GRAND HOTEL EUROPE, ST. PETERSBURG

It was here that Tchaikovsky spent his honeymoon and George Bernard Shaw dined with Maxim Gorky. Discerning travelers are charmed by the hotel's warm Russian hospitality, impressive architecture and exceptional service.

Positioned on Nevsky Prospekt, St Petersburg's most splendid avenue, it is surrounded by some of the world's greatest cultural treasures, including the Russian Museum and Mikhailovsky Theatre.

St Petersburg, with its ballet and music, is a city offering two contrasting stays – Dr Zhivago-style, during White Days when carpeted in snow, or during long summer evenings when the famous White Nights festivities bring the city to life.