Any suggestions for a comfortable place to stay in St Petersburg? I'm told that this is one place where there's not much between luxury and passable. Trus?

davidlkirp,
St.Pete is a big city which can offer you all types of accomodation - 4&5 stars hotels, mini-hotels, private apartments.
What kind of accomodation do you prefer and what price are you ready to pay?

There are passable hotels with adequate accommodation but you may not find the location that convenient to the major sites. I have stayed at the Pribaltiyskaya Hotel (now a Park Inn) which is a little way from a metro and the St Petersburg Hotel both of which were absolutely fine. Better to book a renovated room rather than the standard room. These properties are probably 3 star.

There are quite a few relatively new and comfortable B&Bs and "mini-hotels" in the city center, where you could book a room for $100-150 per night. Centrally located 4-star hotels will offer you rooms for $200-500 per night, depending on the season and location. Five-star hotels are more expensive.

I would reccomend Nevsky Grand Hotel, a nice and clean hotel located not far from Nevsky Prospekt and just 10 minutes on foot from the Hermitage Museum. I've been here las moth with my girlfrien and I'm completely satisfy of my stay. I also suggest to check their offer on their website: www.nevskygrandhotel.com