GoodApart St. Petersburg: Russia's BEST Apartments? (You Won't Believe #3!)
GoodApart St. Petersburg: Russia's BEST Apartments? (You Won't Believe #3!)
GoodApart St. Petersburg: Russia's BEST Apartments? (You Won't Believe #3!) – My Chaotic Love Letter
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I'm about to unravel my experience at GoodApart in St. Petersburg, and trust me, it's a rollercoaster. The website's blurb promised “Russia's BEST Apartments? (You Won't Believe #3!)," and I'm here to spill the tea, the borscht, and maybe a little bit of vodka (metaphorically, of course, because I'm writing this in the sober light of day… mostly). This isn't some sterile, cookie-cutter hotel review, this is real life, with all its glorious messiness.
Let's Get Down To Brass Tacks (or rather, Russian Brass?) - Accessibility, Safety, and… My Anxiety!
First things first, let's talk Accessibility. GoodApart boasts facilities for disabled guests, which is AMAZING. While I don't personally need them, I think it's incredibly important. They also have an elevator, which, let's be honest, is a godsend in any multi-story building. Especially after a long day of sightseeing. But here's a confession: I have a mild fear of elevators. They're these metal boxes that trap you… anyway, GoodApart's elevator ran smoothly. Crisis averted!
Now, on to the more pressing concern for a germaphobe like myself: Cleanliness and Safety. They REALLY hyped up their commitment. And let me tell you, I watched them like a hawk! Anti-viral cleaning products, Rooms sanitized between stays, Daily disinfection in common areas… it felt like a full-blown hazmat situation, in the best possible way! They even had Hand sanitizer dispensers practically everywhere. I felt, dare I say it, safe. They also had a Doctor/nurse on call which I didn’t use, but it's good to know it's there. They had Staff trained in safety protocol and CCTV in common areas (and outside!), which I didn't even notice, but made me sleep slightly better. Okay, much better.
The COVID protocols seemed legit. Breakfast takeaway service was available. They had Individually-wrapped food options. And I did notice the Physical distancing of at least 1 meter being enforced. They really took it seriously, maybe over-seriously? I actually appreciated it, despite my slightly neurotic tendencies. They even offered a Room sanitization opt-out available.
The Room: My Personal Fortress of Comfort (and Maybe Some Small Regrets)
My room? Oh, my room! It was a haven. Okay, maybe a slightly over-the-top haven. I went for the "Deluxe Plus" option that was Non-smoking, thank god, or there would have been problems.
The Air conditioning was a godsend (St. Petersburg summers can be surprisingly… balmy). The Blackout curtains were PERFECT for sleeping off that jet lag. And the view? Well, it was…a view. Let's just say, I didn't feel the desperate urge to Instagram it, but it got the job done.
The Wi-Fi [free] was a life-saver. Seriously, the internet in Russia can be hit or miss, but at GoodApart, it was fast and reliable. They had, like, every internet option you can think of: Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services, and even Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (I think I might have accidentally gotten a double dose on my first attempt).
I even had a bathtub with a separate shower, and a bathrobes for god sake! Honestly, I felt like a czar (or at least a well-pampered ex-pat). I did miss the Additional toilet however.
Small things, though. I still had an AMAZING Air conditioning in public area so, I'm good.
I noticed the Coffee/tea maker and Mini bar.
Dining, Sipping, and the Great Quest for a Decent Cappuccino
Okay, so, the dining situation. GoodApart has a Restaurant, and a Coffee shop. And, thank every god, more than one Restaurant. They did Breakfast [buffet] and Asian breakfast, which was cool. I actually found the Western cuisine in restaurant more my speed, and it wasn't bad. I was hoping for a bit more flavor.
But the cappuccino… oh, the cappuccino. It was sadly, a bit of a disappointment (I should have requested a double espresso). I was a bit hangry, but I didn't hate it. I got Breakfast service so I was pretty happy. I did spot the Poolside bar but wasn't entirely sure if I was in the mood but I got some juices anyway, so it was good.
I thought about grabbing a Bottle of water for the room.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax (and My Failed Spa Attempt)
GoodApart has a bunch of offerings in this department. They had a Fitness center and a Gym/fitness, but I'm not what you would call "athletic." I did see a Spa and the Spa/sauna which was, like, a 15-minute walk away. They also have a Sauna, Steamroom, and a Swimming pool, and Swimming pool [outdoor]. I was tempted by a Body scrub, Body wrap, and Foot bath, but alas, my attempt at a spa day ended in a frantic hunt for a decent map (I could have used a concierge in my life) and the eventual realization that I'd rather nap. I was really lazy.
