| Every Ukrainian town of, at least, 20, 000 or more residents has, at least, one hotel. In small towns, these hotels are usually of the Soviet time and can be inexpensive - around $10 USD for a double room. Larger towns (50-200 thousand residents) normally have a few hotels - both privately owned and state-run.
Customer service in Ukrainian hotels
Needless to say, there are usually no English-speaking staff members employed in state-run hotels in small towns, and they offer clients USSR standards of service and comfort. If you are a risk-taking young backpacker lacking cash, you do not probably care that there's no telephone, the beds are somewhat short, the closet door is broken, there's no hot water, and the temperature hovers approximately 16°C. Nonetheless, other categories of foreign travellers are usually dissatisfied with the service in these out-of-date, state-run hotels.
Privately owned hotels are frequently — but not always — both more costly and have higher service standards. Some privately owned hotels Ukrainian towns and cities are splendid, but English-speaking staff is still a rarity. In the Carpathians, there are lots of wonderful family-run private inns with hospitable hosts and very good living conditions. Nonetheless, outside the Carpathians family-run hotels and guesthouses are virtually nonexistent.
Up-to-date hotels with a western level of service and living conditions are located in all large Ukrainian cities and in resorts of Crimea and the Carpathians. These hotels often cost more than the same ones abroad. This is because there is a shortage of three, four, and five-star hotels, and hence visitors would rather pay more for comfortable living conditions.
Booking a hotel in Ukraine
In towns and cities, you can reserve a room right on arrival to the hotel, providing you have a passport. Nonetheless, in big cities - for example, Kiev, Odessa - you should book beforehand. Also, remember that there aren't any tourist information agencies that can help you book a room (except for an agency at Lviv airport).
Booking procedures may differ, depending upon a hotel. You can make reservations over the telephone by providing your name and the time you expect to arrive. If you are late, they may give your room to somebody else.
Rooms in up-to-date hotels usually need to be booked through a travel agency or online on either the hotel's site or the site of a travel agency.
For detailed information about Ukraine's hotels, please visit www.accord-hotels.com.ua/en/hotels.html. |