'Absolutely
the best way
to see Russia -
we already
want to go
back '

Henry & Jessica
Townsend,
Washington
USA
Since 1990
"HOFA is the most established and reliable agency
for finding private accommodation.."
The Lonely Planet guide
Budget Russian homestays, apartments, visas, hotels, by
Host Families Association (HOFA)
St.Petersburg Russia
hofa homestays *
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Visa, Privatzimmer, B&B Unterkuenfte und Apartments in 60 Städten Russlands und CIS
Lettera di invito, soggiorno B&B in residenze private, appartamenti in 60 citta della Russia & CIS
Invitation de visa, hébergement chez hôtes, location d'appartements dans 60 villes de la Russie & CIS
Invitaciones de visado, alojamiento, apartamentos en 60 ciudades de Rusia y CEI
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Everything went absolutely perfect with HOFA - I highly recommend them
Staying with a Russian family, you should be well looked after and experience the cosy domesticity
HOFA-Your Russian Experts
Victoria recommends HOFA
The excellent, efficient and reliable Host Families Association in St Petersburg, Russia is a network of academic and professional families
A homestay can be a good way to learn about life in St. Peersburg
One reputable organization with nearly twenty years in the business is HOFA
Homestay experience is one that can’t be bought at any other type of accommodation
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HOFA is a registered association
You are here:> FAQ > Reservation

Frequently Asked Questions

Visit arrangements

    How will be my visit organized by HOFA?

  • Please fill up and send us a Booking Form .
    The same day we will advise you the availability and forward you to a price list and to the corresponding Reservation Form on the site.
  • The same day that we receive your Reservation Form and a deposit we will fax you a visa invitation and start the arrangements. The earlier you reserve your stay the cheaper will be the visa processing in the consulate and the better accommodation we will be able to arrange.
  • You will process your visa in a consulate in your area by yourself, following our comprehensive instructions or with the help of a Visa Service (addresses to follow).
  • 20 days before your arrival we will be ready to email you your bill and hosts or apartment details.
  • If you order transfer (compulsory if you rent an apartment or arrive after 20:00 by plane or 22:00 by train), we will meet you at the airport or the train station, register your visas and drive you to your accommodation. If you do not order transfer you will pay extra 10 € for more complicated visa registration (obligatory in Moscow and St.Petersburg).
  • You will be asked to pay the bill in cash (€ or rubles at the rate of € purchase) after you accept your accommodation upon arrival. Rubles can be retrieved from the local ATMs.


    In what cases is it reasonable to order train or performance tickets through HOFA in advance?

  • In most cases you will be able to chose and purchase train and performance tickets with the help of your hosts once you get here.
  • However if you visit from April to October and need the performance tickets for the first two days of your stay in the city (four days in case of train tickets) it is strongly advisable to order HOFA to purchase the tickets in advance to assure seats. This service costs 10% of the ticket cost plus 10 € per event or destination and is available only for those who securely advise us the credit card details and arrive in Moscow or St.Petersburg.