Services and Conveniences: Because Life is Easier When Someone Else Does the Heavy Lifting (or Folding Your Socks)
Okay, so, for this section: Doorman. Concierge. Daily housekeeping. Laundry service. These are all things I appreciate, especially when I'm on a trip. Basically, all the basics were covered. The Daily housekeeping was great. The Laundry service let me pack light, which is ALWAYS a win. They even had a Food delivery option.
They had Cash withdrawal and Currency exchange, which is always useful. And the Car park [free of charge] was a huge bonus (parking in St. Petersburg can be a nightmare).
The Quirks, The Creaks, and A Few Minor Meltdowns
No place is perfect, right? I did encounter a few minor hiccups. The first few days, I was really hoping they had the A la carte in restaurant option.
I tried the Room service [24-hour], and it took…a while. It wasn't the end of the world, but it was a small reminder that I wasn't exactly in the Ritz.
The Verdict: Should You Believe the Hype? (Maybe, Mostly, Definitely)
So, is GoodApart the BEST Apartments in St. Petersburg? Well, that's subjective. But for the price, the location, the commitment to safety (especially right now!), and the general level of comfort… I'm leaning towards YES.
It's a solid choice, especially if you're a bit of a germaphobe (like me!). It's clean, comfortable, and convenient. It's not perfect, but it's pretty darn good. And hey, if I can't find the perfect cappuccino, the world goes on. And now, the offer you've all been waiting for…
Exclusive Limited-Time Offer: Escape to St. Petersburg in Style (and Safety!) at GoodApart!
Tired of the same old hotels? Craving a real Russian experience? Then book your stay at GoodApart St. Petersburg and get ready to be amazed!
- Special Discount: Enjoy a 15% discount on all room bookings when you use code "SPBGOESHERE" at checkout.
- Complimentary Upgrade: Book a "Comfort" room or higher and receive a free upgrade to the next room category (subject to availability). This will include all the facilities of the highest available room.
- Free Breakfast Buffet: Start your day with a delicious and safe breakfast buffet, included with every booking!
- Peace of Mind Guarantee: We've implemented the strictest safety protocols to ensure your health and well-being. Book with confidence knowing you're in good hands.
Don't wait! This offer is valid for a limited time only. Click here to book your unforgettable stay at GoodApart St. Petersburg!
Book now, before I book again and clean out all the rooms!
Kuching Staycation SHOCKER: Saddam's Secret MetroCity Getaway!
Alright, alright, buckle up, buttercups! This ain't your sanitized, Pinterest-perfect travel guide. This is my attempt to wrangle Saint Petersburg, Russia, into some semblance of order, knowing full well it'll probably unravel faster than a babushka's knitted scarf. Here's what I think I've got planned for my GoodApart St. Petersburg adventure:
Day 1: Arrival and the Grand (and Slightly Overwhelming) Entrance
- Morning (or, more realistically, late morning because jet lag is a beast): Arriving in St. Pete. Landed at the airport. Passport control was an experience. Felt like I was being studied by a panel of very serious judges. Finally, freedom!
- The metro felt like something out of a Cold War movie. Really, those stations! Marble, chandeliers, and people looking like they know secrets I'll never be privy to. Pro Tip: Don't stand in the middle of the escalator unless you want to get side-eyed into oblivion.
- Checked into GoodApart. My apartment is… well, it's an apartment. Let's just say the photos were generous. Think "charming" with a healthy dose of "character." The walls seem to have absorbed a lot of stories, probably mostly involving vodka and dramatic declarations of love.
- Afternoon: First foray into the city. Walked to the Church of the Saviour on Spilled Blood. Holy moly! The colours! The onion domes! My jaw literally dropped. Spent way too long staring at it, feeling a strange mix of awe and… a little bit of dizzying overwhelm. So many colours!
- Lunch: Found a little cafe, tried to order something in Russian. Utter disaster. Ended up with a plate of pierogi that were delightfully delicious. The babushka behind the counter just chuckled at my mangled pronunciation. I think she secretly enjoyed it.
- Evening: Attempted to see a ballet at the Mariinsky Theatre. Got hopelessly lost trying to find my seat. The sheer grandeur of the place nearly made me pass out. The ballet itself? Wonderful, of course. The elegance! The precision! I fell asleep halfway through Act II. Jet lag is not a friend.
Day 2: Palaces, Portraits, and a Moment of Existential Dread
- Morning: Peterhof Palace. Okay, okay, I'm not a huge fan of crowds. This place was a literal sea of tourists. However, the fountains are pretty amazing. So many fountains! Spent what felt like hours trying to get a good photo without a horde of selfie-stick wielding maniacs ruining the shot. It was a losing battle.
- The Gardens: Beyond the fountains, the gardens were beautiful. Managed to find a quiet spot and just… breathed. The sheer scale of the place made me feel tiny, and for the first time I understood why Peter the Great wanted a window to the west.
