Concierge.com's insider take:

St. Petersburg's luxury hotels often feel like extensions of the palaces you come here to visit—the more gold plating and brocade, the better. But sometimes you need a palate cleanser, a more streamlined place to lay your head. And for that we suggest the Corinthia. Set in a historic building on Nevsky Prospekt, the hotel reflects modern St. Petersburg with clean-lined, dark-wood furniture and luxe textures in buttery leather headboards and plush velvet couches. This is Russia, so you'll still get your glam, but here it comes in the form of elegant Art Deco chandeliers and caviar breakfasts. It's worth the extra $100 to stay in the executive wing that the hotel annexed in 2010. In addition to a better room, you'll get ironing services, business assistance (free printing, Wi-Fi, computer usage), and access to a lounge supplied with an impressive array of free food and drinks. The on-site Imperial Restaurant serves solid Mediterranean fare but is best during breakfast, when you can sip Champagne and watch the bustle of Nevsky go by.—Colleen Clark