Fodor's Expert Review Alexander House

Each of the 20 airy guest rooms here shows off an original, somewhat quirky design that incorporates wood, brick, linen, and other natural materials in a style that evokes a different city or country, from Rome to China. A fireplace in the lounge and a banya (Russian steam bath) on the ground floor add to the homey atmosphere, making this place all the more popular with singers and musicians performing at the nearby Mariinsky Theatre.