Family-Friendly Accommodations Overview
St. Petersburg is bursting with places perfect for families, especially those Austrian tourists keen on exploring the area dot-on with little ones. Two standout spots for family stays in St. Petersburg for Austrian tourists include The Don CeSar Hotel and The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club. Both places spoil you with all the extras and excitement that make both young and old happy campers.
The Don CeSar Hotel
The Don CeSar Hotel, lovingly called the “Pink Palace,” has been a crowd-pleaser ever since it started welcoming guests in 1928. Picture this: Mediterranean vibes mingling with a bit of homely charm. Yes, this hotel dishes out a delightful mix of old-school class and family fun.
Standout Stuff:
- Spa Oceana: Need a timeout? This full-service spa gives parents a welcome break to chill out.
- Award-Winning Dining: A whole bunch of on-site restaurants to tickle everyone’s taste buds.
- Beach Bliss: The soft, powdery beaches are perfect for a bit of sun-soaking and splashy fun.
- Nearby Adventures: Places like Fort De Soto Park, John’s Pass Village, and the Chihuly Collection are a hop, skip, and jump away. For a bigger scoop, swing by our activities for families.
- Lowest Price Promise: You’re always getting the best deal in town (Historic Hotels).
Here’s a quick peek at what The Don CeSar Hotel offers for families:
| Amenity | Fun Factor |
|---|---|
| Kid-Friendly Dining | Menus that even the pickiest kid would gobble up |
| Pool Vibes | There’s a dedicated kid’s splash area and a pool for everyone |
| Fun Times | Beach volleyball, paddleboarding, family yoga—you name it! |
| Kid Programs | Keeps the young ones busy with arts, crafts, and more |
The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club
The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club, part of the Autograph Collection, is a snazzy slice of history with a heap of modern perks. Originally built in the 1920s, this place is where a fancy atmosphere meets kid-friendly, making it a hit with Austrian families stopping by in St. Petersburg.
Cool Bits:
- Tee-Off & Tennis: Challenging golf courses and neat tennis courts, perfect for sports lovers.
- Get Wet: Plenty of pools to dive into, including a special splash zone for the kiddos.
- Rich History: From military digs in World War II to today’s luxurious retreat (Historic Hotels of America).
- Grub on Site: Loads of eating options, like Marchand’s Bar & Grill, that’s perfect for a family feast.
- Free Fun: Guided fitness classes and playful family games are all part of the package.
A snapshot of the family-friendly perks at The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club:
| Amenity | Fun Factor |
|---|---|
| Kid-Friendly Dining | Tasty menus made just for the little ones |
| Activity Centre | Indoor games galore, crafts, and even family movie nights! |
| Splash Zones | Exclusive children’s pool fun and family swim time |
| Get Moving | Fitness activities for the kids and those family workout sessions |
Both The Don CeSar Hotel and The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club are top picks for family vacation accommodation for Austrians in Russia. Whether frolicking at the beach or soaking in a bit of history, these hotels offer a cosy and unwinding backdrop for your family adventure in St. Petersburg. For more tips on where to plop down in Russia with kids, check out where to stay in russia with children: tips for austrian travelers.
Activities for Families
Planning a family trip to St. Petersburg and looking to keep everyone from the wee ones to grandma entertained? You’re in luck! We’ve gathered some engaging hotspots and on-site fun that’ll fill your family memory book with laughs and adventures.
Nearby Attractions
St. Petersburg’s not just sun and sand; it’s a playground of fun for everyone. With a prime spot either at The Don CeSar Hotel or The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club, you won’t be short of nearby gems to explore.
Notable Locations
- Fort De Soto Park
- Sandy beaches, nature trails, and leftovers of a fort perfect for curious minds.
- Bust out your picnic basket, dive right in, or just bird watch with binoculars in hand.
- John’s Pass Village
- Think of it as a little adventure where you can buy trinkets, grab a bite, or hit the water.
- A day here gives you a taste of local flair and flavours.
