Luxury St. Petersburg Apartment: Marata 22 - Your Dream Stay Awaits!
Luxury St. Petersburg Apartment: Marata 22 - Your Dream Stay Awaits! (and Maybe a Slight Headache!) - A Brutally Honest Review
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I’m about to unleash a review that's less "polished brochure" and more "drunken late-night confession." We're talking about Luxury St. Petersburg Apartment: Marata 22, and honestly? It's a rollercoaster. Prepare yourselves for the good, the bad, and the slightly baffling. And trust me, there's a whole lot of baffling.
First Impressions & Accessibility (or, The Great Elevator Tango):
Finding the place was a piece of cake. Literally, I ate a piece of cake while navigating the St. Petersburg streets. But getting into the place… Well, that's where things got interesting. (And by interesting, I mean slightly frustrating.)
- Accessibility: Look, the website says "Facilities for disabled guests," and that's great! But the devil’s always in the details. Finding clear, explicit details about specifically what's accessible is like hunting for a decent rye bread in a city of sourdough enthusiasts. You're hoping you can find it, but you're not guaranteed. Important note: I’m not mobility-impaired myself, so my perspective is limited. But if you are, I'd recommend triple-checking with the property directly before booking.
- Elevator: The elevator situation… Ah, the elevator. Let's just say it made me appreciate my own two feet. Sometimes it worked like a charm, whisking you up to your luxurious haven. Other times? It was on strike. Or maybe it just felt that way. Be prepared for a little stair-climbing, depending on your room.
Cleanliness & Safety (or, "Is This Place Secretly a Hospital?"
Okay, moving on. Because from the moment you walk in, it’s clear this place takes its cleanliness seriously. Seriously seriously.
- Anti-viral cleaning products? Check.
- Daily disinfection in common areas? Double-check.
- Room sanitization between stays? You bet your bottom dollar.
It's almost too clean. Like, you could eat off the floors (though I'm not recommending it). It’s reassuring, especially these days. They've really leaned into the whole "safe haven" vibe. They've even got hand sanitizer strategically placed everywhere. It’s like they're begging you to sanitize. I felt a little guilty at first, I kept running back to my room to wash my hands.
- Hygiene certification If you're obsessed with germ warfare, this might be your dream come true
- First aid kit So yes, they also care about your health and safety!
The Rooms (aka, My Personal Temple of Comfort):
My room… Oh, my room. It was gorgeous. Seriously. Like, straight-out-of-a-magazine gorgeous.
- Available in all rooms: Air conditioning? Yes, glorious air conditioning. Needed in the St. Petersburg heat of summer. Free Wi-Fi? Naturally! Coffee/tea maker? Oh, yes, sweet caffeine heaven. Bathrobes and slippers? I immediately donned those things and felt like a pampered king. Blackout curtains? Essential for a good night's (or afternoon's) sleep. In-room safe box? Check – for storing my precious stash of… well, let's just say souvenirs.
- Rooms Features: Additional toilet, Bathtub, High floor, Non-smoking, Private bathroom, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Wake-up service, and Wi-Fi [free]. I did indeed appreciate all of theses features.
Internet Access (or, The Endless Scroll):
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!: The Wi-Fi was, praise the internet gods, blazing fast. Essential for… well, let's just say "research." And for streaming endless hours of terrible reality TV. (Don't judge me.) I was also able to do some work on my laptop. Internet Access – Wireless, Internet access – LAN Check both of these!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (or, My Stomach’s Russian Adventure):
The dining situation was… varied.
- Breakfast [buffet] The breakfast buffet? A mixed bag. The Asian breakfast pastries were tempting. The Western breakfast offerings were… adequate. But, it was easy to grab a cup of delicious Coffee/tea in restaurant.
- Room Service [24-hour] Glorious, glorious 24-hour room service! I’m not ashamed to admit I ordered a midnight snack (or two).
- Restaurants, Snack bar, and Poolside bar I was disappointed that I did not get to try these, but I did see there was a Vegetarian restaurant that I would have loved to try.
- Desserts. Oh there were desserts. I only wish I’d had the stomach capacity to try more.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax (or, My Attempt at Zen):
This is where things got seriously luxurious.
- Spa/sauna; Steamroom; Swimming pool The swimming pool [outdoor], Gym/fitness facility are gorgeous, I'm not going to lie, I spent most of my time in the pool.
- Massage Ah, the massage. Indulgent, relaxing, and exactly what my stressed-out shoulders needed.
- Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath There were so many options! I was in bliss!
Services & Conveniences (or, The Perks of Being a (Slightly Overwhelmed) Guest):
This place is packed with useful stuff.
