Charles Otter, General Manager of Radisson Blu Kyiv

There are two great places to stay in Kyiv.  Surprisingly, both have strong connections to Australia and New Zealand.

Hyatt Regency Kyiv

Under the watchful eye of Kiwi Charles Otter, Radisson Blu Kyiv is establishing itself as one of the city's prime accommodation choices.  Charles, a young but experienced veteran of international hotels across Russia, has come to Ukraine after spending a career working his way up from bellboy in Auckland to General Manager in Kyiv, with many a tale to tell in between.  As in all fine hotels, the GM sets the tone for the entire property; Charles' professionalism and work ethic inspire his dedicated staff to make that extra effort to please guests, all the while maintaining a sense of friendliness and empathy, traits instilled in the workplace by a boss early in his career and carried with him ever since. 

Radisson Blu Kyiv's Italian restaurant, Mille Miglia, is one of Kyiv's favourite eateries for executives having a business lunch and leisure visitors appreciative of fine Italian dining in Eastern Europe.  Most impressive is the restaurant's highly polished staff, whose good looks and courteous manners are as refined as the food served.  

After a fine meal, Radisson's fine rooms await the sated diner.  With a whole catalogue of sizes and styles, Radisson Blu Kyiv's room inventory presents options to satisfy every preference; colour abounds in playful Italian interiors, while polished wood floors and navy blue evoke seafaring vessels in Maritime rooms.  Junior suites are spacious while one-bedroom suites are very much a home away from home.  Business Class rooms cater specifically to the needs of the working traveller.

Radisson Blu Kyiv is located on the highest point in Kyiv, in the city's embassy district.  Khreschatyk, St Vladimir church, the Opera House, and the Golden Gate are all within a short walking distance.

Hyatt Regency Kyiv's pool and poolside bar

A few blocks away from the Radisson is the beautiful Hyatt Regency Kyiv, located just across the street from St Sophia, one of the many domed religious buildings that together constitute Kyiv's best-known attractions.  In the world of Hyatt, properties belonging to the Regency brand are not usually as deluxe as their Grand Hyatt and Park Hyatt brethren; this one, though, is a obvious exception. 

Italian style is one of several choices in decor at Radisson Blu Kyiv.

From first glance at the hotel's trademark soaring atrium decorated in simple but elegant tones to the spacious rooms, elegant Grill Asia restaurant, polished service, and welcoming staff, everything here bespeaks top quality.  Rooms ending in 35 have close-up views of St Michael's monastery a block away.  Breakfast was notable for its flavoursome, home-made cheeses—not something found in many five-star properties, but a welcome reminder of Ukraine's agricultural roots, still strong to this day.  Hyatt Regency Kyiv's Spa Naturel offers a beautiful and serenely restorative experience after taking in the sights of the city.  If all the spa therapists are as gifted as Vita, who can untie even the tightest of muscle knots, no one leaves without feeling better.

It took one glance at the Hyatt Regency Kyiv for half-Australian, half-British Director of Sales Richard Turner to resign his previous job and take up his position in Kyiv and he is, rightfully so, thoroughly pleased with himself for scoring a rewarding position in an exciting location.  It is particularly gratifying to see such a beautiful Hyatt property in Kyiv since the Pritzker family, owners of Hyatt, are of Ukrainian origin.

St Vladimir church, near Radisson Blu Kyiv	St Michael monastery as seen from Hyatt Regency Kyiv	St Vladimir church interior