Built back in 1863 Neva became a hotel in 1913, a year after more upscale Astoria was opened. A century in a business doesn't give Neva Hotel any special credits, though. The majority of rooms were last renovated in 1980s and on first impression you might think spending a night at the train station isn't much worse. A legacy of the Soviet-era Intourist is everywhere. It's not just the reception desk that looked like a nightmare from the late 1970s but also ladies at the reception who don't crack a smile for a split second.

Location: Chernyshevskaya Metro station isn't far from Neva Hotel. Historical sights are very near - Summer Gardens with Peter the Great Summer Palace, Mars Field, Engineer's Castle and more; old Leningrad KGB building is the closest historical building, though. This area isn't very quiet. Bank with an ATM is around the corner. Very good Caucasian cuisine restaurant is next doors - you won't be starving.

Facilities: Neva Hotel, if you happen to stay there, will provide a good range of services and facilities. Laundry services are provided. There's a restaurant, conference hall for around 50 people, beauty parlor, and a sauna with a swimming pool (4 by 3 meters). Visa registration is free for guests & visa support service is offered by the tour agency the hotel works with. 24hours security service, luggage room. No service is provided for free - there's always a charge, but prices are minimal, 10 rubles to use a safe, for example.

Interior & Rooms: There are a few types of rooms: standard singles and doubles ranging from 1360 to 2700 rubles per night, depending on a season; extra bed is 500 rubles. Those rooms are very basic and you might as well stop at any hostel for half the price to get what Neva offers. Renovated rooms and luxury rooms (singles, doubles & twins) are much better alternatives: nicer furniture, some rooms have bathtubs, not just showers; accommodation in luxury sector includes a morning visit to a sauna as standard. Prices start at 2000 rubles and go up to 4800 rubles, 500 rubles for the extra bed. All prices include buffet breakfast. All rooms have private bathrooms with showers (separate ones in renovated & luxury rooms). All rooms offer 24h room service, no internet access, telephone, TV (Local channels only), air-conditioning (in luxury rooms).

Comments: basic rooms are not an option - better to go to a hostel, more upscale rooms are only ok. Neva definitely can't keep up with newer places in terms of comfort, service level and facilities. It's a bottom of a list place - an 'emergency' accommodation.

Hostel Services & Facilities: 24 hrs room service, laundry, safe-box, transport services (tickets/taxi), visa registration, tickets booking, guiding services.

Area Features: restaurants nearby, historical city center.