- Concierge, Daily housekeeping, Safety deposit boxes, Luggage storage, Laundry/dry cleaning, and Dry cleaning All of these things, were wonderful. Especially the concierge. They were helpful, polite, and could arrange pretty much anything.
- Cash withdrawal I was able to get some cash!
- Car park [free of charge] and Car park [on-site] No problem parking!
- Air conditioning in public area and Elevator: Essential for the St. Petersburg climate and all those pesky stairs.
For the Kids (or, The Family-Friendly Factor):
- Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids meal, Kids facilities: Okay, I’m not traveling with kids, so I can't give you a super-detailed account. But it’s clear they cater to them.
Getting Around (or, The Taxi Tales):
- Airport transfer: The airport transfer was smooth and efficient.
- Taxi service, Car park [on-site], Valet parking, Car park [free of charge], Bicycle parking: No problem parking!
The Quirks & Imperfections (because perfection is boring!):
- The Staff: Generally lovely, but there were moments when communication felt a little… lost in translation. Nothing major, just a few instances where I felt like I was speaking a different language (despite my excellent English).
- Minor detail: Room decorations. The Room was over the top, while I loved that it was aesthetically pleasing, it wasn't the most comfortable space.
Overall Impression:
Look, despite a couple of minor hiccups, my stay at Luxury St. Petersburg Apartment: Marata 22 was pretty damn fantastic. It's a luxurious, well-equipped, and generally enjoyable place to stay.
My Honest Recommendation:
Luxury St. Petersburg Apartment: Marata 22? Absolutely.
My Final Thoughts:
I'd go back in a heartbeat. Especially if someone else is paying.
SEO-Optimized Call to Action / Compelling Offer (because we need to sell this thing!):
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- Relaxation Refined: A truly amazing spa experience, complete with a pool, gym, and more!
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Okay, buckle up buttercup. This isn't your grandma's itinerary. We're going rogue in St. Petersburg, starting from my little shoebox on ulitsa Marata 22. Prepare for glorious chaos.
Day 1: Arrival & Avalanche of Awesome (and Jet Lag)
- Morning (or, you know, whenever I manage to drag myself out of bed - probably 11 AM): Arrive! Okay, the flight was a red-eye, which really means a white-eye, because I spent the entire thing trying to look like a respectable human. Apparently, I failed. Passport control was… well, it was Russian. Let's just say the smiles weren't exactly abundant. But hey, I made it! Taxi to Marata 22. The apartment? Tiny, but charmingly so, like a grumpy kitten. And there's a weird, slightly too-loud ticking clock in the hallway. I'm already half in love.
- Afternoon (AKA: Officially Lost): Wandering around the neighborhood. My Russian is… basic, to put it kindly. Found a little cafe - "Пышечная" - because, according to my research, that's what you MUST do. Fluffy, sugary goodness. Nearly choked on the first one because I was so overwhelmed. The babushkas running the place looked at me like I was a slightly confused puppy. Adorable. Got lost trying to find Nevsky Prospekt, the main drag. Actually, I did find it, but then I got distracted by a street performer playing a mournful tune on some sort of accordion thing. Sat there for a solid half hour, just… absorbing. God, I love this city already.
- Evening (AKA: Vodka & Regret… maybe): Ate dinner at a place that probably tourists frequent. It was actually good - borsch, pelmeni, the works - though I have a feeling I could find the same thing for half the price if I weren't so lazy. Then, a pre-arranged vodka tasting experience with a local named Dmitri. I am officially warned that this might not have been wise. It started out fine. We talked about everything and nothing, and he regaled me with tales of the city's history. Then… let's just say the next day’s entry might be missing some details.
Day 2: The Hermitage & The Hammering Headache
- Morning (… if you can call it that after a night of vodka): Woke up with a head that felt like it was hosting a rave. Definitely regretting the vodka. Sunlight was evil. Managed to choke down some strong coffee (thank God for coffee) and stumble out. The Hermitage! The grandest, most ridiculous art collection I've ever witnessed and I'm not even sure what the other words are for ridiculous! The sheer scale of it is overwhelming. You can spend hours just staring at the damn ceilings. I spent a solid hour in front of a Rembrandt, just… mesmerized. Lost my bearings at least three separate times. The crowds are insane, but the art… it’s worth it. Even with the throbbing headache.
- Afternoon (Fueling the Sights): Lunch was at some spot on Ligovsky Prospekt, the area surrounding the apartment, I took Dmitri’s advice and it was a cheap, delicious, chaotic cafeteria. The food was good, but the people– well, they were something else, so many different types of people. Trying not to think of Dmitri right now.
