Kiev Hotel Tips by Bobek Top 5 Page for this destination

Private flat on Lesi Ukrainki boulevard: Contemplation, peace and retro adventure Kiev Hotel Review

On my very first visit to Kiev I found an apartment on Lesi Ukrainki boulevard, about 500m from Pechersk metro station. It was on the 7th floor with a nice view from the kitchen and bedroom over the shimmering roofs of a hospital that was on the opposite side of the street. It was December and I clearly remember the time for contemplation during the morning hours when the sun began to shine so brightly in an amazingly blue sky. This was when I felt the warm and very special atmosphere of Kiev like a friendly kiss, as if the city spoke and welcomed me and repeatedly did this every morning.

The apartment is simple but tidy. It is about 35 sqm altogether and consists of a combined bed- and living-room, a small hall, a bathroom with a tub and a kitchen with gas stove. It is somehow minimalist but for those who like to experience some "retro" feeling this is a wonderful chance to come close to it. Do not forget that Kiev provides massive, deep impressions for western tourists. The city is magnetic and spiritual with a great flair, so using your chance of being open for these vibes will be the most valuable memory when you return home. Of course the place of your stay contributes a great deal of how the new environment affects you. This apartment was the one where I discovered my love for Kiev.

Unique Qualities: A flat in Chrustchovka style where you may feel the melancholy of times passed. Simple furnishing but with an intense and irresistable atmosphere. I used to read a lot there and I guess for somebody who likes to write a novel or something that needs real inspiration this is a fantastic place to stay.

I payed 20 EUROs per night in December 2001.

A computer club and a café is around the corner and a grocery is 10 min away on Lesi Ukrainki bulv.

Address: Lesi Ukrainki Boulevard

Comparison: least expensive

Directions: Pechersk district

Other Contact: rbschu(at)web.de

Price: US$20-40

Theme: Other

Private flat on Kiev Dekabristov Street: A place to feel safe and at home at low cost Kiev Hotel Review

I have been in this place four times now and will definitely have it again on my next visit. I love the place, the location, facilities and the whole environment around there! No exaggeration.

It is a flat on the 25th floor in a newly built house (2002) with a concierge at the entrance. The market is just across the street and you can buy virtually everything you want in one stop, so you can do all your shopping on the way home, including fresh food!!! You can get it from the "Babushkas" if you like to, who offer fruit, vegetables or eggs at lowest rates. There is a cash dispenser around the corner and the metro station is only 200m away. Transport is conveniently situated; it takes about 25 minutes altogether to get to Khreshatyk if you hop off at Palats Sportu station. The flat is privately let and has everything that a western tourist requires. The living area is about 50 square meters, plus there is a generous balcony. Two additional rooms will become available by the end of 2004 but at the moment the owner is storing private stuff in them.

The apartment was for 35 EUROs per day at minimum five days stay (175 EUROs).

The balcony faces directly east, giving a magnificent view of the sunrise. The bathroom and separate shower are up to west European levels (in contrast to many other places I know) and all the rooms are bright, clean and tidy.

Unique Qualities: A washing machine is available, toaster and micro-wave and all the small things you might need. You will hardly miss anything essential. There is a satellite TV set, a DVD player and a large assortment of good movies and documentary films in English, German (and Russian), as well as music on DVD. In the basement there is a computer club with internet and email access. Telephone will be available from December 2004 and if you are expecting someone to visit you, there is a video phone to connect to the basement and to the door that leads to the apartment on the 25th floor.

But the best of it all is the market that is so near. They are open 7 days a week and almost 24 hours a day. You can get a pizza, beer or will have a great choice from local food within 10 minutes. If you are a little bit shy being there for the first time, a small grocery is only a few steps away, and a large and very new supermarket is in about 10 minutes walking distance. That really facilitates your supply. The next Pizza restaurant is around the corner (200m) and McDonalds, too (200m), but in the opposite direction. You will find a bank in the house and if you eventually feel unhappy with tooth-ache, a dentist is there to help you. For other physical complaints, well, a pharmacy is there as well.

For cash, you can change money at two exchange booths in the market (one is next to the bread shop). Their rates are usually acceptable.

If you do not like to always travel to Khreshatyk, take the Metro and at the next station (Pozniaky) you can find a new shopping mall with a Domashnya Kukhnya self-service restaurant inside. Excellent food for little money (compare my restaurant tips!). Of course you can also walk there, that may be more fun (20min) for a curious mind.

So to sum it up, this place is perfect and cosy!

(The picture attached is an older one when the apartment was not yet furnished with the kitchen equipment, sorry.)

Address: Dekabristov Street is roughly 20 min to Kreshatyk

Comparison: least expensive

Directions: Kharkivska station is located in the Darnica district on the left bank of Dnipro, south east part of Kiev. Excellent connection to Borispol (Borispil) airport without traffic jams, approximately 20-30 mins by taxi.

Other Contact: rbschu(at)web.de

Price: US$40-80

Theme: Other

An overnight stay - the least expensive way

This tip is for those who have to stay just one night - or for those who do not like to "sleep under the bridges" (compare my comments in the ' Warnings Or Danger' category).

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This is the least expensive way to get some sleep over night in a dry and safe place. Satisfied?

Comparison: least expensive

Price: less than US$20

Theme: Other

The general apartment situation

Looking for a hotel in Kiev is relatively easy. You can do it online and even book a room this way. There are also a number of tourist services in Kiev offering private apartments in the range of 30 dollars and up. You can also contact them online.

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Real estate and rent in the city

Most of new visitors do not realize that prices for accommodation, for flats or offices have adapted to western standards.

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