We contacted the Hyatt Regency Kiev a week before we arrived to arrange a pick up from the airport.
The driver of the limousine was already waiting, and the journey to the hotel took around forty-five minutes. The cost was 90 Euro / 130 USD. The price quoted was for a Mercedes E-Class, but we received an S-Class. It was a delightful surprise.
The driver spoke good English and showed us the most important sights on the way, like the Freedom Square, where the Orange Revolution took place, or St. Michael's of the Golden Domes and St. Sophia's Cathedral. More about that later.
When we entered the hotel, a very high atrium greeted us. It was sun filled, contemporary and inviting. The receptionist was friendly and efficient.
We had booked a Club Room and were located on the same floor as the club lounge (9th floor). It was held in dark colors and a mix between modern and classic style. There was a writing desk, suitable for two people, a king sized bed, a flat screen TV and a chair. The artwork was interesting. If one didn't look closely, you could think one was a painting, depicting Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. At nearer inspection it turned out to be a map. There was also an old map of Eastern Europe hanging on the wall. Transylvania anyone?
The bathroom was medium in size and had typical Hyatt Regency toiletries. The bathtub and shower were separate. The room was comfortable, and we enjoyed our stay. We had views over St. Michaels of the Golden Domes.
The hotel has one restaurant (Grill Asia), two bars (Bar on 8 and Brunello Bar) and one lounge (Lobby Lounge). Besides that there is also 24 hour in room dining available, offering regional and international dishes. We tried Boef Stroganoff and Chicken Kiev. All was very good and prices were slightly lower than in Western Europe.
Breakfast was served at Grill Asia. The first and the last morning my better half joined me for breakfast at the restaurant, the other two days I had to go alone. The breakfast selection was one of the largest I have seen so far. There was everything, fruits and vegetables, smoked fish, marinated fish, different yogurt, milk, juices, coffee, tea, an egg station, cold cuts, desserts and on and on...
I guess because I went alone, the staff, especially the manager was very attentive and warm.
The hotel also offers a money exchange service, a hair dresser, a business center, meeting facilities and a spa (Spa Naturel). I used the money exchange service and Spa Naturel. The exchange service is hidden away on the ground floor on the way to the business center. The signs are very discreet placed.
At the Spa Naturel I had a Holistic treatment, lasting two hours and costing 1690 Ukrainian Hryvnia (UAH), around 150 Euros or 210 USD. Hotel guests can go in bathrobes and slippers from their room to the spa, because there is a separate lift that provides only access to the spa. The spa itself, as the name suggests, is kept in natural colors and wood, stone and marble are the main materials used.
My treatment included a honey scrub, mist to open the pores, a Hawaiian massage with Natura Bisse products and hot and cold clay wraps. Overall it was very relaxing, getting rid of any tensions I had, and I felt rejuvenated afterwards.
The club lounge doesn't serve breakfast. Soft drinks, fruits and cookies are available throughout the day. In the evening there is a wide range of appetizers, cheeses, desserts, wines, spirits and cocktails available. The lounge also offers some magazines and newspapers for free and a small meeting room.
Photography of the exterior or the lobby isn't allowed. This is a shame, because the hotel is very photogene.
Security is also high with security staff and CCTVs. To use the elevator guests need to swipe their key card before it moves.
A day or so before we had to return home, we requested again the limousine service. To our surprise we had the same driver as on the arrival day.
We liked the hotel, and it fulfilled what we wanted, so if we are returning to Kiev, this is definitely the place to stay.
©2011
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