- Evening (Still on the Vodka Highway): Tonight, a ballet at the Mariinsky Theatre. This should be elegant, moving, refined. I just hope I can stay awake. And, more importantly, that I can actually understand what's going on. The last time I saw a ballet, I spent half the time whispering, "What’s happening?" to a friend. Hopefully, I won't be that person this time. I'm trying to find the notes I left for my trip itinerary, but all I've got is a sticky note that just says "Dance, Russian Dance" scribbled across it. It smells like vodka… facepalm.
Day 3: Canals & Cathedrals (And Maybe a Meltdown)
- Morning (Surprisingly Functional?): Okay, maybe the vodka did me some good. No hangover! The apartment is starting to feel like home. I even managed to figure out how to work the washing machine. Victory! Today: a canal tour. St. Petersburg is so beautiful from the water. The buildings… so majestic. The guide… well, he kept calling me "Comrade" and seemed to think I was a spy, but hey, it added to the charm—or, you know, the creeping paranoia.
- Afternoon (Cathedrals and Crumbling Sanity): St. Isaac's Cathedral. Amazing, the golden dome, the sheer size of it! But… it also triggered my claustrophobia. Briefly considered having a full-blown panic attack while staring at a mosaic of Jesus. Pushed through. The inside is even more impressive than the outside, but it's also so crowded that I almost lost it again. Decided to skip the climb to the top. Maybe another day. I need peace.
- Evening (The Emotional Dumpster Fire): I wandered to the Peter and Paul Fortress. Beautiful, historic, all that jazz. But I'm starting to feel… overwhelmed. The language barrier is getting to me. The crowds. The constant stimulation. The tiny apartment with the noisy clock… it's all starting to feel a bit much. Thought about calling Dmitri, but he’d probably just want more vodka. So, I wandered. I sat by the river, watching the boats go by. Let the emotions swirl. It's all part of the journey, right?
Day 4: The Faberge Eggs & My Own Personal Renaissance
- Morning (Egg-cellent!): Faberge Museum! Oh. My. God. The eggs! The detail! The absurdity of it all! It's like looking into a world of pure, unadulterated luxury and wealth. I spent an embarrassing amount of time just gawking. It's not just the eggs, though, it’s the whole collection. The snuff boxes! The cigarette cases! The sheer… opulence of it all. This is what I mean when I say, "Worth it."
- Afternoon (A Little Less “Lost”): I'm finally starting to navigate the city a little better. Found a cute little bakery near my apartment. Got a coffee and some sort of pastry that tasted like sunshine in my mouth. Strolled along Nevsky Prospekt again, but this time, I actually felt like I was part of the city, not just a bewildered tourist.
- Evening (Embracing Imperfection): Found a tiny, dimly lit restaurant serving what I think was traditional Russian food. The service was slow, the waiter looked like he'd rather be anywhere else, and the food was… okay. But I loved it. Because I was finally letting go of the need for everything to be perfect. I'm imperfect. This trip is imperfect. And that's… beautiful. Stumbled back to the apartment, the clock ticking away like some sort of annoying but also strangely comforting guardian angel.
Day 5: Departure (With a Heavy Heart and a Lighter Wallet… and a ton of photos, I hope)
- Morning (Sigh): Packing. This tiny apartment is now a disaster zone of souvenirs and unorganized clothes. Seriously, did I even bring enough clean underwear? Probably not. Coffee, one last look out the window. God, I'm going to miss this place.
- Afternoon (Goodbye, St. Petersburg): Taxi to the airport. Passport control. The flight. I'm already planning my return. Thinking about the art deco of the city and how much I need to come back. I need to explore the rest.
- Evening (Home): Back home. The world feels… flat. Empty. But, I have something new. A love. And a huge, beautiful, slightly messy memory of St. Petersburg.
Luxury St. Petersburg Apartment: Marata 22 - Your Dream Stay Awaits! (Or Does It?) FAQ
So, is this place *really* "luxury"? Because "luxury" can mean anything these days, right? Like, a slightly nicer hotel soap?
Okay, deep breaths. "Luxury" at Marata 22...it's *mostly* legit. Think less "gold-plated toilet seat" (though, wouldn't that be a story?) and more "tastefully renovated old building with high ceilings and ridiculously comfy beds that swallow you whole." It's posh, sure. Marble everywhere, chandeliers that glitter in a way that makes you think you're suddenly in a movie, and a kitchen that actually makes you *want* to cook (which lasted about two days for me, then it was all Uber Eats).
