ST. PETERSBURG, Russia—Nearly two centuries after its debut in St. Petersburg, the “House with Lions” is reborn as Four Seasons Hotel Lion Palace St. Petersburg. The building, immortalized in Alexander Pushkin’s most famous poem, gives way to new hotel accommodations, dining and drinking concepts, event spaces and soon, a new destination spa.
The triangular building was originally conceived by Auguste Montferrand as the private address of the city’s elite. Montferrand’s original vision and 19th century imperial aesthetic set the design direction for the new hotel. The hotel’s 151 guestrooms offer distinct color palettes: sky blue and yellow with a hint of garnet, or pale yellow with blue hues; and for the 26 suites, turquoise and gold with shades of brown. Neo-classic mahogany, hazelnut, and cherry furnishings with gilding, black lacquer, and chinoiserie motifs were sourced across Europe and are now showcased among finishing materials including velvet, silk, and woven textures for fabrics, and marble, granite and gilt mirrors for the fixtures.
One departure from history is the hotel’s art collection. Many paintings were commissioned from students at the St. Petersburg Academy of Arts, showcasing the vanguard of creative interpretation in a city long recognized as one of the world’s art capitals.
New dining options at the property include the Tea Lounge, serving traditional Russian specialities; and Xander Bar, a cocktail lounge specializing in Russian vodka. In the coming weeks, Four Seasons Hotel Lion Palace will reveal Sintoho, a fresh take on Asian cuisine named for Singapore, Tokyo, and Hong Kong—three of the destinations inspiring its cuisine. Later this year, Michelin-starred Executive Chef Andrea Accordi will also take guests on a journey through his Italian homeland at Percorso.
In late 2013, Four Seasons will open the a new spa in the triangular central space of the Lion Palace. The Luceo Spa will offer eight treatment rooms—including a couple’s suite with private lounge—a salon, 24-hour fitness center, and a glass-topped year round pool.
The hotel offers extensive meeting and event space including the Montferrand Grand Ballroom, six smaller function rooms, and the naturally lit Rastrelli Boardroom. A 24-hour business center includes workstations, a meeting room, and services ranging from travel arrangements to translation and secretarial services.
