There were lifts (elevators) in AP, at least one for certain. It was in the main hallway of the left wing (the last Romanovs' side), right across from the Tsar's Reception. It used to be outside of a staircase that went from N&A's bedroom to the second floor. It's not there any more though, neither is the staircase for that matter. There is a big open room there now next to N&A's bedroom, which used to be a combo of smaller rooms (Alix's dressing room and staircase and some other things).
You can still see the elevator I'm talking about in the maps of AP...so check that thread out. It's numbered as "8" in some plans I've seen.
I can also see a possibility for a lift near the private staircases of the family in the private rooms of Winter Palace.
The other palaces I don't know.
That's neat about the toasters! lol I had never heard that before. What would you have needed a toaster for in every room? Did people back then haul bread around with them or something?