The *real* luxury? The location. Seriously. Walk out the door, and you're practically tripping over St. Petersburg's history. That's the gold, baby. The actual gold, not just the gilded fixtures. The marble is pretty though, I'll give them that.
But... and there's *always* a but, isn't there? One time, the elevator broke down. We were on the fourth floor. And believe me, carrying a suitcase full of souvenirs and a rapidly-melting ice cream sundae up four flights of stairs? That is *not* the definition of "luxury." Just saying.
What's the deal with the location? Is it safe? I've seen movies...
The location? BRILLIANT. Seriously. Marata Street itself is pretty quiet, but you're a hop, skip, and a jump from all the action. Think Nevsky Prospekt (the main drag), the canals... everything! Walking distance to the main sights is a game changer, especially if you’re anything like me and get lost in a heartbeat (which, let's be honest, is most of us).
Safety? Fine. I mean, it's not like you're on a deserted island. Like any big city, use common sense. Don't flash your Rolex in a dimly lit alley at 3 AM. (Or, you know, don't *have* a Rolex, like me.) The building itself is secure. The neighborhood felt comfortable at night. Never had a problem, but I always kept my wits about me. You know? You’d do the same in your own city, right?
Plus, there's a little café right downstairs. Coffee and pastries in the morning? Heaven. Although, the guy working there kept giving me the side-eye, probably because I was attempting to order in Russian with the fluency of a three-year-old. But hey, at least I *tried*.
The photos look amazing! But are they *real* photos? You know how that goes...
Okay, let's talk Reality vs. Instagram. The photos? They are GOOD. Very good. Do *they* show the faint, lingering smell of previous inhabitant's cigarettes that sometimes wafted in from the hallways? No. Do they show the slightly wonky towel rack in the bathroom that threatens to fall off the wall if you breathe on it? Nope.
But overall? Pretty accurate. The high ceilings are real. The plush bedding is real. The marble is… well, you get the idea. It’s a beautifully designed apartment. Expecting *perfect* always sets you up for disappointment, but the core of what’s advertised actually *is* there.
I swear, I took a few photos myself. They looked like a blurry mess of bad lighting and questionable composition. So, yeah, the professional photos are probably better. But hey, at least I tried, right?
Okay, the bedrooms? What's the sleeping situation like? I need my beauty sleep!
The bedrooms are where Marata 22 really shines. Seriously. The beds are like sleeping on a cloud made of pure comfort and possibly magic. I legitimately slept for *hours* on end. Like, I woke up once and thought, "Is it next Tuesday?" (It wasn't, thankfully.)
The blackout curtains? PERFECT. No sunrise peeking through to ruin your precious beauty sleep. You could sleep through a marching band, a thunderstorm, and a particularly enthusiastic game of Russian karaoke. Which, trust me, I tested.
Space? Usually plenty. Storage? Adequate. That said, I'm a chronic over-packer. My suitcase was basically a portable black hole. But I never felt cramped. It actually felt like a cozy haven. Oh, and the sheets? Crisp. White. Wonderful. I wanted to steal them, but I didn't. (Mostly.)
Wi-Fi? Because, you know, the internet is important these days.
The Wi-Fi... let's just say it was functional, but not always fabulous. It worked, which is always essential, of course (especially to not look like a complete idiot when you try to order a taxi). It's not the blazing-fast, fiber-optic, can-download-a-movie-in-seconds speed of the gods. Occasionally, it would get a little...laggy. Especially when I was trying to video call home. "Hello? Hello? Can you hear me?" became my mantra.
But, hey, it was enough to check emails, stalk my ex on social media (don't judge), and plan my next culinary adventure via Uber Eats. And when the internet *did* decide to cooperate, the connectivity was pretty darn good. I suppose I'm asking for too much sometimes when I'm on holiday.
Anything *really* bad about it? Come on, give me the dirt!
Okay, fine. Here's the unvarnished truth, straight from the slightly-jaded traveler's mouth.
The *biggest* complaint: The noise. While being in a nice location means convenience, it also means that you'll have traffic noise. Now, being from a big city myself I'm used to it, but if you're not, consider bringing earplugs. Sirens! Cars! People shouting in Russian at 3 AM (which, honestly, was pretty entertaining, but still disruptive). It really just depends on your tolerance.
The aforementioned elevator. But hey, maybe it's fixed now. I can't say for sure. Ask before you go!
And... once... ONE TIME... a cockroach. Yes, it happened. I'm not proud. He was small. I ran. Problem solved (eventually). But, in my defence, it scared me!
It's not perfect. Nothing ever is. But the good definitely outweighs the bad, in my book. But, hey, I felt it was my duty to share.
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