Live like modern Russian royalty in the palatial rooms which are all elegantly decorated and have been painstakingly restored to their original regal splendour, as with the rest of the hotel. Many of the 177 rooms, including 26 suites, have spectacular views of historical landmarks, the hotel gardens, and even a statue of Czar Nicholas 1. For the best of the best opt for one of the rooms on the fifth floor which have terraces and panoramic views of St. Petersburg.

The food is some of the best in St Petersburg with the kitchen headed up by Andrea Accordi, the first chef in Eastern Europe to be awarded a Michelin Star. Percorso restaurant serves modern Italian fare and boasts a pretty impressive wine cellar as well as a private dining room, and Sintoho whips up a storm with fresh sushi and northern Asian delights.

The spa is spread across over four levels within one of the Lion Palace's original courtyards, and boasts Russian style saunas, six treatment rooms, a relaxation pool and a 24-hour gym.

Located in the historic Admiralteysky district, the Four Seasons is just two blocks from both the Hermitage Museum and Winter Palace - culture vultures eat your hearts out - and also Nevsky Prospekt, St P's main drag. The colourful city is also home to the Mariinnsky Ballet Company, arguably one of the best in the world, and stunning imperial architecture that remains relatively untouched despite the city's fairly tumultuous past. The hotel has a concierge on hand to tell guests what's hot and what's not, and help get access to the city's most impressive sites.