Hotel Astoria St. Petersburg has welcomed guests since its 1912 opening on St. Isaac’s Square, a history that spans the Romanov tercentenary, the Soviet era, and a modern revival under Rocco Forte Hotels. This guide covers its origins, the famous names who have walked its halls, and practical advice for planning a stay, including White Nights season and safety considerations.

Last checked: 2026-09-21

Hotel name: Hotel Astoria · City: St. Petersburg, Russia · Opened: 1912 · Classification: 5-star luxury · Number of rooms: 213 · Location: St. Isaac’s Square, city center

Hotel Astoria at a Glance

1 Opened

• 23 December 1912 (English Wikipedia)

2 Current Operator

• Rocco Forte Hotels since 1997 (Rocco Forte Hotels)

3 Location

• St. Isaac’s Square, central St. Petersburg (Russian Wikipedia)

4 Star Rating

• 5-star luxury hotel (Rocco Forte Hotels)

Attribute	Detail
Hotel name	Hotel Astoria
City	St. Petersburg, Russia
Address	Bolshaya Morskaya Street 39
Opened	23 December 1912
Architect	Fyodor Lidval
Construction period	1911–1912
Original developer	British Palace Hotel Company
Current management	Rocco Forte Hotels (since 1997)
Classification	5-star luxury
Number of rooms	213
Location	St. Isaac’s Square, city center
Distance to Hermitage	10-minute walk

What famous guests have stayed at the Astoria hotel?

The guest list at Hotel Astoria reads like a century-long roll call of cultural and political power. Early distinguished visitors included dancer Isadora Duncan and singer Alexander Vertinsky, according to Turkish Wikipedia’s profile of the hotel. The same source lists later names such as Margaret Thatcher, Elton John, Jack Nicholson, Alain Delon, Luciano Pavarotti, Catherine Deneuve, and Prince Charles among those who have stayed.

The Independent’s travel feature notes that the hotel’s opening on 23 December 1912 was significant enough for photographer Karl Bulla to capture the evening on film, signaling its social importance from day one (The Independent).

Who are some notable historical figures that stayed here?

Beyond the entertainers, the hotel’s location across from St. Isaac’s Cathedral made it a natural choice for dignitaries. The Rocco Forte historical brochure describes the property as having been built “in part to host tourists visiting Russia for the Romanov tercentenary celebrations in May 1913,” placing imperial-era guests at the center of its origin story.

What is the history of the Astoria hotel?

The Astoria’s story begins before its official debut. The site on Bolshaya Morskaya Street was previously occupied by a four-storey income house belonging to Prince A. Lvov at the end of the 19th century, according to Russian Wikipedia. Construction of the current building ran from 1911 to 1912, designed by St. Petersburg architect Fyodor Lidval for the British Palace Hotel Company, as documented by Petersburg24 city guide.

When was the hotel opened?

Hotel Astoria officially opened on 23 December 1912, per English Wikipedia. From its first years, it was regarded as one of the most comfortable hotels in St. Petersburg and among the best in Europe, with amenities such as central heating, electricity, a winter garden, library, and advanced servant-call and vacuum systems for the time, according to the Rocco Forte historical brochure.

What major events is it known for?

Following the 1917 Revolution, the Astoria was nationalized under Soviet laws. It passed through several names: Petrograd Military Hotel (from March 1916), First House of the Petrograd Soviet (from September 1918), First House of the Leningrad Soviet (from 1924), then back to Astoria in February 1991, per Reveal.World.

During the Siege of Leningrad in World War II, the hotel was converted into a military hospital where artists and writers suffering from hunger and injuries were treated, according to GreatList St Petersburg guide. The French Wikipedia entry adds a darker anecdote: Adolf Hitler reportedly planned to celebrate the capture of Leningrad with a victory banquet in the hotel’s winter garden, with invitations later found in Berlin for a banquet that never took place (French Wikipedia).

What is the White Nights Festival in St. Petersburg?

White Nights is the period from late May to mid-July when St. Petersburg experiences twilight all night due to its high latitude. The city is not above the Arctic Circle, but the sun barely dips below the horizon, creating extended daylight hours. The Rocco Forte historical brochure references the city’s unique seasonal appeal in the context of early tourism to Astoria.

How long do White Nights last in Russia?

The natural phenomenon lasts roughly six weeks, from late May through mid-July, with the peak around the summer solstice in late June.

What does ‘belye nochi’ mean?

“Belye nochi” translates directly from Russian as “white nights,” describing the period of extended twilight that turns the city’s canals and architecture into a nighttime spectacle without full darkness.

Is Saint Petersburg above the Arctic Circle?

No, St. Petersburg is located at approximately 59.9°N latitude, well south of the Arctic Circle at 66.5°N. The white nights effect comes from its northern latitude combined with the tilt of the Earth’s axis, not from polar location.

Is it safe to go to St. Petersburg, Russia right now?

Safety assessments for travel to Russia depend on your home country’s current travel advisories, which change frequently. The city’s central tourist areas—including the district around St. Isaac’s Square where Astoria sits—are generally considered safe for visitors, with standard precautions applying as in any major European city. The GreatList guide notes the hotel’s central location as a practical advantage for navigating the city.

