Kempinski Hotel Moika 22
The Kempinski Hotel Moika 22, in the heart of the city, is located inside an aristocratic mansion built in 1853. Flanked by Palace Square and the Hermitage Museum, it’s close to many of the city’s key sights, and offers sumptuous rooms, several restaurants and bars, plus a spa and gym.
Location
9 / 10
The hotel is situated right in the centre of St. Petersburg, along a fairly quiet and refined stretch of the Moika river. The Hermitage Museum and Palace Square are situated right opposite the hotel and Nevsky Prospect, the Russian Museum and other significant sights are all within 10-20 minutes on foot – as are several metro stations, including Nevsky Prospect and Admiralteyskaya.
Style and Character
8 / 10
The swish lobby, with its chandeliers and marble columns, sets a very grand tone that’s continued along the corridors (where blue carpets are matched to blue-and-white-striped wallpaper) and plush rooms. Furnishings, from the tables and wardrobes in the rooms, to the public areas, is equally high quality throughout, although there are some small but surprising signs of wear and tear here and there.
Service and Facilities
8 / 10
The front desk and concierge staff are professionally trained but can sometimes lack a little in terms of personality or friendliness. Services offered range from airport transfers and business services (printing, faxing, copying) to visa support and room service. There is also secure garage parking for up to 32 vehicles. The Spa and Fitness Centre’s gym is surprisingly small, but is supplemented by a whirlpool bath with great city views, a sauna and steam room, and treatment rooms offering massages and more.
- Parking
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Laundry
- Room service
- Spa
- Wi-Fi
- Fitness centre
- Kids’ club
- Steam room/hammam
Rooms
8 / 10
The rooms are plushly decorated with good-quality furnishings, from the wardrobes to the wooden working desks. Bathrooms are spacious and clean, and mod-cons include safes large enough for laptops, televisions, but strangely for a hotel of this caliber, no coffee machine or kettle. Views are over the inner courtyard or, from the upper categories and suites, across the river.
The more expensive categories come with extras like bathtubs and lounge areas; the Duplex Suites, which feel like apartments, have a split-level living room and bedroom system. The two-room Signature Suites have more stylish interiors (cobalt, greys, light beiges) and come with fine art, antique furniture and iron chandeliers. The Executive and Hermitage Suites have the best views over either the Hermitage Museum, Palace Square or Moika River Embankment.
Food and Drink
8 / 10
The Bellevue Brasserie at the top of the hotel gives a 360-degree view of the city that spans Palace Square, the Hermitage Museum, St Isaac’s Cathedral, the Chapel and the Church on Spilled Blood, and offers an elegant mix of French and Russian cuisine; Kamchatka crab is a signature dish.
The Wine Cellar 1853 has an impressive wine list, but the Tea Room is cosier thanks to the open log fireplace, antique furnishings, and views to Palace Square and the Hermitage. Tea services can be Russian-style, with pancakes and caviar, or English-style with cucumber sandwiches, scones and homemade pralines. The Von Witte bar at the front of the hotel has a gentlemen’s club feel, and also comes with an open log fireplace, leather armchairs, a library, and a view over the Moika.
Breakfast, served in the Beau Rivage Restaurant, is decent enough. It is an international affair that runs to Russian curd fritters and pancakes with caviar and sour cream, eggs Benedict, Asian-style chicken broth and classic British porridge; there’s also caviar and Louis Roederer champagne, a fine collection of cheeses, fresh fruits, homemade Danish pastries and croissants.
Value for Money
8 / 10
Double rooms from 16,300 Russian Rubles (£210) in low season; and from 45,400 Russian Rubles (£583) in high. Breakfast included. Free Wi-Fi.
Access for guests with disabilities?
There are several rooms for guests with disabilities, and a dedicated public restroom. The entrance has ramps for wheelchairs and the main lift and all public areas are also wheelchair-accessible.
Family-Friendly?
The hotel is family-friendly, and items like baby cot, baby bathrobe and slippers, special hypoallergenic shampoo, body lotion and bath foam are available on a complimentary basis.
Moika River Embankment 22, 191186, St Petersburg, Russia.
