ruble. That shop alone made the entire trip worthwhile.
So, yes, there are unique souvenirs to be found! You just have to be willing to hunt for them, like a treasure seeker. And the feeling of finding *the* perfect souvenir? Unbeatable. Forget the t-shirts, embrace the hunt!
I'm a bit of a history buff. How's the access to historical sites from the apartment?
Oh, you my friend, are in luck! St. Petersburg is a history lover's *wet dream*. From the apartment, you aren't right in the thick of the main sites, but it's a very reasonable distance. The Hermitage Museum, the Winter Palace, the Peter and Paul Fortress… all are easily accessible with a bit of a walk, metro ride, or taxi.
And let's be honest, being *near* the action but not *in* the thick of it is kind ofHotel Adventure