For specific, up-to-date guidance, consult your government’s foreign affairs or travel advisory office before booking, as situations can evolve.

How does Hotel Astoria compare to other luxury options?

For travelers weighing alternatives, three other five-star properties in St. Petersburg offer comparable positioning: the Grand Hotel Europe on Nevsky Prospekt, known for its Art Nouveau interiors; the Four Seasons Lion Palace, housed in a former imperial palace across from St. Isaac’s; and the Kempinski Hotel Moika 22, located near the Moika River. Each offers palace-style grandeur, but Astoria’s specific history—from the Romanov era to the Siege of Leningrad—sets it apart.

Contemporary Russian-language guest reviews on 101Hotels.com rate Astoria highly, with a reported score around 9.3 for price/quality and 9.6 for sleep quality, praising views of St. Isaac’s Cathedral. Note that this represents a single review platform; broader patterns would require additional sources.

Pros and Cons of Staying at Hotel Astoria

Pros

• Historic significance: Over 110 years of continuous operation, from imperial to modern eras
• Central location: Directly on St. Isaac’s Square, a 10-minute walk to the Hermitage
• Notable guest list: Royalty, artists, and political figures have stayed here
• Managed by Rocco Forte Hotels since 1997, with significant renovation investment

Cons

• Luxury pricing: As a 5-star property, rates reflect premium positioning
• Historic building: Some modern travelers may find certain aspects of a 1912 structure less streamlined than newer hotels
• Travel advisory context: St. Petersburg’s current geopolitical situation requires careful consideration

Best for Which Travelers?

Different visitor profiles will find Astoria particularly suited to their needs:

• Luxury travelers: The Rocco Forte management brings a consistent standard of five-star service and amenities.
• History enthusiasts: Few hotels anywhere offer this depth of documented history—from Lidval’s architecture to the wartime hospital era.
• Couples: The central setting near St. Isaac’s Cathedral provides a romantic backdrop for evening strolls.
• Cultural tourists: A 10-minute walk to the Hermitage and proximity to the city’s main cultural venues make it a practical base.

Location and Getting There

Hotel Astoria is located at Bolshaya Morskaya Street 39, on St. Isaac’s Square in the heart of St. Petersburg, as confirmed by Russian Wikipedia. The nearest major landmarks include:

• St. Isaac’s Cathedral: Directly adjacent, offering panoramic city views from its colonnade
• Hermitage Museum: Approximately a 10-minute walk
• Nevsky Prospekt: A short stroll to the city’s main avenue

From Pulkovo Airport (LED), the drive takes roughly 30–45 minutes by car or taxi, depending on traffic. The GreatList guide emphasizes the hotel’s central position as a practical base for city exploration.

Sample One-Day Itinerary from the Hotel

Starting from Astoria’s doorstep on St. Isaac’s Square, a typical day could unfold as follows:

• Morning: Visit St. Isaac’s Cathedral, climb the colonnade for panoramic views
• Midday: Walk to the Hermitage, approximately 10 minutes away, for a focused visit to the Winter Palace collections
• Afternoon: Stroll along the Moika River embankment, past the Yusupov Palace
• Evening: Return to Astoria for dinner, then an evening walk through the city center, especially magical during White Nights

“From the first days of its existence, Astoria acquired the reputation of the most comfortable hotel in St Petersburg and one of the best in Europe.”

– Rocco Forte Hotels historical brochure, Hotel owner and operator

“One hundred and one years ago, on December 23, 1912, the fashionable Astoria Hotel opened in St. Petersburg, the capital of the Russian Empire, a crown jewel in the collection of hotels owned by the English joint-stock company Palace Hotel.”

– Udikov (Medium author), Travel/history writer

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to get from the airport to Hotel Astoria?

Pulkovo Airport (LED) is approximately 30–45 minutes by car or taxi from the city center. A taxi or pre-arranged transfer is the most straightforward option.

Does Hotel Astoria offer breakfast?

As a five-star Rocco Forte property, breakfast is typically included in many rate plans, with the hotel’s restaurant offering a full morning meal service. Verify your specific booking details for confirmation.

What famous figures have stayed at Hotel Astoria?

The hotel’s guest list includes Isadora Duncan, Alexander Vertinsky, Margaret Thatcher, Elton John, Jack Nicholson, Luciano Pavarotti, Catherine Deneuve, and Prince Charles, among others, according to Turkish Wikipedia.

Is Hotel Astoria within walking distance of the Hermitage?

Yes, the Hermitage Museum is approximately a 10-minute walk from the hotel’s location on St. Isaac’s Square.

What are the White Nights in Russia and when do they happen?

White Nights is the period from late May to mid-July when St. Petersburg experiences twilight all night. The peak festival period is in June, with extended daylight and a full program of cultural events.

What is the dress code for Hotel Astoria’s restaurant?

As a five-star property, smart casual attire is generally appropriate for the hotel’s dining venues. For formal occasions or special events, jacket and tie may be expected—check with the hotel directly for specific guidance.

The bottom line: As a five-star property, smart casual attire is generally appropriate for the hotel’s dining venues. For formal occasions or special events, jacket and tie may be expected—check with the hotel directly for specific guidance.