ST. PETERSBURG, RUSSIA—Nearly two centuries after its debut as the city’s most exclusive residence for Peter the Great and Catherine the Great, the House with Lions has been redesigned as Four Seasons Hotel Lion Palace St. Petersburg, which recently opened.
The iconic triangular building in the heart of St. Petersburg was originally conceived by Auguste Montferrand as the private address of the city’s elite, with a see-and-be-seen grand lobby leading to a number of fashionable apartments, conveniently located just steps from the Winter Palace.
Montferrand’s original vision and 19th century imperial aesthetic set the design direction for the new Four Seasons Hotel Lion Palace St. Petersburg. Every detail was studied, resulting in a look that is authentic to the classic, European-influenced style of the period, according to the company.
The hotel’s 151 guestrooms offer distinct color palettes, such as 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.
“Years of meticulous restoration and perfecting of the guest experience are setting the stage for a new era of style and luxury in St. Petersburg,” said Christopher Norton, president/Europe, Middle East and Africa for Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts.
Situated next to St. Isaac’s Cathedral, Four Seasons Hotel Lion Palace St. Petersburg also offers unique dining and drinking concepts, event spaces; a spa will open soon.