While in Saint Petersburg, Grand Circle uses a hotel to house its passengers since the river cruise port is a 30 minute to one hour ride from the downtown area. The Ambassador Hotel was in a good location in the western part of St. Petersburg, just a couple of blocks from St. Nicholas Cathedral.
Grand Circle passengers spend either three or four nights in St. Petersburg on this cruise tour. A buffet breakfast and two dinners are held in this private dining room on top of the hotel. The restaurant provides an excellent view of downtown St. Petersburg, including St. Isaac's Cathedral.