Confident, contemporary Italian design has transformed this classic riverside imperial mansion into Domina St. Petersburg, a unique boutique hotel in this sophisticated Russian city, writes Andrew Forbes.

Overview
Over-looking the Moika River, the elegant 19th century façade of this 5-star hotel conceals a vibrant interior bursting with colour and creative design. Domina St. Petersburg welcomes visitors with its ?Nove? cocktail bar; family friendly ?Arcobaleno? restaurant; wellness centre, and gym. Business travellers also have access meeting rooms, and 24-hour support services like scanning & printing.
The 6 categories of guest suites encompass duplex Lifestyle rooms; and also Wellness Rooms, featuring private saunas and exercise equipment.
Saint Petersburg ? Russia?s Northern Capital
Think of Russia and one might picture the brutal Soviet architecture of the past; or the extravagant lifestyles of today?s new rich. Yet Saint Petersburg doesn?t really conform to either cliché.
This is probably Russia?s most sophisticated city, the former Imperial capital of Russia, the city of Tsars. Here, within the city?s UNESCO centre, there?s little to remind visitors of the Soviet era; and the contemporary bling of business oligarchs is discreetly balanced by the sheer abundance of elegance and old-school luxury.

Here the city centre is a myriad of palaces and cathedrals; of spires, and gilded domes. Neoclassical and baroque architectural masterpieces line the wide avenues. Hu...