I stayed here for a week during a business trip. The outside seemed a bit rundown and scary, but the inside was welcoming. Though its not at the center of the city (it's in the Vosstaniya area), it is only about a block in from Nevsky Prospect and some fancy stores and it is between two Metro stops (one doesn't seem closer than the other). The hotel (for U.S. travelers, it felt more like a small, low-key B&B) was very clean. The rooms were very small. The bathroom was also tiny (shower stall only) but very newly updated (and clean). A simple but pleasant breakfast was served in the morning and I was able to get Internet access (no charge). Water quality was suspect (not unusual in Russian hotels, as I understand). Most important, the staff was very nice and helpful and most spoke very good English (or tried to understand me!). I'd stay here again because it was clean and the staff made all the difference to my stay in Russia. (I wish I could give 3.5 stars) more