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accomodation and restaurants
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Posted by: vic2012

I'm visiting Kiev for 24 hours! And will be going to Svyatoshin. The Prolisok hotel says it is 3 star, but it only $65. Does anyone know if is any good? And what's the alternative.
Also where is a really good place to go for a nice meal with traditional Ukrainian food and what sort of cost would that be? Finally, as there is little time for tourist attractions, What one place should I visit?
I do intend to come back for longer!!!

Posted by: sidney

What one place should I visit?
See the ballet and enjoy.
Good luck
Sid

Posted by: Jill

Don't know that hotel, but expect accomodations to be as "modest" as the price. If it's only for one night, you should be fine, but I would hesitate to stay for long (likely not too comfortable). Where is it located?

One place to visit....Pecherska Lavra hands down. Go there during the day, then take a nice stoll along Khreshatyk in the evening.

Ukrainian food? Well, Taras is nice (it has been renamed recently--I forget the new name, but it is the only restaurant in Shevchenko Park). Khutorets is also famous, but rather expensive (it's on the Dnipro). Kozak Mamai is decent and conveniently located near Khreshatyk (on Prorizna, next door to a nice bar called the Drum).

Posted by: J60

I don't know about the restraunts,

but i agree with jill on Pecherska lavra,
(providing i'm thinking of the correct place)

Jill is that the monastry ??

if it is when i was there in late august the main church was closed for renovation, and we were told it would be six months before it opens to the public again???
although even without that the rest of the monastry and the park on the hill above and behind it are fantastic,

John

Posted by: Jill

You are thinking of the right place, John. There is a monastery there, there are also several museums (the museum of miniatures is quite interesting), as well as catacombs (don't go in if you are at all claustrophobic!). It is also very near the WWII museum (in the base of the huge iron lady statue).

Posted by: J60

Thanks Jill,
aghhhh why did'nt my wife tell me about the WW2 museum !!!!!!

Posted by: clever1

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jill

It is also very near the WWII museum (in the base of the huge iron lady statue).

They've got a staue of Margeret Thatcher ?

John

Posted by: vic2012

Hi Jill

Thanks a lot for the useful information. By coincidence I had already decided to go to Kozam Mamai. I found masses of info on Kiev restaurants on the Chicken Kiev web site. (www.chicken.kiev.ua/eng) . Have you been to this restaurant before?

The Prolisok Hotel is on the Prospect of Victory (Prospekt Pobedy). Apparently its very close to where I am going. Its supposed to be in a forest area on the western outskirts of Kiev. I’ll give it a rating when I return.

As for a stroll along the Khreshatyk in the evening, whats the temperature likely to be in early December. I’ll give it a go if it’s close to the restaurant.

Finally thanks for the advice on going to Pecherska lavra. I love looking at old churches and cathedrals. I think it’s a very good choice. And for J60, (to jog his memory), I found lots of pictures and info in English on it, (www.lavra.kiev.ua/en/) And I'll do the ballet on another occasion Sid (theres not much on) I'm only there for one evening, so I'll do the walk and the restaurant. But thanks for the info.

So, unless any new info comes up, I’ll let you know how I got on when I get back

Regards
Victor

Posted by: vic2012

So, I got to Kiev. This is some advice for travellers to the City, based on what I found.
Firstly at the airport. Only change enough money to get into Kiev. The exchange bureau is a rip off. You will get up to 10% better exchange In the City (and there's plenty of exchanges there (open to about 22.00). You will be accosted by numereous taxi drivers. But the comfortable coach which goes from the airport door (every 20 mins) is only $4 and takes you to the main train station in central Kiev. You can take the Metro from there, which costs an amazing ten cents to go anywhere. It was great fun. (but you must learn the Cyrillic alphabet as very few signs are in English!) see:http://www.alphadictionary.com/rusgrammar/alphabet.html and you will also need
http://www.alphadictionary.com/rusg.../pronounc.html?
Many taxis in Kiev do not have meters and most drivers speak no English. So beware!
I stayed at the Prolisok hotel ($50 night, which is very cheap for Kiev). Nice hotel, but rooms are small. And, it is on the western outskirts of the city. So you need to get a taxi to the Metro ($4) and travel in from there (approx 30 mins overall).
I ate at Kozak Mamay, a traditional restaurant just 100 metres from the Khreschatyk Metro, right in the city centre.
The meal cost $25 (each), which was a bit steep as, the service and food were very average. But the waiters and Ukrainian band were dressed as kossaks, so it was a pleasant evening.
Apart from walking along Khreschatyk which was festively illuminated, I did not have time for sightseeing.But I am returning soon, so I will update my info then.
I learnt a lot in 24 hours. So, let me know if you need me to elaborate on the info above.

p.s I almost forgot, if you want to buy duty free at the airport, 200 cigarettes costs $19. But in the Kiosks in the city you pay only $8 (for 200 Marlboro or similar). Thats cheap!!

Also, many young people speak some English, so if you get lost, there's always someone who will be happy to help. I spoke to a few people and got on fine.

Contact: vicin2012@aol.com

Posted by: great-companion

i would suggest you walk down Khereshatik St. ( in fact it is the best and only place to be ) and you will see many restaurants specially in Globos at Maidan & Metrograd. if you really wana have nice Ukrainian food, visit a restaurant called " fat house " in Ukrainian 'xata' but i for got the full name in Ukrainian.....this restaurant is opposit Friday's and just next to Bezarska,,,

Posted by: Jill

It's Puzata khata. And the quality has gone way down since it opened. Still edible, though, and cheap.