Kurt  Ritter,  President & CEO for Radisson SAS Hotels & Resorts,  says:
"St.  Petersburg is a fascinating city and has been our target for  some time.   With the Radisson SAS Royal Hotel opening today in this cultural capital,  we demonstrate our commitment to the city.   We are  committed for  the  hotel to become an integral part of the rich cultural life  of St.  Petersburg and our close partnership with the Russian State  Museum and the City Authorities provide an excellent framework for this."

Internationally recognised,  Radisson SAS standards will  provide  hotel guests with high service levels.  Erich Bänziger, General Manager of the hotel,  comments:  "150  jobs have been created  and  through  extensive training of our staff we will guarantee a top quality experience."    He adds:  "Now the famous building will again regain its reputation as  one of  the leading establishments in the hospitality industry,  providing a popular  meeting  point for both the local citizens and  guests  of  St.  Petersburg." 

The  historical building is located in the heart of the city  at  Nevsky Prospekt.   The original building has been demolished and reconstructed, but  its  unique façade was preserved in order to maintain the  stunning authentic appearance, retaining over 200 years of colourful history. Originally owned by one of the noble families, the building, which dates back to 1765,  was converted into a hotel by Russian merchant Ushakov in 1879.    It  fast became one of the city's most luxurious and celebrated addresses attracting the wealthy and powerful.     

Traditionally,  the perfect setting and the atmosphere of the historical St.  Petersburg  attracted the people of arts.    The  Russian  poet  N.  Necrasov was a regular visitor and celebrated playwright.  Anton Chekhow lived in the hotel during his first visit to St.  Petersburg.  In Soviet era the former hotel building housed the most popular in St.  Petersburg bohemian art-café  "Saigon",  the meeting point for musicians,  artists, poets,  among  whom the future Nobel prize-winner Iosif  Brodsky  was  a regular visitor.

All 164 rooms and 17 suites are individually air-conditioned and have  a Classical décor.   Facilities include a 72 seat  "Barbazan"  restaurant, offering   traditional   Russian   dishes   and   favourites   from  the Mediterranean,  the  unique  "Cannelle Bar  and  Café"  featuring  theme dishes,  cocktails and signature deserts, two private dining rooms, five meeting  rooms,  and  a health club.   There will be a  two-storey  high Atrium  with a glass dome,  decoratively illuminating the interior  with daylight.

In addition to its global sales and marketing operations,  the hotel has appointed its local management team, comprised of seasoned professionals from the fields of hospitality and catering.

Radisson  SAS  Hotels  &  Resorts,  currently  includes  108  hotels  in operation  and 30 hotels under development in 38 countries  and  is  the sole  franchisor  in  Europe,  the Middle East and Northern  Africa  for Radisson Hotels & Resorts.