Arrival/Check-In: I arrived at Opera Hotel Kyiv in the early evening, looking forward to a swift check-in, as I needed to change for dinner and didn’t want to rush. Fresh from my flight to Kyiv from New York, I felt a bit sluggish. Luckily, the 5-star property delivered, and within minutes I was on my way to my generously sized guestroom, with just enough time to rest a bit before departing again.

Guest Quarters: Several different but connected buildings make up the hotel. My fourth-floor guestroom was on a round floor, almost on the opposite side of the circle from the elevators, so the route to my room was a bit circuitous. The door opened into the bedroom, with a nightstand and the bed to the immediate left. A nightstand flanked the bed on the other side as well; I appreciated the nearby outlets. Across from the bed sat a long desk and TV stand with an armchair next to it. A separate wardrobe sat just outside of the bathroom, convenient for easy access between the bathroom and my luggage as I was getting ready. Over the course of my three-night stay I made myself at home.

The bathroom was large, but with a pedestal sink, I was left wishing for more counter space. A towel warmer and heated floor, on the other hand, were appreciated touches. Warning: Check the showerhead before turning on the shower; the handheld unit wasn’t fully secured and it flipped around when I turned it on, nearly flooding my bathroom.

All guestrooms boast complimentary, high-speed WiFi; stocked minibars; flat-screen TVs; and digital safes.

Services/Amenities: Teatro Restaurant offers all-day dining, 6:30 a.m.–11 p.m. Mediterranean ingredients shine in the menu’s international dishes, all complemented by a wine collection curated from around the globe. Guests can also relax at the Lobby Lounge enjoying coffees, teas and pastries under the conservatory-style glass ceiling of the lobby.

Meeting and event facilities are available: The Symphony and Maestro halls can accommodate up to 250 people, while the Business Lounge is the perfect spot for meetings, presentations or cocktail parties and private dinners.

Diva Spa at Opera Hotel is open daily 9 a.m.–9 p.m. and offers massages, hair services and cosmetology.

TOP TAKEAWAYS:

◆ The on-site Teatro Restaurant offers an abundant breakfast buffet each morning alongside an equally abundant madeto- order egg menu. It was the perfect way to fuel up each morning for a day of sightseeing.

◆ Opera Hotel Kyiv, one of the city’s 5-star hotels, is conveniently located in the heart of Kyiv near the business, cultural and historical districts; as you enter, the light-filled, beautiful lobby greets you.

◆ My guestroom was impressively spacious, offering room to relax, spread out, do work, unpack, charge all electronics and more.

OPERA HOTEL KYIV

53, B. Khmelnitskogo St.
Kyiv, 01054, Ukraine
tel 38 044 581 70 70
opera-hotel.com