Uncover the Secrets of Bolshoy 45: A St. Petersburg Hidden Gem
Uncover the Secrets of Bolshoy 45: A St. Petersburg Hidden Gem (Or Is It?) - A Frankly Honest Review
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we’re diving headfirst into the swirling, vodka-soaked delights (and potential disappointments) of Bolshoy 45 in St. Petersburg. Let me preface this by saying I'm writing this after several shots of vodka, so forgive me if I meander a bit. This ain't your typical, sterile hotel review; this is a real-deal, warts-and-all account.
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(Accessibility - Let's Get it Out the Way)
Okay, let’s start with the serious stuff, because, frankly, it’s crucial. Accessibility: I’m relatively able-bodied but always conscious of those who are not. And, honestly, this area felt… patchy. They claim Facilities for disabled guests, and the presence of an Elevator is a BIG plus. BUT, it's a Russian hotel. They still think stairs are good exercise.
(On-site Accessible Restaurants/Lounges, Wheelchair accessible) I'm not sure on this one as accessibility signage and assistance seemed limited, but again, this is Russia. You'll need to clarify your requirements.
(Internet - Because, You Know, Civilization)
Internet access, Wi-Fi is free in all rooms! Amazing! This is vital. Like, life-or-death vital. Especially when you need to translate the Russian menu after a few shots. And yes, it's true, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! I spent far too much time streaming cat videos in the dead of night. Internet [LAN] was also available, for the truly committed digital nomads out there. Wi-Fi in public areas was also pretty solid.
(Cleanliness & Safety - Gotta Feel Safe, Right?)
Okay, here's where things get interesting. They do talk a good game about being clean. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer… I saw some of it. But, and this is a BIG but (because honestly, I've had BIG dinners), I wouldn't say it felt squeaky clean. I didn't see anyone with a sterilizing ray gun. I did see plenty of people, maybe, looking like they needed a good sanitizing.
- Rooms sanitized between stays. I hope so!
- Daily disinfection in common areas. I definitely hope so!
They offered Room sanitization opt-out available, which I found interesting. Like, are you saying I could choose to live in a germ pit?
And the Big One: COVID Stuff
- They had Staff trained in safety protocol
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter (good luck with that in a busy bar!)
- Individually-wrapped food options (yay for pre-portioned misery!)
- Safe dining setup
They even had a Doctor/nurse on call and a First aid kit – which is reassuring, especially after a few too many vodkas.
(Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - Fueling the Adventure!)
This is where Bolshoy 45 really shines, or spectacularly face-plants. Restaurants, Restaurants, Restaurants!. They got a bunch! And the options!
The Highlights
- The buffet? It was actually Pretty decent for a Hotel buffet! Western and Asian food options were plentiful, and, yes, there was a great selection of pastries.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant was amazing! Needed to stay up late.
The Lowlights
- The Bar: It's a scene. A slightly… chaotic scene. They offered a Happy hour, and a Poolside bar. Service was hit or miss (leaning towards miss – more on that later), but the selection was on point (I tried to order a drink with a Russian name! It was bad)
- A la carte in restaurant: This was a real gamble. I think I ordered a salad… I can't remember if it had the right ingredients (or ANY ingredients)
- Coffee shop: Always a good thing!
- Snack bar: Always good after a few vodkas!
The Drinks
- Bottle of water: Always a plus, needed, for rehydrating after too much vodka!
(Things to Do & Ways to Relax - Spoil Me, Please!)
Alright, let's get to the good stuff. The indulgent stuff. The "I deserve this" stuff.
- Spa/sauna, Spa: The spa was a mixed bag. The Sauna and Steamroom were a godsend after tramping around in the St. Petersburg cold! But, the Pool with view was a real treat!
- Swimming pool [outdoor],[indoor]
- Body scrub, Body wrap – I contemplated a body wrap. Decided I wasn’t in good enough shape for it.
- Massage: I think I had a massage. It was, uh, relaxing.
- Fitness center, Gym/fitness: If you want to stay in shape, go here.
(Services and Conveniences - What Makes Life Easier?)
So many little things, and some big ones.
- Air conditioning in public area - bless you!
- Concierge: The concierge team was helpful to a point… but like most things in Russia, you're going to have to be pushy and polite at the same time.
- Cash withdrawal, Currency exchange
- Daily housekeeping, because someone should deal with my mess.
- Doorman; I'm a big fan of doormen, they make me feel important.
- Dry cleaning, Elevator, Ironing service, Laundry service - All the usual suspects, and I appreciated all of them.
- Luggage storage: Essential when your luggage has been lost by 2 different airlines.
- Safety deposit boxes: Always a must.
- Smoking area, Terrace
(For the Kids - Family Friendly?)
I didn't have kids with me, but they had Babysitting service and said they were Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal Not something I really can comment on.
