Honestly, I'd booked into Hermitage Hotel - then decided to look for something simpler in St Petersburg (in the interest of balancing out our budget) when we booked another posh, historical property in Moscow.

So, so happy we did. This was lovely, it was comfortable, well located on Vasilievsky Island, within a 5-minute walk of the River Neva. It was an easy 15-20 minute walk to Nevsky Prospekt, an arterial road in St Petersburg. And it was a short walk from the metro station with the bonus of stopping at our favourite Kvass store. Kvass btw, is a must-try, mildly alcoholic drink (under 1%) made from dark rye bread.

I suppose this would fit into a Bed & Breakfast category but we felt like we were staying in the really nice apartment of a friend who was out of town. The best part is that John Nicolson, the owner, is scrupulous about providing information to make your trip easier. From organising pick ups to prices, alternatives, info on public transport, maps, all the things you could do in the city he clearly knows and loves.

Early July was a period of white nights and we frequently lost track of time. Managed to catch the opening of the bridges on the River Neva, on our last night there, which was crisp and cold. You get a nice cooked breakfast, and can also stop off in the kitchen and dining room for endless pots of coffee while you read or chat. We met a very warm couple French/German and had opportunity to share wine and cheese and coffee and great conversation on many occasions. We all remember beautiful Tonya who helped us with our bags and all our enquiries, (Should we buy ceramics? Yes. Where is the flea market? Should we camp in the Urals? etc etc) and even printed train tickets for me for the return trip.

You absolutely cannot go wrong with this property. Huge value for money, and so much more.