Nevsky Central Hotel — Hotel in Литейный округ

Book this hotel for our trip to St Petersburg... then found out that they stated on their website that the cost of issuing Visa Supporting documents (required for Russian Visa application) is over US$22. I thought this must be a mistake... since Ibis Hotel chain in the same city provides such a document for free. I emailed them to ask.. only to be surprised by the reply.... stating that for Singaporeans... the fee is not US$22 but US$60 per person!!! ||||This is even more expensive than the hotel room itself.... absolutely daylight robbery! I emailed the hotel booking website immediately and after some time to go through the system (and providing clear evidence), they allowed me to cancel my booking for a full refund. I lost some money with exchange rate losses on my credit card, but it did not matter. I was never going to stay there even if I cannot get any refund and even if they waived the document charge (which they did not).||||If they are willing to charge us US$60 per person (despite their website stating US$22) and Ibis chain does the same thing for free... who knows what further tricks they will pull to rob us blind when we reach there. Not something you want to worry about when you are on holiday. ||||This is a terribly dishonest hotel. I am a level 6 reviewer, so my record speaks for itself. This account is absolutely true. Do not stay here! You have...

This hotel is on 'the far end' of Nevsky Prospect and therefore has a good location as you can use many (trolley)buslines to get where you want to be.||This is not a typical hotel, but a 'hidden' one on the third floor of a building. We only saw stairs, but there should be a hidden elevator (?). ||Staff speaks ok english and helps you out where possible. But you will have to ask for it. ||The rooms were more than ok. A good shower, nice beds, enough space, dark, ... Just don't expect a woow-effect. There is wifi that works fine, the place is clean and feels safe.||The breakfast is basic, but typical russian. Don't expect much variation. What really bothers me is the lack of a 'common space' where you can sit together. Also for breakfast, there is really not enough space to seat everyone. The doors are also not really sound-proof (but the walls are, and that is the most important). ||So... though one... 3 or 4 stars, I don't know... There is room for improvement, but on the other hand, this is a good option to discover...

Besides the great location of this hotel everything else about this place is bad, especially for senior citizens: || 1. Located on the third floor and you have to climb two more floors to reach the room; no lift or staff to help carry luggage.||2. Rooms are pigeon holes and bathroom is really tiny.Beds are very small.||3.No kettles or tea options in rooms. No laundry service.No complimentary water bottles in rooms. ||4.Breakfast is very basic and no options especially for vegetarians. || 5.Receptionist Anna is very helpful in being very rude and unhelpful. ||We reached at 1am and just 2 bags out of 8 bags got picked by capable security guys after pleading with Anna, while almost getting mugged on the streets waiting for someone to help carry the luggage. ||Trip advisor please stop putting paid reviews of how nice the hotel is. Respect travellers who are coming...