W St Petersburg is part of the Quest Around the Globe Trip Report.
The W St Petersburg is now the SO Sofitel. But that wasn’t always the case. It used to be a W, a brand that I love to hate, but can’t help to stay (see The W Scottsdale: Too Cool to Care & The W Hollywood: Unwelcome Even on Your Birthday). What makes W a W? Indifferent service of course. That impersonal, inconsistent treatment was on full display at the W St. Petersburg. On the one hand, I was given a great suite. On the other, I was refused late checkout.
From the Outside
Unlike the W Barcelona, this W was hidden among the beautiful buildings of St. Petersburg.
To the Inside
Say what you will about the cold treatment at W Hotels, there’s still a buzz in their eclectic lobbies.
Veuve
Though I was not treated like royalty at the front desk, I was treated like a celebrity at the rooftop patio. From vodka tasting to champagne, I soon remembered why I enjoy the W brand.
TPOL’s TIP: Check out Grand Hotel Europe St. Petersburg: Vodka + Caviar + Birthplace of Beef Stroganoff for more vodka tasting.
Suite
In better spirits (pun intended), I walked into my unique suite.
The Bedroom
I used to own a W mattress. While I prefer my Sealy hybrid, W beds are also great.
The Bathroom
W is no longer in St. Petersburg and my favorite soaps from Bliss are no longer with W.
View
The view was much better than the Radisson Sauna which was allegedly across the street from KGB HQ.
Breakfast
The breakfast was far from average. I was surprised by the selection.
Goodbye
I leave you with a welcome gift from W and a note with words that are never more.
