Hotel Accommodations


Hotels in Russia are comfortable, but probably not to the same degree as the Sheraton, Marriott, or Hilton. The three different hotel rooms I’ve stayed in St. Petersburg, Russia all had a small desk area, chair, phone, TV, full bathroom, and twin size beds.


The beds are usually twin size. A double room may simply have two twin-size beds unless a double bed is specifically requested. A single room will have one twin-size bed. The beds are made with “duvets” instead of sheets, a blanket, and a bed spread. The duvet is a bed sheet slipcover for a blanket used as one unit.


  1. The hotels usually provide soap, but not usually shampoo.

  2. Some will have hair dryers but don’t count on it.

  3. Toilet paper is provided, but it’s suggested that you bring your own for comfort. It has the consistency of a paper towel.

  4. The sinks do not have drain stoppers so you will have to bring your own.

  5. Thin bath towels are provided, but washcloths are not. It’s suggested that you bring your own bath towel.

  6. In some hotels, 110 voltage outlets will be provided in the room, however this is rare. More than likely you will need a converter to run your portable electrical devices. Make sure the converter will handle the wattage of your hair dryer! Many converters have been blown because the wattage being pulled by the hair dryer is greater than the wattage the converter can handle.

  7. Most of the hotels have restaurants and gift shops.

  8. Some will have a post office inside the hotel and a few will have a computer center where guests can write Internet e-mails to family and friends for price.

  9. Security at some hotels appears good, but it is always a good practice to ask who is there before opening your room door.

  10. It’s common practice in some Russian hotels for prostitutes to phone your room or knock on your door. Most will leave you alone if you say, “Nyet” or No.

  11. The TV’s in the hotel will typically have only Russian language stations. If cable is installed at the hotel, you may be able to get BBC News in English.

  12. Some hotel bathtubs have no showers curtains and have a “hump” to sit on in the back of the tub. This is for sitting and using the flexible shower cord to spray.

  13. The only way to adjust the temperature in the room is to open or close the window.

  14. Mosquitoes may enter the room at night. The front desk or “Key Lady” on you floor can rent you a plug-in mosquito repellent that will keep them out of the room.