We have had past tendency to stay at chain hotels. The Avalon was a FANTASTIC experience that we would never have received at a chain hotel. They had amazing customer service and staff. Coffee and cookies set up in the morning, a glass of wine or champagne set up at 5pm and cucumber water all through the day. This Hotel had a lot of charm. It is also affiliated with the hotel next door so we had use of a heated pool with Tiki bar, fantastic coffee shop with amazing desserts, and restaurant. The walkability was great. The rooms are a little dated, but they were very clean. I would definitely revisit and recommend to anyone looking for the ultimate charm Saint Petersburg has to offer.