Maxtrap
Google
I stayed here a few days in early May and loved it. Nothing fancy because there is a war on, but the staff was great and you can tell they appreciate our support. I thought the breakfast was good. Again, nothing fancy, but it was healthy, there was plenty, and the little croissants were really, really good. Loved the coffee, too. There is a nice view from the restaurant.||The attractive, young lady that checked me in let me get in the room early which was a godsend if you take the night train into Kyiv. The sweetheart working the cloak room watched my bag for me after check out and reminded me of the good spirit that persists in Ukraine despite the daily hardships of war. This too, is a godsend, if you are taking the night train back to Warsaw.||The hotel is very central, and the view from my balcony was amazing, both day and night. Currently there is a memorial for fallen troops left front of hotel. You can buy a little Ukrainian flag from an old couple that are there almost every day, and place the flag next to the numerous photos of lives cut short. There is an underground mall directly in front of the hotel, and under street cross walks that make walking very easy. There are a plethora of restaurants, pubs, and souvenir shops in a half mile radius. A super nice post office is right across the street. The national bank and art museum are up the hill and behind the hotel and this street is blocked, but there is also extra security in this area. Witnessing the pattern of tracers and search lights, it was my opinion that this hotel is in a very safe location. My room had a refrigerator for beverages and a chair that fit on the balcony for enjoying the evening festivities. Sleeping in was easy and comfortable…but, try not to miss breakfast. ||The hotel is big and open, with four elevators and a marble staircase to the restaurant, the echoes of restrained grandeur are prevalent. It has a cool vibe of Soviet secrets shrouded in dim corners. I’m betting the guest list would raise eyebrows in my university political science department. ||The lobby bartender in the afternoon each day reminded me of the stalwart pier piling that had weathered storm after storm and still stands strong. The lines in his face and sparkle in his eyes translated more with less. I enjoyed my Jack and Coke Zero each day upon return and considered myself fortunate to have crossed his path. I very much enjoyed my stay at this hotel, and certainly will never forget my temporary camaraderie with the friendly, helpful, and tough Ukrainians making my stay an oasis in a beautiful, bustling, but beleaguered city. I will stay here next time, too.