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Russian Language School in St. Petersburg:
Accommodations.

Our schools organise accommodation in host families, shared flats, hotels and apartments of all categories.

Homestay

What is a host family? Our host families are not always a traditional married couple with a child/children. Above all we look for someone who is sociable, likes to meet new people and can give a warm welcome to our students. Our host families have time to talk to our students, be patient, understanding, careful and prepared to provide help with any problem that may arise during a student’s stay in Russia. The fee includes private accommodation with a single room and half-board, full board during the weekends. A student's room is furnished with at least:


• one bed or sofa-bed
• wardrobe
• desk with chair and light
• a mirror (in a wardrobe or a separate one)
  
  
The rooms are clean and, by Russian standards, spacious. Bathroom and kitchen are shared with the family. All our apartments have telephone. Maximum travel time to the school is 50 minutes.

Hotels

We offer hotel accommodation at very competitive rates in in both St.Petersburg and Moscow. Certain hotels offer special long-term rates to students staying three weeks and more. All rates are on request.

Grand Hotel Europe (Kempinski)***** The most prestigious address in St. Petersburg, the Grand Hotel Europe occupies a building dating from 1824 on Nevsky Prospekt in the city centre. Once frequented by 19th-century greats like Tschaikovsky, Turgenyev and Gorky, the Grand, now under western management, is starting to reclaim its traditional place in city life after renovations in 1991. The hotel's four restaurants are among the best in Russia. The rooms are luxurious and individually styled.

Astoria (Rocco Forte) ***** The facade of this 1912 art nouveau building was restored to its former brilliance in 1992. Most of the 240 rooms have been recently upgraded and offers views over the St. Isaac's Cathedral or the square in front of Marinsky Palace. The legendary Winter Garden has lost nothing of its original charm and is a popular venue for receptions and glittering balls. Located in the historic centre of the city close to Nevsky Prospekt, the hotel is an ideal starting point for walks. Restaurants and bars are close by.

Corinthia Nevskij Palace***** Opened in 1993, the Nevsky Palace blends modern elegance with classical style. The 290 rooms are equipped with all comforts. Bars and restaurants are popular haunts for St. Petersburg's rich and beautiful, and the Sunday brunch at the Nevskij is of top international quality. The hotel is ideally situated among the city's important sights, just a short walk from the Moscow Station. Good value for this category.

Radisson SAS Royal ***** The renovation of one of the city's oldest buildings on Nevsky Prospekt has taken its time, but the wait has been worth it. The recently opened hotel in a former palace in the historic city centre has an intimate atmosphere (it has only 164 rooms), and spoils its guests with many small details. The Lobby Bar is becoming a meeting place for the Petersburg jet set.

Angleterre (Rocco Forte) **** Under the same roof as the Hotel Astoria, the 193-room Angleterre offers an almost identical standard at a better price. The rooms, which have air-conditioning, safe and satellite TV, have been thoughtfully refurbished. The design is modern: the designer is apparently from Italy. A business centre, fitness room, pool and a casino complete the services on offer.

Neptun (Best-Western)**** Situated on the Obvodny Canal, the Hotel Neptun's recently opened new wing has justifiably drawn praise. The hotel has simple, modern architecture, attractively furnished rooms and the most modern sport and fitness centre in St. Petersburg, including a 25m pool. Very close to the city centre, ten minutes' walk from the Pushkinskaya metro station, it is excellent value for money.

Pulkovskaya**** This 840-room 1980s hotel is approximately midway between the airport and city centre, on the Gedenkplatz der Leningrader Blockade (Monument to the Heroic Defenders of Leningrad?), near Moskovskaya underground station. A good first class hotel with a modern, 600-seat conference centre, fitness centre, sauna and pool. All rooms have air-conditioning and satellite TV. Good transport links to centre, including the hotel shuttle bus. The hotel has recently been renovated and is under western management. A good choice for groups.

Moskwa*** The only medium-grade hotel in the centre is next to Ploschad Alexandra Nevskovo underground station at the lower end of Nevsky Prospekt. Those nostalgic for the Soviet era should check out the foyer. The recently renovated rooms are small but comfortable. Recommended for its central location, good value and facilities. Suitable for groups.

Rossija ***(**) This 400-room hotel was built in the 1970s. Many of its rooms have been recently refurbished, while the foyer and restaurants have been completely renovated. The considerably cheaper, unrenovated rooms will appeal to Soviet fans. The breakfast buffet is good, and the hotel has a money exchange and souvenir shops. Park Pobedi underground station is 300m away, the city centre five underground stops. Perfect for budget tourists.

Apartments

Shared flats

Those students who prefer to stay on their own but at the same time wish to experience a student atmosphere may choose our shared flat option. Our flats have single bedrooms (usually 2-3), shared bathroom and kitchen. Bed linen, cutlery and dishes are provided. The flats are all equipped with TV set, telephone, washing machine and vacuum cleaner. The shared-flat option is not more expensive than staying in a host-family.

Studio-apartments

Students who wish to live on their own can rent an apartment with the help of the school. We cooperate with a couple of reputable real-estate agencies and private landlords who rent out apartments of all kinds. Monthly rent rates range from € 200-300 (basic studio in the outskirts) to € 800-1200 (nicely renovated two-room apartment in the centre). The real-estate company will charge a handling fee, which depends on the contract length and the kind of apartment. Rents are always paid in cash in USD or Roubles. Students opting for this kind of accommodation are asked to stay for the first week either with a host-family or in a hotel to allow plenty of time for choosing the right apartment. Apartments make sense for students studying at least eight weeks.

Serviced apartments

Fully serviced apartments can be an interesting alternative to hotel accommodation. All apartments are centrally located, have been repaired and refurbished to western standards, are fully equipped and provide maximum comfort and security. Services include: maid service 2 or 3 days a week, linen change twice a week, personal laundry 2 or 3 days a week, satellite TV and VCR, complimentary video service, drinking water, soft drinks, coffee and tea.