(The Rooms - The Heart of the Matter)
Okay, the rooms. THE ROOMS! This is where things get real.
- Available in all rooms: the usual suspects.
- Additional toilet
- Air conditioning – YES!
- Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
My Room Experience
The room itself? Let's be honest: it was fine. It had a weird, slightly aged charm (think faded grandeur, not actual decay). The bed was comfy enough after a few vodkas, and the blackout curtains were ESSENTIAL. I appreciated the Free bottled water, because hydration is key, people! The Mini bar was… tempting. Okay, I raided it. The toiletries were decent, but nothing to write home about, and the shower was functional, but a little… unpredictable.
And the Little Imperfections
- The soundproofing could be better. I could hear my neighbors’ late-night karaoke sessions… if they were ever-so-slightly quieter.
- The Wi-Fi was sometimes a little dodgy.
- The decor was a bit… dated. Think '80s chic meets Soviet austerity.
(Getting Around - Location, Location, Location!)
- Airport transfer: Yes. God send after a long flight.
- Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking – All the things you need.
- Bicycle parking
(Safety and Security - Not To Be Ignored)
- **CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private], Couple's room, Exterior corridor, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour],
Alright, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your sanitized, Instagram-filtered travel blog. This is me, wrestling with the chaos of Saint Petersburg, Russia, and the Bolshoy Drama Theatre (because, naturally, my sanity would be tested there). Here's my version of a trip, complete with existential crises and questionable life choices:
Bolshoy 45, Saint Petersburg: A Messy Symphony
(Day 1: Arrival and Initial Panic)
10:00 AM - Arrival at Pulkovo Airport (LED): Okay, first hurdle: immigration. My document? Approved. But my face? Apparently, a source of deep suspicion. The stern-faced woman at the passport control looked like she was judging my life choices, and honestly, I can’t blame her. After what felt like an eternity (probably 3 minutes, but my heart was tapdancing), I was IN. Freedom! Time to find baggage claim.
- Anecdote: Saw a guy trying to balance three massive suitcases, a child, and a bewildered chihuahua. Pure, unadulterated comedy gold. Also, made me feel slightly better about my own stressed-out state.
11:30 AM - Taxi to Bolshoy 45 (Airbnb): My Airbnb host? Apparently, he thinks "directions" are a suggestion. After circling the block four times and enduring a torrent of incomprehensible Russian from the taxi driver, we arrived. The building itself is gorgeous, classic Petersburg. But getting my luggage up those five flights of stairs? I'm pretty sure I pulled a muscle in my eyeballs.
1:00 PM - Unpacking and Appraisal: The apartment is charming, but the sofa is suspiciously lumpy, and the "balcony view" is mostly a brick wall. Oh well, I'm in Russia! Time to embrace the grit, the grandeur, and the potential for bed bugs (just kidding… mostly).
2:00 PM - Lunch at "Pyshechnaya" (Donuts): Gotta fuel the body. This place is a classic. Cheap, cheerful, and probably not overly concerned with hygiene. The donuts were heavenly, though. My gut gives a thumbs up, my doctor… probably not so much.
3:00 PM - Exploration of the Neighborhood: Wandered around the neighborhood. The architecture is breathtaking, the bridges are beautiful, but the sheer number of statues staring blankly at me is a bit unsettling. Is this place judging me too? Probably. I needed to get my bearings, which mostly involved getting lost. I had to ask a street vendor for directions, and he just gave me a look that said, "Tourist." Ah, the universal language.
6:00 PM - Dinner at a local Cafeteria : This place was rough. The lady serving the food looked like she wanted to stab someone and the food was even more questionable. The meat? Chewy and suspiciously grey. My reaction? I ate it anyway. Gotta take risks, right?
7:30 PM - Early Night: Jet lag is a bully. Collapsed into bed, convinced I could hear the ghosts of Tsarist Russia whispering in my ear.
(Day 2: The Bolshoy and Existential Theatre)
- 9:00 AM - Breakfast Struggle: Found a local bakery. Attempted to communicate through a combination of pointing, frantic hand gestures, and my broken Russian. Success! Got a delicious bread-like thing. Not entirely sure what it was, but it tasted like victory.
- 10:00 AM - A Wandering of the Hermitage Museum (Attempted): Dear lord. The Hermitage. It's not just a museum; it's a universe. Lost, overwhelmed, and questioning my own artistic merit after seeing the Rembrandts. I think I spent more time staring at the crowds than the art.
- Rambling: So many rooms, so much history, so many people. I started to think about how all the art might have been stolen at one time or another. This is a common Russian thing. It’s probably true, but I’m still glad the art is here.
- 1:00 PM - Lunch near the Hermitage: Found a cafe. The food was overpriced, but the people-watching was gold.