- Chihuly Collection
- Glass art so stunning, you might just be tempted to reach out and touch it (but don’t, seriously).
- Captivating for both budding artists and their grown-up companions.
- Boyd Hill Nature Preserve
- Florida’s wild side, all wrapped up in one spot. Walk the trails, join a tour, and get back to nature.
- Perfect for a fam jam session in the wild.
| Nearby Attraction | Distance (km) | Activity Type |
|---|---|---|
| Fort De Soto Park | 15 | Nature, Beach |
| John’s Pass Village | 10 | Shopping, Dining |
| Chihuly Collection | 5 | Art, Museum |
| Boyd Hill Nature Preserve | 8 | Hiking, Wildlife |
Props to Historic Hotels for the deets!
For a peek at activities, check out our guide on where to stay in Russia with children: tips for Austrian travelers.
On-Site Experiences
The Don CeSar Hotel and The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club don’t just give you a place to crash. They’re jumping-off points for adventure right under your noses.
The Don CeSar Hotel
- Sunken Gardens Exploration
- Exotic plant pals and cascading waterfalls make this spot a secret garden.
- Guided tours turn it into both a classroom and a playground.
- Sunset Cruises from Merry Pier
- Kick back on a boat as the sun clocks out for the day, painting the sky in fiery hues.
- Ideal for families wanting to soak up the golden hour with a drink in hand.
- Local Treats at Uncle Andy’s Market
- Dive into local-made ice cream that’s the cherry on top of your trip.
- Satisfy your sweet tooth together and see who gets the most scoops!
The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club
- Family Pool and Splash Zone
- Cannonballs and giggles guaranteed; feel free to make a splash!
- With lifeguards keeping an eye out, you’re in safe hands.
- Craft and Activity Zones
- Little Picasso in the family? Let their imagination roam with arts and crafts.
- Parents can kick back while the young’uns create masterpieces.
- Golf and Tennis Clinics
- No pros needed, just hop in and have a swing.
- Don’t sweat the equipment, they’ve got you covered!
| Hotel | On-Site Experience | Appropriate Age |
|---|---|---|
| The Don CeSar | Sunken Gardens Exploration | All Ages |
| The Don CeSar | Sunset Cruises | All Ages |
| The Don CeSar | Uncle Andy’s Market | All Ages |
| The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club | Family Pool and Splash Zone | All Ages |
| The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club | Craft and Activity Zones | Children |
| The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club | Golf and Tennis Clinics | All Ages |
Shout out to Historic Hotels for their insider scoop!
For more hot tips on where to settle in St. Petersburg, check out our roundup of top family-friendly hotels in Russia for Austrian families.
Special Offerings
Thinking about family stays in St. Petersburg for Austrian tourists? It’s crucial that the place you choose has everything you and the little ones would need. Below, we spill the beans on what you might find at some of the best spots for family getaways.
Family-Focused Amenities
The Don CeSar Hotel and The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club are two hotspots known for being awesome for families. So, if you’re coming all the way from Austria, these places have you covered with their fab offerings.
The Don CeSar Hotel
Over at The Don CeSar Hotel, they’ve pulled out all the stops to give everyone a great time, young or old.
- Kids Club: Got the kids entertained and looked after.
- Family Suites: No crammed spaces here—plenty of room for everyone.
- On-Site Dining: Places to eat with menus that think of the kiddos.
- Outdoor Pool: Complete with cabanas and splash zones, it’s a splash-tastic time.
| Amenity | Description |
|---|---|
| Kids Club | Keep the young ones busy and happy |
| Family Suites | Loads of space for the whole crew |
| On-Site Dining | Eats that make the whole family smile |
| Outdoor Pool | Cool off with the family by the pool |
The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club
The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club isn’t just a pretty face—it’s got the goods for a family trip to remember (Historic Hotels of America).
- Children’s Programs: Fun stuff and trips to keep the kids engaged.
- Golf Club: Try your hand at golf, family-style.
- Dining: A smorgasbord of meal choices for all tastebuds.
