**Rocco Forte Astoria St. Petersburg: Luxury Redefined (Unbelievable Photos!)**
Rocco Forte Astoria St. Petersburg: Honestly, It's Almost Too Good (With a Few Quirks I Can't Ignore)
Okay, folks, let's be real: I'm a sucker for luxury. And the Rocco Forte Astoria St. Petersburg? Let's just say it nearly broke me. The photos? They don't even begin to capture the sheer, decadent beauty of this place. Seriously, my jaw dropped somewhere around the lobby, which is probably somewhere a very fancy ceiling would have been. Let's get to it, a real review, a review that's a bit… well, me.
First Impressions & Overall Vibe: Elegance with a Touch of "Whoa!"
Walking in is like stepping into a history book – a really, really glamorous history book that smells faintly of expensive perfume and old money (in a good way!). The staff? Impeccable. The décor? Oh, the décor. Think chandeliers, plush carpets, and a kind of hushed reverence that makes you feel like you should whisper even when ordering a vodka martini.
SEO Powerhouse: Key Feature Highlights (Because Google Needs to Know This Too)
- Accessibility: I didn't personally need it, but from what I saw, the Astoria's doing a phenomenal job. Wheelchair accessible throughout, elevators galore, and facilities for disabled guests are clearly a priority. Points for that, Rocco Forte!
- Internet & Connectivity: Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Praise be! Also, Internet [LAN] is there if you need it (remember those?), and the Internet access is rock solid. Wi-Fi in public areas is also available. I mean, seriously, a digital nomad's dream.
- Cleanliness and Safety: Covid-Era Confidence
- This is where they shine. So much effort to make you feel safe, it's genuinely impressive. Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, rooms sanitized between stays, safe dining setup, etc. I felt more secure there than at my own, germ-riddled home. Plus, the hand sanitizer stations are everywhere. I even saw the staff trained in safety protocols diligently following protocols.
- Services and Conveniences: The usual, and then some. Concierge is a lifesaver. Currency exchange is handy. Daily housekeeping? Your room will feel like new every single day. Laundry service, dry cleaning, luggage storage – all the things that make travel bliss. Facilities for disabled guests are present, along with elevator, safe deposit boxes.
- Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: This is where things get really interesting.
- Restaurants: Multiple options. A la carte, buffet, Asian cuisine, international cuisine, Western cuisine – basically, you could spend your entire stay just eating and drinking and be very happy.
- Bar: Stunning. Seriously, go there.
- Room Service [24-hour]: Essential for those late-night cravings. (More on that later!)
- Coffee shop: Perfect for a morning pick-me-up.
- Poolside bar: The perfect place to have a drink, though there's also the pool with view.
- Other: Breakfast [buffet] is unbelievable, and you can indulge in breakfast in room. I'm partial to the happy hour and finding some desserts. Snack bar, and coffee/tea in restaurant are available.
- Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Pampering Paradise
- Spa: This is a must. Sauna, steamroom, massage, body scrub, body wrap, foot bath… I lost track of time, space, and all my worries within minutes. I felt like a limp noodle of pure relaxation afterwards.
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: Beautiful.
- Fitness center, Gym/fitness: (For the people who actually work on vacation) Looked well-equipped.
- For the Kids: Babysitting service, kids facilities, kids meal - Very family-friendly.
- Getting Around: Airport transfer, car park [on-site], taxi service, valet parking - Super convenient.
My Personal Astoria Experience: The Good, the "Meh," and the Gloriously Indulgent
Okay, buckle up. Let's get into the nitty-gritty, starting with the truly magnificent.
- The Spa: My Spiritual Awakening. Seriously, I booked a massage, and it was divine. Then I tried the sauna and almost melted. Just bliss. The body scrub? A revelation. My skin felt like silk. I may, or may not, have spent almost an entire afternoon there. Worth every single penny.
- The Room: A Sanctuary of Serenity. I had a room on a high floor, and the view alone was worth the price of admission. Air conditioning, blackout curtains, extra long bed, in-room safe box – all perfect. And those bathrobes? I practically lived in them. There were slippers too. I had a coffee/tea maker, and of course, my own private bathroom complete with toiletries.
- The 24-Hour Room Service: Worth Screwing Up Your Sleeping Schedule For. Look, I'm a sucker for late-night room service. It's a travel rite of passage, right? At 3 AM, craving a burger, I ordered it. And it was amazing. Perfectly cooked, delivered with a smile (even at that ungodly hour), and absolutely hit the spot. The bottle of water and the fact that they still offered some options at that hour, was a bonus and a testament to their dedication.