- 2:00 PM - The Bolshoy Drama Theatre (The Reason I'm Here.): THE MOMENT. The Bolshoy. Inside, I was in absolute awe. The golden chandeliers, the plush seats, the velvet everywhere. It was like being swallowed by a fairytale. I purchased a program (of course, in Russian).
- 3:00 PM - The Performance (and the Emotional Rollercoaster): Finally, sat down and prepared for the show. (I'm going to tell you about this, in detail.)
- I saw a performance of The Seagull, by Anton Chekhov. I thought I understood the play, but no. This performance hit me harder than a brick. Each character was so vibrant, so achingly human. Every gesture, every sigh from the actors spoke volumes. It was beautiful and heartbreaking and funny and a little insane. I felt every emotion under the sun, simultaneously.
- Deeper Dive: I'm not a theatre critic, but the actors… they were living the play. Elena, the actress playing the main character, was phenomenal. Her portrayal was so realistic, and I knew I could relate to her in some way. And the set! Simple, yet perfect. By the end, I had tears streaming down my face and I was trying to keep it together. Afterwards, I just wanted to go home and cry (but I still had 3 more days in St. Petersburg).
- I saw a performance of The Seagull, by Anton Chekhov. I thought I understood the play, but no. This performance hit me harder than a brick. Each character was so vibrant, so achingly human. Every gesture, every sigh from the actors spoke volumes. It was beautiful and heartbreaking and funny and a little insane. I felt every emotion under the sun, simultaneously.
- 6:00 PM - Post-Theatre Debrief: Walked in the cool night air of the city, trying to find something to eat. I still had a bit of a headache because I cried so badly, but the world was beautiful.
- 7:00 PM - Back to the apartment (and some internal processing): The show still lingered in me.
(Day 3: Rivers, Churches, and Questionable Souvenirs)
- 10:00 AM - A Boat Tour: A cheesy boat tour on the Neva River. Actually, it was kind of wonderful. The city looks magical from the water, and it’s a welcome respite from the crowds.
- 12:00 PM - Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood: Wow. Just… wow. The sheer glitter of this place is almost overwhelming. It’s stunning, ornate, and completely bonkers. I’m not even religious, but I felt… something. (Probably just amazed)
- 1:00 PM - Lunch: I went to a small cafe near the church. The food was great! I also met a nice lady and we talked about life and the play (because you know I would).
- 3:00 PM - Shopping for Souvenirs (the inevitable): I went to the market. Everything was beautiful. I bargained for some nesting dolls. I also bought a furry hat and some random trinkets. I'm not sure what I'm going to do with half of it, but hey, memories!
- 5:00 PM - Late Afternoon Rambles: Exhausted. Headed back to the apartment with a smile and a few souvenirs.
- 7:00 PM - Dinner at a local Italian Restaurant: It was fine. The food was good but a bit heavy after all the walking and sightseeing.
- 9:00 PM - Bedtime: Already tired with tomorrow on the horizon.
(Day 4: Palace Perfection and Farewell Feels)
- 9:00 AM - Breakfast: Found the bakery again, but this time, I ordered my favorite bread-like thing. I feel as though I am becoming a local.
- 10:00 AM - Peterhof Palace: Versailles of Russia. Gardens that stretched out and out, fountains, gold everywhere. It's even more opulent than it looks in photos. It was incredible. I took a photo of the view from a bridge, and it was exactly how I wanted to remember it.
- 1:00 PM - Lunch: I enjoyed a nice meal at a cafe with a view of the palace. I started to pack my case because tomorrow, I would leave.
- 3:00 PM - Final Stroll: Wandering my favorite streets. Saying goodbye.
- 5:00 PM - Packing: I started to pack. This trip felt so long, but the days had gone by quickly. I'd made a lot of mistakes, but I had come to terms with them.
- 7:00 PM - Dinner: I went to a favorite restaurant and enjoyed my final meal.
- 9:00 PM - Final Thoughts: Reflecting. Saint Petersburg: beautiful, bizarre, and brilliant. I’m exhausted, but thrilled to have seen it. I want to come back.
**(Day 5: Leaving with a Sigh,
Escape to Paradise: Pranee Home, Your Phang Nga Haven
Bolshoy 45: The Unvarnished Truth (and Maybe a Little Vodka) - FAQs
So, what *exactly* is Bolshoy 45? Sounds…mysterious. And is it even worth the hassle?
How do I *find* this elusive Bolshoy 45? Because I've heard tales of getting lost for hours. (And feeling utterly, completely, alone...)
What kind of "experience" are we actually talking about? Is it a museum? A restaurant? A…cult? (Kidding… mostly.)
Is it suitable for kids? Because I've got a seven-year-old who thinks "bored" is a personality trait.
What should I wear? Is there a dress code? Do I need to bring anything?
Okay, let's get real. What was the *most* memorable part of *your* experience? Spill the tea! (Or, you know, the vodka.)
Any final words of wisdom? Or warnings? Or tips to survive…?
