The Four Seasons Hotel Lion Palace St. Petersburg, Saint Petersburg, occupies a classical palace at Voznesensky Prospekt 1, directly opposite St Isaac’s Cathedral. Locals call it the House with Lions because two marble lions guard the entrance.
The palace was designed in 1817 by the French architect Auguste de Montferrand. This page covers what the building is, how to get there and what to know before booking.
Quick Facts
| Russian name | Four Seasons Hotel Lion Palace St. Petersburg |
|---|---|
| Address | Voznesensky Prospekt 1, Saint Petersburg (Вознесенский проспект, 1, лит. А, Санкт-Петербург) |
| District | Admiralteysky |
| Metro | Admiralteyskaya (Line 5, About 440 m on foot) |
| Best time to visit | The hotel is open all year. The white-nights period from late May to early July is the busiest, and winter is quieter. Book early for summer. |
| Last updated | October 17, 2026 |
Why Visit Four Seasons Hotel Lion Palace St. Petersburg, Saint Petersburg?
- The building: a High Classical palace of 1817 with white columns against imperial-yellow walls, and the two marble lions at the entrance.
- Location: opposite St Isaac’s Cathedral, with Palace Square and the Hermitage a short walk away.
- Facilities: a spa, a fitness centre and a glass-roofed pool, according to hotel descriptions.
- Size: about 180 rooms, which keeps it smaller than the big Nevsky Prospekt hotels.
Highlights of Four Seasons Hotel Lion Palace St. Petersburg, Saint Petersburg
The House with Lions
The palace was designed in 1817 by Auguste de Montferrand, the architect later known for St Isaac's Cathedral. Its High Classical facade has white columns against imperial-yellow walls, and the entrance is flanked by two marble lions that give the building its name.
Stand on the cathedral side of the street for the best view of the whole front.
Tip: Look for the lions at the entrance on Voznesensky Prospekt; they are the easiest landmark to give a taxi driver.
From private palace to Ministry of War
The first residents arrived in the 1820s, when the palace was let out as apartments. From 1827 to 1917 the building housed the Ministry of War, and later it was restored as a hotel after a long heritage-approval process.
The hotel's own material tells this story, and staff can point out original features if you ask.
Tip: Ask at reception whether a short historical walk through the public rooms is possible.
Spa and glass-roofed pool
Hotel descriptions mention a spa, a fitness centre and a swimming pool with a glass roof. These facilities are meant mainly for guests; ask the hotel for access rules and hours.
Book treatments before arrival on a short stay.
Tip: Ask about the age rules for children in the spa when booking.
Restaurants and bar
Older descriptions name an Italian restaurant (Percorso), an Asian restaurant (Sintoho) and a bar (Xander) on site. The list of venues changes over time, so check the current offer with the hotel.
The area around St Isaac's Square also has many independent restaurants.
Tip: Reserve in advance for the evening in high season.
History of Four Seasons Hotel Lion Palace St. Petersburg, Saint Petersburg
The palace was designed in 1817 by Auguste de Montferrand, a French architect working in Saint Petersburg. It stands on a triangular plot cut from the corner of St Isaac’s Square, bounded by Admiralteysky and Voznesensky Prospekts.
The first residents moved in in the 1820s. From 1827 to 1917 it housed the Ministry of War. In the 21st century the palace was restored and opened as the first Four Seasons hotel in Russia, after a restoration that needed approval from the city’s heritage authorities.
Booking and Check-In at Four Seasons Hotel Lion Palace St. Petersburg, Saint Petersburg
Book through the hotel’s own channels or an established booking platform, and compare the cancellation terms before you pay (as of October 2026). Check-in and check-out times, breakfast and deposit rules vary by rate, so read them on the booking page.
- Registration of foreign guests: the hotel registers guests under Russian rules, which are set by the authorities and may depend on your nationality; check with the hotel and official government sources before you travel.
- Payment: the sanctions rules of your own country may restrict some Russian payment services, so check this yourself.
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How to Get to Four Seasons Hotel Lion Palace St. Petersburg, Saint Petersburg
The hotel is at Voznesensky Prospekt 1 in the Admiralteysky District, on the corner of St Isaac’s Square.
- Metro: Admiralteyskaya station (Line 5) is about 440 m away. See How to Use the Metro, Saint Petersburg.
- From the airport: Pulkovo is about 15 km away; see How to Get from Pulkovo Airport to the City Centre, Saint Petersburg.
- Taxi: ask for Voznesensky Prospekt 1; see How to Book a Taxi or Ride-Hailing Car, Saint Petersburg.
Food Nearby
The hotel has its own restaurants and bar. The streets around St Isaac's Square have many cafes and restaurants within a short walk; see Best Restaurants, Saint Petersburg.
What to Bring
Comfortable shoes for the square, a warm layer in autumn and spring, and swimwear if you plan to use the pool.
Family Suitability
The location suits families, with the cathedral colonnade and the Alexander Garden close by. Listings note age limits for children in the spa; ask the hotel about family rooms and extra beds.
Russia Vibes Tips
- Photograph the lions and the facade in the morning, when the light falls on the front.
- Combine a visit to St Isaac's Cathedral colonnade with the hotel; the cathedral is directly opposite.
- Walk to Palace Square through the Alexander Garden for a quiet route to the Hermitage.
- In summer, ask for a quiet room if you are sensitive to light; it stays bright late into the night.
- For dinner, compare the hotel's restaurants with the independent ones on nearby streets before you book.
Explore Nearby Four Seasons Hotel Lion Palace St. Petersburg, Saint Petersburg
Metro stations near Four Seasons Hotel Lion Palace St. Petersburg, Saint Petersburg
Admiralteyskaya Metro Station, Saint PetersburgMain image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
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FAQ: Four Seasons Hotel Lion Palace St. Petersburg, Saint Petersburg
Why is it called the Lion Palace?
Two marble lions flank the entrance, and local people call the building the House with Lions. The hotel took the name Lion Palace.
Who designed the palace?
The French architect Auguste de Montferrand designed it in 1817. See the history section.
How many rooms does it have?
Listings give 183 rooms. The number may change after refurbishment, so check with the hotel.
Where is it?
At Voznesensky Prospekt 1, opposite St Isaac's Cathedral, in the Admiralteysky District.
Which metro station is closest?
Admiralteyskaya (Line 5), about 440 m away. See the getting-there section.
Does it have a pool?
Hotel descriptions mention a glass-roofed pool and a spa; confirm the current facilities and access rules with the hotel.
Is it far from the Hermitage?
No; it is within walking distance through the Alexander Garden and Palace Square. See How to Buy Hermitage Museum Tickets, Saint Petersburg.
Can children use the spa?
Listings mention age limits, with younger children not admitted and older ones with an adult. Check the current rules with the hotel.
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Last updated: October 17, 2026.
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