- The Breakfast Buffet: Oh. My. God. The Asian breakfast option, the Western breakfast option, everything was truly delicious. From fruits and pastries to hot dishes and made-to-order omelets, the breakfast buffet was a feast for the senses. I may or may not have gone back for seconds.
- The Staff: Seriously, the staff are amazing. Polite, helpful, and genuinely seemed happy to assist with anything. From getting me a taxi to giving recommendations, they were top-notch.
The Quibbles (Because Perfection Is Boring, Right?)
Okay, let's get real. No place is perfect. Here’s where the Astoria teetered.
- The Noise (A Minor Thing, Really): The room walls are a bit thin, I could hear some faint background noises, mostly from adjacent rooms, but nothing too egregious.
- The Price Tag: Okay, it's expensive. Let’s not sugarcoat it. But you are paying for pure, unadulterated luxury. And you do get what you pay for.
The Verdict: Go! Book It! Just Do It!
Look, I’m not one to hyperbolize, but the Rocco Forte Astoria St. Petersburg is truly exceptional. It’s luxurious, it’s beautiful, and it’s an experience you won't soon forget. The downsides are minor, and the positives far outweigh them. Plus, they have such amazing things like a proposal spot and a shrine!
My Honest (And Possibly Over-Enthusiastic) Recommendation:
If you're looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, a place to truly pamper yourself, and a hotel that practically oozes elegance and charm, then the Rocco Forte Astoria St. Petersburg is a must-book. It's an investment, yes, but it's an investment in your sanity, your happiness, and your overall well-being. It's an escape from the everyday, and it’s worth every single ruble (or dollar, or euro, etc.).
A Special Offer For YOU, My Fellow Traveler…
Book your stay at the Rocco Forte Astoria St. Petersburg through my affiliate link (okay, I don't have an affiliate link, but pretend I do!) and receive a complimentary bottle of champagne upon arrival and a free upgrade to a room with a view (depending on availability, of course!).
But Seriously…
Go. Experience it. And then come back and tell me I was right (or tell me I was wrong – I can handle it!). But I promise you, you won't regret it.
Escape to Paradise: Kuantan's Coziest Evergreen Homestay!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this ain't your average, perfectly-polished travel itinerary. This is a Rocco Forte Astoria Hotel, St. Petersburg, Russia – warts and all – itinerary. Prepare for a ride. And maybe some vodka.
Day 1: Arrival - Or, How I Almost Lost My Luggage and My Mind (But Found Both!)
- Morning (6:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Ugh. The red-eye. You know, the kind where your soul slowly withers in the fluorescent glow of an airplane, and you're pretty sure you're going to sprout wings and fly away out of sheer boredom and exhaustion? Yep, that one. Landed at Pulkovo Airport. The air was crisp, the expectation – thick. Found the hotel driver, a stoic man who barely acknowledged my existence beyond a curt nod toward my mountain of luggage.
- Hotel Check-in (10:00 AM - 11:00 AM): The Astorina! Gorgeous. I mean, jaw-dropping, gilded, chandeliers-everywhere gorgeous. Immediately overwhelmed. Then, disaster! My suitcase – the one containing ALL my sensible walking shoes and, more importantly, the emergency chocolate – was missing. Panic. Full-blown, hyperventilating, passport-clutching panic.
- Anecdote: The front desk staff, bless their saintly hearts, were unbelievably calm. I thought I was going to combust. They promised to find it. And, miracle of miracles, it appeared an hour later, lurking innocently in some forgotten corner of the airport. Crisis averted. Emergency chocolate consumption initiated.
- Afternoon (11:00 AM - 5:00 PM): Settled into the room. Glorious view of St. Isaac's Cathedral. Did that ever make up for the luggage anxiety. Spent far too long staring at the view, then promptly ordering room service. Because, jet lag. Then, dragged myself out for a wander.
- Quirky observation: Russians walk fast. Like, Olympic-level speed-walking fast. I'm pretty sure I saw a babushka zoom past me on roller skates.
- Evening (5:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Pre-dinner cocktail at the hotel bar. The mixologist could practically read my mind when it came to the perfect vodka martini. Followed by dinner at the hotel restaurant. The food was divine, the service impeccable. Felt like royalty, even if I was still slightly twitchy from the luggage debacle.
- Emotional Reaction: Pure, unadulterated bliss at the end of the day. The feeling of being utterly spoiled, but also utterly safe in this beautiful place, with a delicious meal and a stiff drink. It’s like… like everything just melted.
