Michael Hepworth
ST. PETERSBURG FOUR SEASONS HOTEL LION PALACE
19th Century Russian Palace Shines as Four Seasons Hotel “Years of meticulous restoration and perfecting of the guest experience are setting the stage for a new era of style and luxury.
By Bonnie Carroll
St. Petersburg, Russia (Perfect Travel Today)7/8/13/–After two centuries one of the most exclusive residences in St. Petersburg “House with Lions” originally built in the elite neighborhood of the Winter Palace has been reborn as the Four Seasons Hotel Lion Palace St. Petersburg. The beautiful 19th century palace property is located next to St. Isaac’s Cathedral and both buildings were designed by the architect Auguste Montferrand. The historic fashionable address was immortalized in Alexander Pushkin’s 1833 poem “The Bronze Horseman”, which lends a romantic Russian aura to the glamorous new hotel featuring futuristic hospitality amenities, including accommodations, inspired dining and drinking concepts, and the city’s most sumptuous spa.
“Years of meticulous restoration and perfecting of the guest experience are setting the stage for a new era of style and luxury in St. Petersburg ,” says Christopher Norton, who is President – Europe, Middle East and Africa for Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts.
Dining at the hotel offers guests a sampling of Russia ’s rich culinary history, along with European and Asian cuisines, representing the celebration of a new chapter at Four Seasons House of Lions.
Xander Bar, Named for Tsar Alexander I, who reigned at the time of the palace’s construction, offers Zakuski (appetizers) served with dozens of the finest Russian and international vodkas, along with vodka tasting. The caviar menu includes Prestige Cuvee Cristal Champagne, created by Louis Roederer for Tsar Alexander II in 1876.
Four Seasons Hotel Lion Palace will reveal Sintoho, a fresh take on Asian cuisine named for Singapore , Tokyo and Hong Kong – just three of the destinations inspiring its cuisine. Included is an open sushi counter that sets the tone for eclectic menu choices paired with classic cocktails, sakes, beers and teas. Private events are welcomed in their teppanyaki grill room. Later this year, Michelin-starred Executive Chef Andrea Accordi will take guests on a journey through his Italian homeland at Percorso. “Every country cooks the same ingredient differently. To be successful in the kitchen, it’s important to understand this.”
With stunning views of St. Isaac’s Cathedral, Percorso will feature such creations as Chef’s own strozzapreti, with Mediterranean seaweed, clams, calamari and tuna; and his anatra, spit-roasted duck with citrus glaze and cherry and pink pepper compote.
In late 2013, Four Seasons will open the city’s most intimate spa enclave. The Luceo Spa will offer eight treatment rooms – including a deluxe couple’s suite with private lounge – a salon, 24-hour fitness centre, and a glass-topped year round pool. Luxuriously appointed changing rooms each feature an experience shower, dry sauna and steamy Russian-style sauna, complete with birch branches to invigorate the skin.
Families visiting Four Seasons will also find much to welcome them, from special in-room surprises for the children to babysitting services when parents wish to go out on the town. Reservations Call +7 (812) 339 8000 or Visit www.fourseasons.com.
Let us take you on a tour of the hotel during final preparations for the opening. Watch the legend come to life as you walk the beautiful palace with us.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8up2O8IAxTM
Michael Hepworth
287 S.Robertson Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90211
https://twitter.com/MrSpiritsman
https://spiritsman.blogspot.com
Bonnie Carroll