Location, location, location! Within 3 blocks of Hermitage, Winter Palace and Palace Square as well as the Neva River. Comfortable strolls up Nevsky Prospect to other historical sites and dining, as well as short walks to Cathedrals parks and canals.
The hotels staff was almost without exception, wonderful. Even the one who was less than wonderful was only noteworthy in contrast to how kind and friendly the others were. Breakfast was a homey, intimate affair, cooked to order by the, apparently, only person on duty for the day. It was well prepared and pleasant. The last day was a bit substandard, but the rest of the week was quite nice.
The room was small, as is customary, but quite nice and clean. Housekeeping kept it immaculate for our stay. The only detraction from the accommodations was the WiFi, which was nearly non-existent. There was just enough of it to make it utterly frustrating. Had there been none at all, at least we could have given up trying. EVERY other place we went had better WiFi.
However, that was a minor annoyance in a sea of pleasant experiences. The bed was comfortable, the bathroom small but well designed and more than adequate and most of the staff were so nice as to make us want to stay in the Amulet again when we return to St Petersburg.
A word on the people of St Petersburg... Lovely. OK, more than A word.. friendly, kind and welcoming. I look forward to my next visit.