Day 2: Cathedrals, Canals, and Culinary Chaos
- Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Breakfast. Oh, the breakfast! Smoked salmon, blinis, pastries… I swear, I gained five pounds just looking at it. Visited St. Isaac's Cathedral. Now, I’m not normally a religious type. But wow. The sheer scale of the thing is mind-boggling. Spent an hour just staring at the dome, utterly speechless.
- Midday (12:00 PM - 3:00 PM): Canal tour. Picture this: gentle breezes, colorful buildings, charming bridges. Absolutely magical. Until, you know, the boat got stuck under a particularly low bridge. Nearly decapitated myself. Good times.
- Messy Structure: Okay, here I will confess to a slight detour. I may have missed my scheduled lunch. Or rather, I was supposed to have lunch now. Instead, I jumped off the boat and got lost in the process. No regrets. Found a small, hidden cafe. Didn't speak any Russian. Pointed at food. Ate it. It was delicious.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Exploring the city on foot… with my trusty walking shoes. (Glad I found them, by the way). Visited the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood. Seriously stunning. So intricately decorated. Over-the-top beautiful.
- Evening (6:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Dinner at a traditional Russian restaurant. The food? Interesting. The pierogies were great but I ordered the jellied fish and…let’s just say it was an experience. The vodka flowed freely. I made some new "friends". I'm pretty sure I ended up singing a Russian folk song at some point? It's all a bit of a blur, in the best possible way.
- Opinionated Language: I went from "intrigued" by the jellied fish to "utterly revolted" in the space of five seconds. It was slimy, unsettling, and I will never, ever, order it again. Ever. But the vodka! The vodka was amazing.
Day 3: Palaces, Politics, and the Pain of Leaving
- Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): The Hermitage Museum. Oh. My. God. I knew it was supposed to be big, but this place is insane. Absolutely packed with people. I am pretty sure I saw the Mona Lisa. Honestly, I think it was. It felt like being in a river of flowing humanity. I got overwhelmed by the sheer amount of art.
- Doubling Down on a Single Experience: Okay, let's be honest, I spent hours in the Hermitage. I got lost. I got jostled. I saw paintings that made my jaw drop. I saw paintings that made me roll my eyes. I saw paintings that made me burst into tears (yes, really). The whole experience was an emotional rollercoaster. I could have spent an entire week there and not seen everything. I'd have been happy.
- Midday (12:00 PM - 3:00 PM): Lunch. Needed fuel after the Hermitage Marathon. Found a little cafe. This time I was more prepared and managed to order my lunch without feeling like an idiot and getting the wrong food.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Peterhof Palace. The fountains are really impressive. It was a nice day out. But, after the experience in the Hermitage, I was over it.
- Evening (5:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Farewell dinner at the hotel. Another perfect meal. The sommelier paired the wine perfectly. Staring at the empty plate knowing that this trip will end.
- Stronger Emotional Reactions: It's hard to describe how sad I am to be leaving the hotel and this city. I really don't want to go. I already miss the beautiful breakfast but I hate not finding anything I don't know.
Day 4: Departure - Or, Until Next Time, Russia!
- Morning (6:00 AM - 10:00 AM): The inevitable flight. Leaving the Rocco Forte Astoria Hotel. Packing. Thinking about the next destination.
- Rambles: Thinking about the next adventure. Life is about creating memories.
- Departure (10:00 AM): Back to the airport. Wishing I skipped the flight, and stayed in the hotel.
Rocco Forte Astoria St. Petersburg: Ask Away! (Honestly, It's a Ride)
Okay, let's be real – is this place *actually* as glamorous as the photos?
Alright, buckle up, buttercup. Yes. And no. The photos? They're gorgeous – marble, chandeliers, the whole shebang. I actually *felt* like I was living in a movie, especially the first day. Honestly, I walked around like a dazed tourist. My jaw just kept dropping! But, life isn't a glossy magazine spread, is it?
It's more nuanced than pure fairytale. The marble *is* stunning, but you might find a tiny, *tiny* scratch if you look really close in a certain light. And the chandeliers? Majestic, yes. But you know what I kept thinking? "Man, must be a nightmare to dust those things!" See, I'm practical like that. So, glamorous? Absolutely. Flawless? Not quite. But the imperfections? They just made it feel more... real, you know?
What's the *real* vibe like? Is it stuffy or actually enjoyable?
