So that you know, I've spent about a quarter of my time in Ukraine dating back to 1998. I have business activities there and have many, many contacts - throughout the country.

I have also stayed at a few of the hotels you mentioned - though I prefer the convenience and space of a private apartment now.

Lybid. It is a renovated (NOT a Soviet-era) hotel that is hugely overpriced (as are nearly ALL hotels in Ukraine) with unbelievably small rooms. Still, they are comfortable and the hotel is extremely close to the train station - if you are traveling by train. I don't care for it because it is too far from Kreschatyk street (central street in downtown Kyiv). As for the hotel not allowing you to take a girl to your room - that is NOT a problem at Lybid.

Adria is OK - but is in the Podil district and also is not walking distance to Kreschatyk. Podil is OK and has quite a few nice restaurants and shops in the area. Rooms are nice and prices are OK - but still around the $100 per night mark.

I would DEFINITELY avoid Hotel Rus - unless you are only there for the nightclub in the basement. Hotel Dnipro is incredibly-expensive and ONLY offers a nice location at one end of Kreschatyk. If cost is no object, then stay at the Hotel Ukraina - recently renovated and the ONLY genuine 5-star hotel in Ukraine. Hotel Imprezza over in Podil is also VERY nice.

Probably the best value if you are ONLY looking for a small bed to sleep until the next leg of your trip - is the hotel near the airport - I believe it is called Hotel Boryspil (original - right?).

If you *do* find yourself at an old Soviet-style hotel - they position babushkas (older, ugly ladies) at each floor that often will hold the key to your room when you leave. They have pretty strict rules about who may be in the hotel. Contact Jack about his little 'trick' to soften those rules some. They work incredibly-well.

Best of luck to you.

- Dan

Almost all hotels I stayed at anywhere in Ukraine have floor personnel on each floor to keep the key when you leave.  Also the Hotel Borispol is a very nice hotel and comfortable for the price.

Although like you I prefer an apartment and having the right person to find one for you is important.  When in Kiev I never stay in a hotel.  I hope all is well with you and family.  I am still  waiting for the visa approval from INS like everyone else.  I am on day 106 from the first NOA and even longer from the I-130 filing and NOA.

I think the IBIS checks are causing lots of delays and heaven help you if you get stuck in the meat grinder.  I hope everyone gets their loved one home.  I know I miss my wife very much and if something doesn't break soon I will go back over there and stay for alot longer than the two months last time.  Of course that will take me out of my job now but I can't see throwing away my marriage for a job.
We'll see.

Best Regards,

JimmyUSA
AKA
JimmyUkraine

If you get a tourist visa you must get confirmation from the hotel you are staying in. Some guys will rent a hotel for one night just to get this Tourist visa, where as the private visa only requires the name and address of an individual (lines 20, 21, 23 of visa appliacation). If anyone needs such name and address I have several I can give out.

A business visa should be given strong consideration if you think you might make a few trips in a years time. The Russian business visa will only be good for one year and is not so difficult to get.