Author Boutique Hotel

ample and delicious breakfast buffet, extremely helpful staff, free wi-fi internet, nice location close to Nevsky prospect and tube (quite a long walk to the Hermitage though)

Be aware that the hotel actually has a few rooms without windows (or rather they have windows looking onto the lobby, so no natural light and curtains have to remain shut). We were unlucky enough to get such a room upon arrival, but complained - the room in addition had no hot water and a broken air-con, which made it freezing and the carpet was beyond filthy. We were ready to cancel our reservation and leave, but the hotel staff were extremely helpful and apologetic and put us into a different room, which was perfect and had a nice view into the courtyard. Would recommend this hotel, despite the intital hick-ups.