just wanted to ask if any one here has or has contact info for an apartment in Kiev for Feb 12-13 and possibly 14 2010. Would like a nice clean place with 2 beds would be great. Maybe some where in city center. Would really like to make sure it has regular HOT water. I have read that it is in short supply? Don't know if it's true I have never been off my continent and Hot water would be a homely comfort after 15 hours in a metal tube.
Thanks
Have a look at welcome-to-russia.com. I stayed with them. $65 per night for a place 20 mins walk from the city centre, a supermarket across the road, and cable TV and broadband internet. It had a double bed, but they had lots of other apartments, I'm sure some would have double beds. If memory serves, I think they had some closer to the centre.
Also, Kiev Connections have what look like nice ones, but I think they're more expensive. Never stayed there myself, but I'm sure others here have.
Dress warm. From what I understand, Feb's got some serious coldness going on.
Hot water in apartments? The hot water heater in all of the apartments I have been to are smaller than two shoe boxes. The fire comes on only when the water comes on. The "hot water" that comes out is nowhere near hot. It is just a little warm, and only lasts three minutes. The only hotel I stayed in is Boryspil Hotel. It had hot water.
Its called a combi boiler rb, they are very popular the world over, just like eating with both hands :-). Seriously though most apartments have decent hot water but some that are located in "old style" blocks have communal hot water which can be unreliable, so best to go for one with its own boiler. Personally I've several companies, the best being kievapts.com and the worst uarent. Always ask for specific assurance that the apartment you book is the one your actually going to get as "bait and switch" is common place.
Funny, devil. I use my fork to eat and do not use my spoon or knife unless I have to. I guess I was taught the other way, but noone ever called me on it until Alla, the singer, tv host and actress did on my first visit. I also must be part monkey because I can move my toes separately. I can use them to pick up and even throw things.
That combi boiler does not work as a hot water heater. I don't know why they even use them. I do remember one of these travel companies from the web. It was a popular name like ukrainetravel.com or something like that. Don't quote me. The apartment was alright, but was the middle of February and there was no hot water. The water was cold, and the shower was nonexistent. I took a cooold water bath.
I agree with Maxirat. If at all possible, hotel. Most of the time, there will be a shop, a restaurant, 24 hour employees, a taxi up front and other people to talk to at the hotel. I was so alone in the apartment. I walked about a mile one way and a mile the other way. There was no place to get a bite to eat. I even had no idea whether or not the taxi that the travel company promised would come in the morning. There was a phone there, but it didn't work.
That walk was not all wasted. I did talk to a few people in the subway and I was able to buy flowers. I also found an ATM and a woman allowed me to use her phone.
I've stayed at at a couple of places in Kiev. The Sherbourne was my favorite. Though not in the City center the service was outstanding and they made sure you had what you needed. Daily cleaning of your apartment. You can rent by day or week. 10 minutes to downtown via the tube. Which is neat in itself. They always had a driver available and will pick up and deliver both you and your lady. It is close to Czars villiage restaurant, St. Sophia's and WWII monument which is worth a visit.
Yeah sherbourne is good service and very nicely furnished, but very expensive and only a few of thier apts are close to city center. kievapts have a lot more city center walkable apartments. RB you were obviously out in the sticks somewhere, but alas a bait and switch is quite common - you think your booking a central apartment which develops "electrical problems" on your day of arrival ...
I've stayed at at a couple of places in Kiev. The Sherbourne was my favorite. Though not in the City center the service was outstanding and they made sure you had what you needed. Daily cleaning of your apartment. You can rent by day or week. 10 minutes to downtown via the tube. Which is neat in itself. They always had a driver available and will pick up and deliver both you and your lady. It is close to Czars villiage restaurant, St. Sophia's and WWII monument which is worth a visit.
Devil I didn't think 65 bucks a night was outlandish for the services we were given. I paid less just off of Kreschatyk but it wasn't that great even though you were close. There is much more to see than just the main drag in Kiev.
The prices may be different now but at the time it wasn't that outrageous. Plus to save a 100 bucks for 5 days wasn't such an issue.
How long ago did you go ?? :-). Just checking their prices online now - a two room apartments (which is the minimum you need if your lady is staying over and your not yet at "that" stage ...) are $130-$165/night and no doubt the central ones will be at the top ed of that. Checking kievapts site they have similar for $80 ish. For me I never like to stay somewhere were I need to get metro/taxi to the center no matter what city it is: kiev odessa moscow whatever. In fairness to sherbourse though they are a very safe bet for newbies.
It's been about 5 years. Last stay was with UAapartments because they were centrally located to Medical center and US Embassy. Sherbourne had nothing in that location. Not real impressed with the apartment. Though we weren't there much because of medical and interview and then we flew back to Mariupol to say goodbye to her family and friends.
I wouldn't say for newbies regarding Sherbourne, though it is a bit off the beaten path. there is plenty to see within walking distance from Sherbourne. Prices are negotiable for apartments like anything else.
Ive found UAApartments to be good. Feb you can get a good discount. Dont waste your time getting anything further than 1 street from Kreshatik. There are plenty of good apartments most better located than hotels where you can easily walk to anywhere worth going. Taxis are a pain to negotiate if you dont speak Russian or have a friend who does. Public transport is cheap but a bit daunting to negotiate without help or being able to read Russian or have someone to show you around.
This particular stay in the apartment was a package. I'm pretty sure it was ukrainetravel.com, but not 100% sure on the name. It included a one night apartment, travel to and from the airport and to the train station and a train ticket to Zaporozhye. I spent hours on the internet, so I don't believe their fare was exhorbitant.
The apartment part was $85. I told them I would rather stay in Boryspil Hotel. They then went into a song and dance about Boryspil Hotel would be expensive and why not spend a night in Kiev at the center of town? You can then tour Kiev in the morning. That didn't sound too bad.
Well, I got what I got. It wasn't overly inconvenient. I got all they promised, but this part of the the center of town doesn't have much happening. They did not promise nor did I ask if the apartment had hot water. The cost of the Boryspil Hotel they quoted was $125 which is the cost of a double with the booking fee. Without the booking fee, Boryspil hotel is $65 for the single. I stayed with it because I didn't want them messing with my taxi trips and the train tickets.
It's been about 5 years. Last stay was with UAapartments because they were centrally located to Medical center and US Embassy. Sherbourne had nothing in that location. Not real impressed with the apartment. Though we weren't there much because of medical and interview and then we flew back to Mariupol to say goodbye to her family and friends.
I wouldn't say for newbies regarding Sherbourne, though it is a bit off the beaten path. there is plenty to see within walking distance from Sherbourne. Prices are negotiable for apartments like anything else.
Highballit
Just be careful with this company, read this!
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g294474-i3663-k265118-UAApartment s_in_Kiev_is_a_sham_stay_away-Kiev.html
There are a few decent apartment rental companies in Kiev, PM me if you want the info regarding the one I used.
Fantastic apartment, 30 meteres from Independence Square, top floor balcony with amazing view, loads of hot water! etc. $100.00 per night.
I was so impressed that I booked it immediatley for NYE.