Okay, here’s the lowdown: it's *luxurious*, but it *doesn't* feel like you're being judged every time you breathe. I was terrified of messing up the dress code, but then I saw this guy in a slightly-too-loud Hawaiian shirt reading a book in the lobby, and I was like, "Okay, I can relax."
The staff are incredible. They’re professional, sure, but they're also incredibly friendly. One of the concierges, who I’ll call Dmitri (he’s probably reading this now), knew my name after day one. This is the kind of place where the staff makes you *feel* good. They actually *care* about your experience. You'll catch them smiling. I even saw a waiter cracking a joke with a guest about a spilled coffee. It's luxe with a sense of humor, a crucial quality.
The rooms – are they actually worth the price tag? Because, let's be frank, it's expensive!
Oof, the price. I know, I know. It makes your wallet cry. BUT!
Honestly? The rooms were amazing. I stayed in a junior suite – and when I say spacious I mean it. There was a separate sitting area! A HUGE bed that I immediately sank into. I swear, the pillows were magic, I slept like the dead! I'm still dreaming of that bed. The bathroom was marble (again!), with a soaking tub that practically begged you to take a bath. And the views! My room overlooked St. Isaac's Cathedral, and let me tell you, watching the sun set over that view with a glass of wine in hand? Priceless. Well, not *priceless*, because I did pay for it. But worth it. Maybe. Okay, yeah, mostly worth it.
However, and this is a big however, I had a *minor* issue. See, the internet was a little spotty in the evening. Annoying for a social media addict like yours truly! Called it in, and it was fixed within the hour, super-efficient, and with genuine apologies. So, even perfection has imperfections. Not exactly the end of the world.
Let's talk food. Is the hotel's restaurant, *The Astoria*, worth the stomach space?
Okay, let's get into this. *The Astoria* restaurant... *sigh*. The breakfast buffet... WOW. Forget everything you think you know about breakfast buffets. This is not just about scrambled eggs and rubbery bacon. This is a *culinary experience*. Think fresh fruit, smoked salmon, every bread you could possibly imagine. And the pastries! OMG, those pastries! I may or may not have eaten three croissants every single morning. Guilty as charged.
Dinner, oh, dinner... The ambiance is incredible – elegant, without being intimidating. The menu? A masterpiece. I had this duck confit that practically melted in my mouth. Absolutely divine. The service was impeccable – attentive, friendly, and not in that forced, robotic way.
The only slight downside? It's pricey. Very, very pricey. But the quality *does* justify the cost, in my opinion. The food is amazing, and frankly, you end up eating and drinking things you normally wouldn't. I was tempted to sample the whole menu. A truly memorable dining experience.
What's the best thing *nobody* tells you about staying there?
The staff! Seriously. Beyond the flawless service, they know the best hidden gems in the city. Want a secret speakeasy? They'll point you in the right direction. Need a recommendation for a genuine, local restaurant? They've got you covered. Want to discover the best vodka bars? They'll give you the *safest*. And they actually care about your experience. They're not just employees; they're your secret weapons. A genuine asset.
Oh, and this might sound odd, but the smell. The hotel smells *amazing*. I swear, they have a signature scent. I may have asked the front desk about it. Embarrassing, yes. But I wanted to bottle it and take it home! (They didn't sell it.) That subtle, luxurious scent? That's a memory in itself!
Any advice for someone planning a trip? Hidden gems or strategies?
Okay, listen up. First, book in advance, especially for prime travel times because it *will* be booked. No surprises there.
Second, *ask* the staff for recommendations! They are the key to unlocking St. Petersburg's secrets. They literally know everything. Third, budget a little extra for the food. Okay, a *lot* extra. Trust me on this. You'll want to experience everything. Fourth, pack something nice for dinner. You'll want to look the part. Think "elegant, but still comfortable." (I overpacked. Take notes from me.) Fifth, and most importantly... relax! Embrace the luxury, but don't be afraid to be yourself. A little bit of 'real' goes a long way. And most of all, enjoy it!
Did you do any of the spa treatments? Worth it, or a rip-off?
Okay, so I'm pretty sure I'm still floating from the spa. Definitely worth it. I had the 'Russian Sauna Ritual' (don't judge me, I wanted the authentic experience). It involved a massage, some amazing-smelling scrubs, and a session in a traditional sauna. It was incredible! I felt like a new person afterwards. Refreshed, relaxed, rejuvenated... and smelling faintly of birch. It was pure bliss! I mean, the prices ARE a bit high, sure, but if you can swing it, DO IT. It's more than just a spaStay Mapped
