St. Petersburg, January 19, 2009 – The Grand Hotel Europe is the only representative of the Russian hospitality industry to be included for the fifth time in the best 500 hotels in the world by T+L Magazine.
In the seventh annual T+L 500, Travel + Leisure’s international team of reporters and editors visited the 500 highest-rated hotels, resorts, inns and lodges in their World’s Best Survey and identified what makes them special. The hotels featured in the T+L 500 list earned the highest average ratings out of 100 points.
The Grand Hotel Europe was given a special grade for its unique, carefully preserved neo-Baroque façade and Art Nouveau interiors, and for its enchanting Tchaikovsky Nights, presented every Friday at L’Europe restaurant – the leading French restaurant in St. Petersburg.
2008 has been particularly rich in awards and distinctions for the Grand Hotel Europe. This is the latest award in a long list of honours received by the hotel, including:
- Grand Prix of Best Hotel in Europe 2008, by the Jury of Prix Villegiature in Paris
- Wine Spectator Award of Excellence 2008, for L’Europe restaurant
- Forbes Traveler 400, 2008/2009 edition of the list of the world's finest hotels
- One of the world’s 100 best hotels in 2008, by Sunday Times Travel Magazine
- Best hotel in Russia in 2008 by Afisha World magazine.
The Grand Hotel Europe is one of the oldest hotels in Russia, and was the first five-star hotel in the country. Its historic building, built in 1824, has undergone thorough reconstruction, during which the hotel’s Art Nouveau interiors have been preserved. Modern conveniences have only enhanced the luxurious atmosphere of a bygone age that characterizes the hotel. In December 1991 the hotel reopened its doors to guests after extensive renovation.
Many of the hotel’s rooms, restaurants and hallways contain the same antique furniture, sculptures and paintings that decorated its interiors during the last century. The building itself is a site of artistic and historic value and is protected by the state.
Since 2005 the hotel has been undergoing reconstruction and refining. 250 hotel rooms have been renovated, including nine deluxe suites, the historic interior of the Caviar Bar restaurant has been restored, the hotel’s main entrance has been renovated and the Mezzanine café has been redesigned and now contains a real fireplace.
By May 2009, ten suites situated on the Historic Floor will in turn be renovated in order to continue to offer the best comfort and facilities to the hotel’s guests.
For further information or images, please contact:
Irina Khlopova
Public Relations Manager
Grand Hotel Europe
Tel: +7 (812) 329 66 08
irina.khlopova@grandhoteleurope.com
