Malaya Morskaya 24 ulitsa
Bus: 3, 10, 22, 27, K-169, K-190,
K-252, K-289
The Angleterre Hotel is a historic luxury hotel located in the heart of St. Petersburg, Russia, directly on St. Isaac's Square at Malaya Morskaya Street 24. This prime position places it adjacent to the iconic St. Isaac's Cathedral, offering guests stunning views of this architectural landmark from many rooms. It's within easy walking distance of major attractions, including the Hermitage Museum, Palace Square, the Bronze Horseman monument, the Mariinsky Theatre, and modern shopping destinations like DLT and Au Pont Rouge department stores. The hotel's central location makes it an ideal base for exploring the city's cultural and historical sites, with the Neva River embankments and Nevsky Prospect nearby for strolls and sightseeing.
The Angleterre Hotel boasts a rich history dating back to the
mid-19th century. Its origins trace to the 1840s when Napoleon Bokin
established a three-story hotel on the site, initially known as
"Napoleon’s." In 1845–1846, architect Adrian Roben added a fourth floor,
converting it into rental apartments under the name S. Poggenpol’s
house. By 1876, after further reconstruction, it reopened as the
Schmidt-Anglia hotel—commonly shortened to "Anglia" (Russian for
"England")—owned by Teresa Schmidt. The name evolved, dropping "Schmidt"
by 1911, and it became one of St. Petersburg's most luxurious
accommodations with 75 rooms by 1917.
The hotel has witnessed
significant historical events. During the 1917 Russian Revolution, it
served as the English legation's headquarters from late August 1917 to
February 1918, enduring gunfire and unrest inside its walls. American
journalist John Reed and his wife Louise Bryant stayed there during this
period, with Reed writing his famous book Ten Days That Shook the World.
In the 1920s, it was renamed "International" before reverting to
"Angleterre," and by 1926, it was part of the Hotel Trust. Tragically,
Russian poet Sergey Esenin was found dead in Room 5 in December 1925, an
event that has become part of the hotel's lore.
During World War II,
from September 1941, the building functioned as a hospital (codenamed
Leningrad-1, Post Box 244) until summer 1942, after which it stood empty
until 1945. Post-war, it was reconstructed and renamed "Leningradskaya"
in 1948, eventually merging as "Block B" of the adjacent Hotel Astoria
by 1975. Due to severe deterioration—lacking ventilation, faulty
electrics, and structural issues—it closed in 1985 and was demolished in
1987, only to be rebuilt with its original facade and reopened in 1991
as part of the Astoria. In 1997, Rocco Forte Hotels took over management
of the Astoria, and by 1999, the Angleterre was restored under its
historic name.
The hotel has hosted numerous notable figures,
including chess master Mikhail Chigorin (who founded the city's first
chess club there in 1884), writers like Alexandre Kuprin and Andrey
Bely, poets Osip Mandelstam and Olga Vaksel, American journalist George
Kennan, and legends suggest stays by Leo Trotsky and the death of singer
Alexandre Vertinsky in one of its rooms. By the 1960s, it had expanded
to 152 rooms but faced decline, with many lacking modern amenities until
its full revival.
Architecturally, the Angleterre reflects neoclassical influences typical of 19th-century St. Petersburg, with its facade preserved during the 1987–1991 reconstruction to maintain historical authenticity. The interior, redesigned under the Rocco Forte Hotels brand, blends modern classic style with elegant touches. Olga Polizzi, Director of Design for Rocco Forte Hotels, oversaw the room aesthetics, incorporating natural materials, light color palettes, and bright accents to create a cozy, homelike atmosphere. A distinctive feature in many rooms is wide window seats covered in soft mats, perfect for relaxing while admiring views of the historic city center or St. Isaac's Cathedral.
The hotel offers 192 rooms, categorized into various types to suit different needs, from standard doubles to luxurious suites. Rooms are spacious and elegantly furnished in a modern classic style, emphasizing comfort with high-quality linens, ergonomic workspaces, and advanced amenities like high-speed Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and air conditioning. Many provide breathtaking views of St. Isaac's Square or the cathedral. Entry-level rooms start around 20–25 square meters, while suites can exceed 50 square meters, featuring separate living areas, marble bathrooms with heated floors, and premium toiletries. Accessibility options are available, and the design prioritizes a blend of historical charm and contemporary luxury.
Guests enjoy a range of upscale facilities, including a fitness center, sauna, and indoor swimming pool for relaxation and wellness. The hotel shares some amenities with its sister property, the Hotel Astoria, such as spa services and conference spaces. Additional perks include a beauty/hair salon, business center, and concierge services for personalized excursions. For cultural enthusiasts, the hotel owns a private box at the Mikhailovsky Theatre, allowing VIP access to performances. Families and business travelers appreciate the on-site babysitting, laundry, and meeting rooms.
Dining at the Angleterre emphasizes quality and variety. The breakfast buffet is a highlight, offering an extensive selection of fresh pastries, fruits, hot dishes, and international cuisines in a elegant setting. For other meals, guests can enjoy 24-hour room service or dine at the on-site restaurant, which serves European and Russian-inspired fare. The hotel's bar provides a sophisticated atmosphere for cocktails and light bites, often with live music or views of the square. Proximity to the Astoria allows access to additional dining venues, including fine-dining options.
Service is a strong suit, with 24-hour front desk, concierge, and room service ensuring a seamless stay. Staff are noted for their friendliness, professionalism, and multilingual capabilities. The hotel caters to both leisure and business travelers with valet parking, currency exchange, and event spaces. Special touches include complimentary Wi-Fi throughout and personalized welcome amenities.
The Angleterre consistently ranks highly, often in the top 5% of St. Petersburg hotels for its excellent rooms, pool, and sightseeing proximity. Guests praise the stunning views, clean and quiet rooms, comfortable beds, and central location. Some note the hotel's blend of history and modernity as a unique draw. It has received accolades from sources like Five Star Alliance for its luxury status and is part of the Historic Hotels of the World collection. Reviews on platforms like TripAdvisor and Agoda highlight the polite staff and value for money, though occasional mentions of higher prices reflect its upscale positioning.
The Angleterre hotel is
particularly famous in Russian history as the place where the famous
Russian poet Sergei Yesenin is said to have hanged himself on
December 28, 1925. However, not everyone in Russia agrees with the
official Bolshevik theory. There is ample evidence that the hotel
Angleterre was the scene of a murder, not a suicide. It is known
that he wrote his poem here.
Good-bye, my friend, good-bye.
My dear, you are in my heart
Intended parting
Promises a meeting ahead.
Good-bye, my friend, without a hand, without a word,
Don't be
sad or brow sad, —
Dying is not new in this life,
But life, of
course, is not new.
‹1925›