Following up on the Pulkovskaya Airlines question- is it possible to book travel to Russia and get a visa independently? The tours my husband and I have looked at all include Moscow. We want to visit only St. Petersburg and the surrounding area. Even the travel agents we've contacted have been unresponsive.

I can book our flights- no problem. I can also find hotels, but would appreciate any recommendations anyone has. Cleanliness, a quiet room, a private bath, and access to ice (we like our American-style drinks when we settle in for the evening!) are priorities. We also prefer places that are either centrally-located or accessible to the main attractions through public transportation.

I had thought that we'd need to get a visa through an agency that booked the hotel and airfare but it looks like there are plenty of decent on-line places that will obtain a visa once we have travel plans in place. True? Any advice on this?

Thanks for your help.