Location. The Helvetia Hotel & Suites is located in the centre of St Petersburg, Russia, within 200 metres of the main thoroughfare, Nevsky Prospect and four kilometres from the Peter and Paul Fortress, the city's first building. Hotel Features. Housed in a traditional mansion dating back to 1828, the Helvetia Hotel & Suites opens to a bright reception area decorated with leather sofas and richly patterned drapes. Guests can enjoy relaxation time in the hotel's inner courtyard and explore the city with tour guides and drivers booked through the hotel. Those arriving by car will find complimentary onsite parking available and further amenities include laundry facilities and 24-hour room service.

The Helvetia Hotel & Suites houses the modern Marius Pub, finished with sleek wooden walls and flooring and decorated with murals and Russian artefacts. Guests can enjoy international dishes including Seared Scallops and Baked Escargots, sip a cooling beer and browse through the pub's newspaper rack. The hotel offers a complimentary buffet breakfast.

The hotel's business centre offers a computer with Internet access, a photocopier and fax machine.

Guestrooms. The 59 guestrooms at the Helvetia Hotel & Suites are decorated in a bright, modern style with traditional accents, and extend to tiled bathrooms with slippers and hair dryers. Amenities include wireless Internet, satellite television with pay movies, minibars, safes and desks. Studios and suites are equipped with a kitchen area.

Expert Tip. The Hermitage, located 2.5 kilometres from the hotel, is one of the most famous museums in the world and is spread over six buildings including the Winter Palace, the former residence of the Russian Tsars. The museum houses works by Michelangelo, Monet, Van Gogh and Picasso, along with a priceless collection of Fabergé jewellery and Russian imperial regalia.

Visa Information: Some hotels can assist their guests to obtain a visa for entry to the Russian Federation. Hotels may charge a fee for this service. Guests may contact the Customer Support Centre to be put in touch with their hotel to arrange a visa. Hotels may in some instances refund visa assistance fees against the guests' hotel stay. If visa assistance is given and the reservation is subsequently cancelled then hotels may retain the cost of the first night's stay in addition to standard cancellation charges. Hotel fees in relation to visas vary, guests should check directly with the hotel for details.

Room Types:

Superior Room:   One double or two twin beds. Classic baroque-inspired decor. Satellite television with pay movies, wireless Internet, free local calls, complimentary newspaper. Bathroom with hair dryer, complimentary toiletries, bathrobe and slippers.

Standard room:   One double bed or two twin beds. Classic baroque-inspired decor. Desk. Wireless Internet connection. Cable/satellite TV with pay movies. Free local calls. Coffee/tea maker and minibar. Hair dryer. In-room safe. Complimentary newspaper.

Studio:   One double or two twin beds. Kitchenette and dining area. Light-coloured decor and light wood floors. Satellite television with pay movies, wireless Internet, free local calls, complimentary newspaper. Bathroom with hair dryer, complimentary toiletries, bathrobe and slippers.

Driving Directions: From St Petersburg Pulkovo International Airport (LED): Distance to the Helvetia Hotel & Suites is 15 kilometres, approximately 40 minutes' drive.

Getting there. The number 13 bus runs between terminal 2's central office building and Moskovskaya metro station. The number 39 bus runs between terminal 1 and Moskovskaya metro station. A single ticket costs 7 RUB (0.20 USD). A shuttle bus connects the two terminals and continues to central St Petersburg. Taxis cost 917 RUB (35 USD) to the city centre. Prices are all subject to change.

Getting around. St Petersburg is best explored on foot, and most major attractions are located within 30 minutes' walk of the city centre. St Petersburg has a comprehensive public transport network, including buses, trams, trolleys, and a metro. Shared taxis (Marshrutnoye taxis) travel across fixed routes and are reasonably priced.