- Afternoon: The Hermitage Museum. Prepare yourself. This isn't a museum; it's a universe. The paintings! The sculptures! The sheer scale of the artwork! The people! The rooms! The crowds! I wandered around in a stupor for hours. Stared at a Rembrandt and felt a weird pang of existential dread, questioning my entire existence.
- The Impressionists: Decided to only focus on the impressionist works. Lost all track of time. The art was spectacular.
- Evening: Wandering the Nevsky Prospekt. So many shops! So many lights! So many people! Ended up buying an incredibly overpriced, ridiculously fluffy hat from a street vendor because I'm a sucker for a bargain.
Day 3: Canals, Cafes, and the Undeniable Allure of a Good Blini
- Morning: Boat tour on the canals. Beautiful! Finally, some peace and quiet. The city looks stunning from the water. The architecture is awe-inspiring. The guide’s voice was incredibly soothing, I think I almost fell asleep again.
- Afternoon: Cafe-hopping. Found a cozy little cafe in a side street. Tried (and failed) to order coffee in Russian (again). Ended up with something vaguely resembling a cappuccino. Delicious, nonetheless.
- Wandered through the Dom Knigi bookstore. Holy books, there are a lot of books in Russian! The place had such a great atmosphere, and I loved the architecture.
- Evening: Doubling down on the blini experience. Found a recommended restaurant and had a full plate. Savoury blini! Sweet blini! Blini with sour cream, blini with caviar (a very small amount – my budget, sadly). Had a shot of vodka because, Russia. Honestly, it was the best meal of my life. I am basically the happiest woman alive.
Day 4: (Hopefully) No More Jet Lag and Some Serious Cathedral Therapy
- Morning: St. Isaac's Cathedral. The sheer size of it! Climbed to the top to get a view of the city. The view was brilliant, the climb? Brutal. My legs are still screaming.
- A quiet moment, looking out over the city. Realized that, despite the crowds, the over-stimulation, and the occasional language barrier, I'm actually falling in love with this crazy, beautiful place.
- Afternoon: Continuing on the Cathedral kick. Kazan Cathedral. The architecture is amazing. The interior… just wow!
- Evening: Dinner. Trying to venture beyond the tourist haunts. Wish me luck. I might come back on Day 4 with a much better idea. Oh, and maybe actually manage to learn a few more Russian phrases.
Day 5: Departure (With a Heavy Heart and a Slightly Lighter Wallet)
- Morning: Last-minute souvenir shopping. Panic buying. The fluffy hat is going to get a friend.
- One final stroll through the city. The air just smells different here. The light is incredible. Trying to imprint every detail in my memory.
- Afternoon: Airport. Goodbye, Saint Petersburg! You magnificent, chaotic, beautiful beast. I already miss you.
- Contemplating how to get back, and how to learn Russian.
- Promise myself to never attempt a Russian translation.
Imperfect Thoughts & Imperfections:
- My Russian is atrocious. I'm pretty sure I've inadvertently insulted several very patient people.
- I'm exhausted. The city is a whirlwind. Take a nap when you can.
- The food is amazing. Eat everything. Seriously. Especially the blini.
- The crowds are real. Brace yourself. Embrace the chaos.
- The beauty is undeniable. Even with the crowds, the language barrier, and the jet lag, Saint Petersburg is worth it. It’s a city that gets under your skin and stays with you long after you've left. I can't wait to get back.
This, my friends, is my "plan." Let the adventure begin! (And, hopefully, I won't get completely lost.)
Jaw-Dropping 3BR Palace View in Jakarta! (Grand Kemayoran Luxury)
Okay, spill. Are GoodApart St. Petersburg actually *good*? And what's with the "Russia's BEST Apartments?!" claim? Sounds like hype to me...
Alright, buckle up, because "good" is an understatement, and that "BEST" claim? Yeah, it's… ambitious. Look, I've stayed in *a lot* of rental apartments, from grimy hostel dorms to ludicrously overpriced "luxury" flats. GoodApart? They're aiming for something more.
My first time, I was skeptical. Moscow was where I typically went, but my friend dragged me, raving about "authentic St. Pete experiences." We booked a place in the *heart* of it all, near the Winter Palace. The listing photos? GORGEOUS. I figured, “Meh, probably airbrushed to oblivion.”
Nope. It was EVEN BETTER. Seriously. More character, more sunlight, the kind of quirky details you never, *ever* get in a chain hotel. This wasn't just a place to crash; it was a *vibe*. And the location? Couldn't be beaten. We walked everywhere. Imagine stepping out your front door and BAM – Catherine's Palace. Or ambling to the Hermitage after breakfast. Mind. Blown.