- Swimming Pool: A big pool with special spots just for kids.
| Amenity | Description |
|---|---|
| Children’s Programs | Creative and fun pursuits for the little ones |
| Golf Club | Swing by for some family golfing fun |
| Dining | Choices galore for everyone |
| Swimming Pool | Dive into family fun |
To learn more about these family-friendly digs, pop over to our section on family vacation accommodation for Austrians in Russia.
Best Rate Guarantee
Who doesn’t love a good deal? When you’re booking a stay, make sure you catch the best rate guarantee so you’re pocketing the most savings. The Don CeSar Hotel does just this by offering their lowest prices when you book directly (Historic Hotels).
- The Don CeSar Hotel: Promises you won’t find a cheaper deal online.
| Hotel | Offer |
|---|---|
| The Don CeSar Hotel | Guarantees the lowest prices you’ll see online |
When setting out for your trip, hunting for accommodations with best rate guarantees is a savvy move. This could mean more money saved, leaving you with better experiences without busting your budget. For extra tips on where to shack up, take a peek at our guide on where to stay in Russia with children: tips for Austrian travellers.
Cultural Insights
Getting to know the cultural ways of St. Petersburg can seriously spice up your family visit there. It’s not just about the sights, but about coziness too. Let’s compare some Santa Claus traditions between Austria and Russia and see how each country brings its own flair to Christmas festivities.
Santa Claus Traditions
In Austria, Santa Claus goes by the name St. Nicholas, or Sankt Nikolaus if you’re feeling fancy. Celebrated on December 6, this guy’s got a flair for filling polished shoes with treats, assuming the kiddos have been on their best behaviour. But the twist? There’s the fearsome Krampus alongside him, ready to dish out birch branches and coal to the naughty ones (Downtown Rock Springs).
Meanwhile, in Russia, Santa morphs into Ded Moroz, or Grandfather Frost. Joining him is the enchanting Snegurochka, his Snow Maiden granddaughter. The duo brings presents on New Year’s Eve rather than Christmas, aligning more with the New Year bash vibe. Orthodox peeps in Russia do their Christmas thing on January 7, Julian calendar style (Downtown Rock Springs).
| Country | Santa Claus Name | Celebration Date | Tradition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Austria | St. Nicholas (Sankt Nikolaus) | December 6 | Polished shoes await gifts |
| Russia | Ded Moroz (Grandfather Frost) | January 7 (Orthodox Christmas) | Gifts showered on New Year’s Eve |
Christmas Celebrations Around the World
Christmas means something different everywhere and tapping into those differences can make your St. Petersburg visit even more enriched.
Austria kicks off with Advent, stretching all the way to January 6. It’s all about family, food and flaunting decorations. St. Nicholas Day and the festive days like Christmas Eve and Christmas Day anchor the celebrations (Downtown Rock Springs).
In Russia, Orthodox folks warm up to Christmas on January 7. Highlights involve church, massive meals, and family hangouts. But New Year’s Eve steals the spotlight with Ded Moroz making his rounds (Downtown Rock Springs).
As for Armenia, Gaghant Baba or Dzmer Pap (that’s Santa to you) partakes in New Year’s instead of Christmas, celebrated on January 6. Families whip up local treats like dolma and khorovats, giving mealtime a flavorful twist (Downtown Rock Springs).
Austrian travelers will find themselves awestruck by all these unique customs. If you’re looking for the lowdown on family lodgings and more, check out our guides on top family-friendly hotels in Russia for Austrian families and family vacation accommodation for Austrians in Russia.
| Country | Christmas Celebration Date | Key Traditions |
|---|---|---|
| Austria | December 24-25, January 6 | Family feasts, traditional foods, decorations galore |
| Russia | January 7 | Church services, family meals, New Year’s revelry |
| Armenia | January 6 (Christmas), December 31 (New Year’s) | Armenian treats, cherished togetherness |
Taking the time to understand how different places mark the season can turn your family trip to St. Petersburg into a rich cultural tapestry, making every moment part of the story.