At the corner of Nevsky Prospekt and Mikhailovskaya Street, the Belmond Grand Hotel Europe occupies a building constructed in the late 19th century by architect Fontana. Opened on January 28, 1875, this 5-star palace houses 266 rooms and suites and is now part of the Belmond group. Its location in the heart of Saint Petersburg places guests just steps away from the Hermitage, the Mariinsky Theatre and the great cultural landmarks of the former imperial capital.

Why stay here

• A historic address inaugurated in 1875, witness to Saint Petersburg's golden age
• A Belmond signature with palace service and five restaurants
• Themed suites dedicated to Dostoevsky, Fabergé, the Mariinsky and Russian avant-garde
• Central location on Nevsky Prospekt, ideal for exploring on foot

Atmosphere and heritage

The hotel has witnessed Russian history: a fashionable hub at the end of the 19th century, it hosted composer Prokofiev, the Queen of England and, according to hotel records, Rasputin. During the Siege of Leningrad, the building was converted into a military hospital. Reopened during the Soviet period, it only regained its splendor after a renovation undertaken in the 1990s, following the fall of the USSR.

Today's atmosphere blends original décor — woodwork, art deco stained glass, period furnishings — with the comfort expected from a Belmond property. The result remains true to the spirit of a tsarist palace without freezing the experience in historical recreation.

Rooms and suites

The establishment offers 266 rooms and suites, available in various comfort categories. Several themed suites pay tribute to figures from Russian culture:

• Dostoevsky Suite: positioned at the corner of the building as the writer preferred, with a large desk overlooking the street.
• Mariinsky Suite: blue and pastel tones inspired by the Mariinsky Theatre's décor.
• Fabergé Suite: gold and lilac palette, echoing the jeweler to the tsars' works.
• Avant-garde Suites: décor inspired by Malevich and Kandinsky, for admirers of Russian modern art.

Restaurants and services

The hotel houses five restaurants, each with its own identity. The Europe restaurant, beneath its art deco glass roof, serves à la carte cuisine and hosts a gala evening every Friday featuring ballet and opera interludes. Vegetarian, gluten-free and dietary menus are available upon request, and packed meals can be prepared for excursions.

For wellness, the establishment features a spa center with jacuzzi, Turkish bath and massage services, an indoor pool and fitness room. All standard palace services are provided: 24-hour concierge, laundry, meeting rooms, currency exchange and on-call physician.

Location

The address on Nevsky Prospekt is one of Saint Petersburg's most central. Most major sites are within walking distance: the Hermitage Museum, the Church of the Savior on Blood, Kazan Cathedral, Mariinsky Theatre reached in minutes by taxi. Gostiny Dvor metro station is immediately nearby.

When to stay

Saint Petersburg can be visited year-round, with two peak periods. From late May to mid-July, the white nights offer continuous daylight and animated nightlife along the Neva: this is high season, requiring advance booking. Winter, from December to February, transforms the city into a snow-covered backdrop, perfect for extended museum visits; the palace truly shines as a warm refuge. Spring and autumn remain quieter seasons, often with more accessible rates.

Nearby attractions

• Hermitage Museum and Winter Palace, within a few minutes' walk
• Church of the Savior on Blood, accessible via Mikhailovskaya Street
• Mariinsky Theatre, for a ballet or opera evening
• Russian Museum, the hotel's direct neighbor
• Cruises on the Neva and canals departing from Nevsky Prospekt

Frequently asked questions

Planning your stay

The Belmond Grand Hotel Europe fits naturally into a cultural itinerary in Saint Petersburg, paired with Moscow or as an extension towards the Golden Ring towns. To build a tailor-made itinerary including this palace, consult our trips to Russie. You can also compare with other properties such as the Ararat Park Hyatt in Moscow or the Golden Triangle Hotel in Saint Petersburg.