Historical reenactments never go out of style. People spend their free time to plunge into the past - with all the trappings, from dressmaking and cooking to whole battles. But you can plunge into the past in a more accessible and comfortable way - to settle in one of the historical palaces or Russian estates. Ask where is the romance if it's just a hotel? Try it.
Moscow. Petrovsky traveling palace
How about the palace erected by the decree of Catherine II in honor of the victory in the Russo-Turkish War? It was named after the place, since it was erected at the entrance to Moscow from the side of the then capital, St. Petersburg.
All Russian monarchs stayed there before their coronation. And in 1812, even Napoleon lodged in it - not for long. This was noted by A. S. Pushkin in Eugene Onegin. About how Napoleon was waiting for the keys to the Kremlin in the Peter's castle. Of course, in vain.
Can you imagine what kind of energy? Now, in this example of Russian neo-Gothic, you can stay in any of the 43 luxurious rooms, adding to the list of guests of varying degrees of fame. You don't even have to use your imagination.
The noble Empire style of interiors is combined with modern comfort so imperceptibly that immersion in the historical environment will be complete. And for this it is not necessary to live in the Peter's chambers for 35,000 per day. You can order a standard room for two, it will cost about 7,000 rubles.
St. Petersburg. Hermitage Hotel
This is the official hotel of the museum of the same name. Located in the historical center of St. Petersburg, in a merchant's mansion of the mid-19th century. Fully conveys the atmosphere of the Winter Palace. The rooms are designed in the Empire style, the furniture is made in Italy according to individual projects.
At the same time, the modern equipment of the hotel fully corresponds to the status of five stars. This status is confirmed by the kitchen. Italian is presented in the Michelangelo boutique restaurant, Russian tea is offered in the lobby bar. The exquisite Catherine the Great restaurant prepares dishes based on the historical menu of the Winter Palace.
Room rates start at 30,000 rubles.
Leningrad region. Estate of Maryino
More precisely, it is 60 kilometers from the northern capital. An hour's drive is worth it to get into the absolutely authentic atmosphere of the 19th century. And what the names of the former owners sound like: Stroganovs, Golitsyns!
The history of the estate begins in the first half of the 18th century. The best architects of that time had a hand in the construction and creation of the park ensemble. In our time, thanks to the preserved documents and watercolors of the century before last, it was possible to restore the interiors to the smallest detail. And part of the park - for example, stone bridges from the beginning of the century before last - were simply restored.
This hotel can be stayed many times by changing rooms. Because each of them conveys a unique atmosphere and mood. The view from the windows to the English park complements the atmosphere of the noble estate. Add to this the first-class service and entertainment:
- horseback riding from the estate's stable;
- excursions in the English park;
- visiting an art gallery (in one of the park's pavilions);
- sledding or boating, according to the season;
- rental of historical costumes.
Imagine a photo session in such a suit in the appropriate interior! And if still with greyhounds, or in a carriage …
People from St. Petersburg come to the estate for the holidays - Maslenitsa festivities, Apple Savior, the holiday of roses, the holiday of lilacs, etc. They are held with imagination and on a grand scale. Of course, weddings and proms are held here. The pleasure is expensive, but certainly unusual and memorable.
Smolensk region. Hotel Lafer
This is another journey into the 18th century era. Russianized Scotsman Alexander Leslie became the first general in Russian history for the capture of Smolensk during the Russian-Polish war in the 1830s. And the first governor of the city. His descendants founded the manor in the classical style, with a spacious park and ponds. Further owners, one more famous than the other, have kept the estate in its original form.
The greatness of the estate is the first thing that amazes guests. Spacious grounds, golf courses, magnificent reception rooms, fireplace, luxurious library. And there is something to do:
- visit the pool with sauna.
- play billiards.
- walk in the garden with ponds, apple trees and statues.
- learn the rich history of the estate during a guided tour.
The hotel is often used for celebrations. He is known for good food. A warning for guests: the price of rooms (3500 per night) does not include breakfasts.
Tver region. Seliger Palace Hotel
From the name it is obvious that it is located on the shore of the famous reservoir - Lake Seliger. The owners of the estate were from the Tolstoy family, relatives of the famous writer. Even the smallest rooms have a touch of chic in the hotel.
In addition to traditional entertainment, sledding and boating, there are water attractions and paintball. And also excursions to a deer farm, to an agricultural farm with cheese tasting, on a motor ship on the lake.
Kaliningrad. Hotel Usadba
During the restoration of this old mansion of German aristocrats, they managed to preserve the chimneys and fireplaces of the 19th century. Together with antique brass washbasins and designer furniture, they convey the very atmosphere of a noble estate.
The hotel is surrounded by a Versailles-style park with a heated swimming pool. The hotel's signature cuisine is so popular in Kaliningrad that, despite its remoteness, places in the restaurant must be ordered in advance.
The price of rooms starts from 5700 rubles for a double standard.
Taganrog. Hotel Bristol or Merchant Perushkin Estate
The merchant Perushkin built a house in the middle of the 19th century in the Russian classical style. At the beginning of the last century, the new owners made the Bristol Hotel out of it. The hotel is considered the most fashionable in the city even today. Although the historical setting has been preserved only in the suites, with stucco, canopy, etc.
Things to do? And why do people come to Taganrog - to walk through Chekhov's places or see the originals of Surikov, Aivazovsky, Repin and others in the local art gallery. Or relax on the Sea of Azov.
