| Every Ukrainian town where over 20, 000 residents live has, at least, one hotel. In small towns, this one hotel is normally of the Soviet time and can be quite cheap - $10 USD and up for a double room. In bigger towns (50-200 thousand residents) you commonly find several hotels: some are privately owned, others are state-run.
Service in Ukrainian hotels
Needless to say, there are normally no English-speaking staff members employed in state-run hotels in small towns, and their standards of service and comfort are similar to those of the Soviet period. If you're a risk-taking young backpacker on a tight budget, you do not probably care that there's no phone, the beds are a bit short, the closet door is broken, the shower is difficult to use, and the temperature in your room hovers around 16°C. Still, other categories of foreign travellers are normally dissatisfied with the service and living conditions in these out-of-date, state-run hotels.
Privately owned hotels are often — but not always — both more expensive and have higher service standards. Some private hotels Ukrainian towns and cities are very good, but they do not take on English-speaking staff members. In the Carpathian region, there are many marvellous family-run privately owned inns with hospitable hosts and excellent living conditions. Yet, outside the Carpathians family-run inns and guesthouses are practically nonexistent.
Up-to-date hotels with a western standards service and living conditions are located in all large cities of Ukraine and in resort areas of Crimea and the Carpathians. These hotels often have higher price rates than the same ones abroad. This is because the country is short of three, four, and five-star hotels, and hence tourists are willing to pay more for better living conditions.
Making hotel reservations in Ukraine
In towns and cities, you can nearly always walk up to the reception and book a room, provided that you have a passport. Still, in large cities like Kiev and Odessa you should make reservations in advance. Besides, remember that there aren't any tourist information agencies that can help you book a room (except for an agency placed at Lviv airport).
Reservation procedures may differ, depending upon a hotel. You can make a reservation over the telephone by providing your name and the time you are planning to arrive. If you're late, your room may be given to someone else.
Rooms in modern hotels normally need to be reserved through a travel agency or online - either the hotel's website or the website of a travel agency.
For more information about Ukraine's hotels, feel free to visit www.accord-hotels.com.ua/en/hotels.html. |
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