Am I saying they're perfect? Absolutely not. But they get *close*. As for "BEST"? Let's just say they are definitely in the running. I’m now a convert. And so is my friend. We are GoodApart groupies!
Sounds idyllic. But what about the nitty-gritty? Like, are they clean? And what about the check-in process? I hate a hassle.
Cleaning? Okay, this is where things get a little… human. The place I booked was spotless. Sparkling. *Then* my buddy booked a different one. And I saw a little dust on a shelf. Nothing egregious, mind you, but enough to notice. It's probably a consistency thing. They’re not a huge corporation; it feels like more individual owners or managers. They’re not running a hotel chain. One of the *charms* for some of us.
Check-in? Usually smooth. They're generally pretty good with communication. I had one snafu - the key wasn't where it was supposed to be. Panic? A little. But then I called and, boom, the issue was fixed in like, fifteen minutes. They are very responsive, and I felt as they were dealing with the problem, they are dealing with *my* problem as a friend who’s having a nightmare not a faceless customer. It was impressive. (And they might have given us a small discount for the inconvenience… don't tell anyone!)
My advice? Communicate any issues *immediately*. They seem genuinely keen to help. And bring a mini-dust cloth, just in case you're extra prone to cleanliness or a little OCD like myself sometimes. But overall, positive on both fronts, especially considering some of the horror stories I've heard about other rentals.
Okay, okay, "character" and "vibe" are subjective. Let's get real about the *amenities*. What can I expect? Are we talking basic, or are we talking… luxurious Russian-style pampering?
Ah, the amenities question. This is where the “it depends” starts. Think of it somewhat like this: GoodApart offers a spectrum. Generally, they lean towards "comfortably furnished" rather than "bling-tastic gold-plated faucets." However, from that spectrum, the specifics vary wildly, from the basic necessities (wi-fi, a decent bed, a kitchen) to some real showstoppers.
One place I stayed in had heated floors in the bathroom! Heated FLOORS! In the dead of winter in St. Petersburg! It was heaven. And another one, a ridiculously charming apartment that overlooked a tiny, cobbled courtyard, had an *actual* working fireplace. Talk about romance!
Then there's the one I just booked – a small, quirky apartment with a balcony - the listing showed a coffee machine. And it was a *good* coffee machine! Oh, the joy of a proper cappuccino first thing in the morning, gazing out over the city… Okay, I'm getting carried away. The point is, READ THE LISTINGS CAREFULLY. Pay attention to what's included, and the customer reviews. Check pictures. Don’t skip the fine print. You'll be able to find something that fits your travel style.
What about the locations? Are they all in the tourist hellholes, or do they have some gems hidden in the more 'local' areas?
Ah, location, location, location! The beauty of GoodApart, in my experience, is that they cover *both* bases. Yes, you'll find apartments right in the thick of it – near Nevsky Prospekt, close to the Hermitage, right on the tourist route. These are fantastic if you want to be within spitting distance of everything.
But... and this is the exciting part... they also have places tucked away in more residential neighborhoods! I stayed in one a bit further out in a historical building. The view from the window wasn't of the Eiffel Tower (obviously), but of the quiet street. I walked the cobblestone streets in peace. I saw local people going about their daily lives... it was just plain gorgeous.
They really do seem to have a good mix. You'll have to do your research, look at the maps on the listing and maybe check Google Street View to get a feel for the area. This is your travel research homework. But trust me, the effort is worth it. The 'gems' are out there, but they vary a lot.
Okay, you've sung their praises, but what's the *worst* thing? What's the catch? What secrets are you hiding?
Alright, playing devil's advocate here. The worst thing? The lack of a guaranteed perfect experience. Look, this isn't a Ritz-Carlton. Sometimes, the elevator in the building is rickety (hey, that's character!), sometimes the wifi is a little… spotty (pack a book!), and I can confirm the occasional issues with the housekeeping. The place I loved the most, I had to chase down the cleaner, and she was a bit overbearing, her English was not the best, and I had to do some pointing to communicate – it was a little awkward. But then she left the apartment clean. So not the happiest point.
The biggest “catch”? It’s not a perfect experience. These are real, lived-in spaces, not antiseptic hotel rooms. You might find a few quirks, some bumps in the road…. but that's part of the charm, right? And honestly, for me, the trade-off - the authentic experience, the more personalized feel, the often-much-better value - is worth it.
So, yes, there are imperfections. But those imperfections are what make the places memorable. And let's be honest, who wants perfect, anyway? (Okay, maybe I do sometimes. But not always.) I've learned to embrace the quirks, the little hiccups. It’s a part of the experience. It’s what you remember. And, if you’re paying close attention they address the problems well.Hospitality Trails
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