Discover Russia’s Cultural Capital with the Four Seasons Hotel Lion Palace St. Petersburg
Travel enthusiasts are in for a real treat. Now, Indian citizens can visit Russia’s cultural capital and the surrounding region via e-visa. Applicants need to simply fill out a form on the web site of the Consular Department of the Russian Foreign Ministry and upload a photograph, and pay the consular fee. The application can be made no later than four and no earlier than 20 days before the expected date of entry. The visa is valid for stays in St.Petersburg and the surrounding Leningrad Region for up to eight days.
With the hassle of a visa out of the way, the only thing left to do is plan a spectacular itinerary. Those who choose to discover St. Petersburg can choose to do so via a stay at the iconic Four Seasons Hotel Lion Palace St. Petersburg.
Guarded by two marble lions at the entrance, this historic Hotel sits within the walls of a 19th-century royal palace in the Admiralteysky district, where the opulent stylings of imperial Russia are alive and well – and every bit as inspiring as they were centuries ago. The Lion Palace, known among city residents as the House with Lions, is a remarkable building for which construction started 200 years ago. It was founded by Prince Alexander Lobanov-Rostovsky, a diplomat, writer, art collector and a noble figure close to Tsar Alexander I. Immediately positioned among Russia’s finest hotels, Four Seasons Hotel Lion Palace St. Petersburg provides the dream luxury accommodation experience with 183 stylish rooms including 26 suites.
The hotel is ideal for intimate getaways for two, as well as larger family get-togethers, with its range of spacious suites on the Noble floor, that can be specially privatized for a comfortable stay.
The culinary offerings at the Four Seasons Hotel Lion Palace St. Petersburg will delight even seasoned gourmands, with a Russian caviar degustation at the Tea Lounge, that can be made even more decadent when accompanied by a vodka tasting; and traditional Russian cuisine at the Tea Lounge restaurant ranging from soups and traditional borsch, to Chicken Kiev, Kamchatka crab, and a range of vegetables, fish and meat dishes which show the undiscovered diversity of Russian produce. Desserts created by world-renowned Pastry Chef Nicholas Lambert will make guests feel like they’ve been whisked away to Paris, with confections made of chocolate, coupled with vivid local flavours such as chestnut, coconut with lychee and jasmine, or apple with blueberry.
A stay at one of the world’s grandest hotels can only be made even better by a series of highly unique and bespoke experiences that the Four Seasons’ concierge team is able to put together for each guest. These include private access to iconic landmarks in the city (like the State Hermitage, where a private tour with the curator of the exhibition can also be arranged), or a backstage tour at the Russian National Theatre, where guests can walk through the heart of the famous Alexandrinsky Theatre (one of the oldest national theatres in Russia) and watch the artist prepare for their upcoming performance, then step onto the stage behind the closed curtains and see the decorations up-close before sitting down to enjoy the show. Other memorable experiences include an evening ride down the city’s beguiling canals, a dinner in one of the historic palaces, or even a ballet class at the historic Mariinsky Theatre (the Four Seasons has exclusive access to the backstage of this Theatre), where many of the stage masterpieces of Tchaikovsky, Mussorgsky, and Rimsky-Korsakov received their premieres.
What’s more, to mark the news of the new e-visa policy, the Four Seasons Hotel Lion Palace St. Petersburg is offering a special package, ideal for Indian guests. A great option for travel during Diwali, the package offers a complimentary fourth night with every three consecutive paid nights. Additionally, those who avail of this offer will enjoy their complimentary fourth night in a spacious suite.
About Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts: Founded in 1960, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts is dedicated to perfecting the travel experience through continual innovation and the highest standards of hospitality. Currently operating 109 hotels and resorts, and 38 residential properties in major city centres and resort destinations in 46 countries, and with more than 50 projects under planning or development, Four Seasons consistently ranks among the world’s best hotels and most prestigious brands in reader polls, traveller reviews and industry awards.
For more information and reservations, visit fourseasons.com. For the latest news, visit press.fourseasons.com and follow @FourSeasonsPR on Twitter.
