Grand Hotel Europe

One of Russia's most prized historic landmarks, the awe-inspiring Grand Hotel Europe can count sophisticated service and a prime location as its main assets. Located on Nevsky Prospekt, St. Petersburg's main street, the hotel is surrounded by some of the world's greatest cultural treasures. If you stay in one of the hotel's 32 historic rooms, you can enjoy personalized service from butlers who will take care of everything from getting clothes laundered to arranging for kid-friendly city tours. Baby cots are available. Keeping the kids happy is a cinch - upon arrival every child gets a teddy bear and voucher for a complimentary ice cream or piece of cake at the hotel café. You can also request coloring books and a PlayStation 2 for your room, or take them to the plunge pool for a dip.

The hotel's restaurants will offer a wide range of choices, from authentic Russian cuisine and French specialties to Chinese favorites and fresh seafood. Outside the hotel's doors, take in the wonders and delights of the historic city. Walk down Nevsky Prospekt to Palace Square, lined by the Tsars' former Winter Palace and other buildings of the world-renowned Hermitage Museum, and see the largest collection of Russian art in the world at the Russian Museum. Or head to the big top and catch the St. Petersburg Circus in action. You can also go behind the scenes at the Puppet Theatre and see how marionettes and puppets come alive.