Are you traveling to Ukraine and have no idea where to stay in Kiev?
No worries – I’ve got you covered!
As a self-professed “almost local,” I’ve stayed in Kiev more than two dozen times in the past two years thanks to layovers, festivals and events, and just for fun. Kiev has become part of my commute, because the only way I can travel from my hometown is to always have a layover in Kiev.
Beides the places I’ve stayed, at I also asked locals and travelers about their favorite places and came up with this guide to accommodations in Kyiv. The competition was fierce and only the best got to be on this list – and I have the criteria to go along with it!
Ukraine is one of the most underrated countries to travel to. It has everything you could want, from the luscious green mountains of the Carpathians, to the bustling boutiques located along Kiev’s Khreschatnyk street, to the museums and cafes of Lviv. That’s not even mentioning the sizzling beaches of Odessa or the perfect cobblestone streets of Chernivtsi. If you’re a budget traveler, you’re especially in luck: Ukraine is one of the cheapest countries in Europe!
My Criteria
Before we dive in, I wanted to give you guys a quick breakdown of my criteria for choosing every hotel/hostel/apartment on this list.
The rating on Booking.com has to be a minimum of 8.0 or higher (at the time of writing). If other guests like the accommodation, chances are, you’ll like it as well!
Next, every single accommodation must be centrally located, so you won’t have to drag your feet 2 miles to get to the closest tourist attraction. If it’s a bit further away, then it must be close to a metro station.
Finally, the rooms must be in nice condition, clean, and with well-decorated rooms (you won’t find any rooms with peeling wallpaper from the USSR!). It doesn’t have to sparkle like the Hilton (although, spoiler alert, the Hilton is included here!), but the rooms must be well-kept. In short, somewhere where I would not hesitate to stay myself.
If you can’t wait to find out where to stay in Kiev, Ukraine, look no further – let’s get to it!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Kiev Neighborhood Guide
Accommodation Tips
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Budget Hotels & Hostels (Under $25)
Mid-Range Hotels ($35-75)
Luxury & High-End Hotels ($100+)
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Designer Hotels & Boutique Hotels
Apartment Hotels
KIEV NEIGHBORHOOD GUIDE
Kiev (sometimes spelled Kyiv, which is the local name) has a population of almost 3 million people, so it’s no surprise to find out how huge the city really is. There are about a dozen districts in Kiev, but I’ve broken it down into the most popular areas for travelers to stay in.
Shevchenkivskyi District – Shevchenkivskyi District is one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Kiev for a first-time visitor because it’s central, encompasses many of the popular tourist sites, and is easy to walk around. The Old Town is located in this district, which features the gorgeous St. Sophia’s Cathedral; the colorful alley full of statues called Landscape Alley; and the area of cafes and parks around the Golden Gate (Zoloti Vorota). Khreschatyk St, the most popular main street of Kiev that contains boutiques, souvenir stores, restaurants, cafes, and more, is located on the border of Shevchenkivskyi District.
Podil (Podol) District – Known as Kiev’s artsy / hipster district, the area got its cool factor from a number of start-ups that opened their offices here (including Google!) – in fact, you can find the trendiest cafes, bars, lounges, and stores around the Podil district. Local attractions include Andriyivsky Uzviz (S. Andrew’s Descent), Zamkova Hora (featuring some of the best views of Kiev), and the Kiev funicular (a fun and cheap way of getting to the top of the hill).
Lypky District – Once considered Kiev’s most prestigious area, Lypky still retains some of the grandiose architecture from its past. Its most notable attraction is the House of Chimeras, an Art Nouveau building with a few unusual characters. Hotels in the Lypky district are also a short walk away from the National Opera, the Chocolate house (which is a museum full of architectural wonders and has nothing to do with chocolate 😉), and, of course, Independence Square (Maidan Nezalezhnosti).
Pecherskyi District – Perhaps the calmest and quietest district on this list, Pecherskyi houses one of Kiev’s most famous attractions – the Kyevo-Pecherska Lavra. Yes, that’s right: those gorgeous green and gold churches that grace the cover of almost every Kiev travel guide book are located here and lend its name to the district. Other nearby attractions include the Rodina Mat statue (aka Defence of the Motherland Monument) and the National Botanical Garden.
KYIV ACCOMMODATION TIPS
Before you start to book your hotel in Kiev, there are a few helpful tips to keep in mind – especially if it’s your first trip to Ukraine. Here are a few pieces of advice that I suggest while looking for accommodation in Kyiv:
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- Stay near a metro station – Transportation in Kiev is super convenient, especially if your accommodation is near a metro station. In fact, locals will often pay a few thousands dollars extra when looking for an apartment if it is located closer to a metro station. You can get from one side of the city to the other in less than 30 minutes – which is important if you’re a traveler with limited time!
- Consider apartments – Booking apartments and aparthotels (apartment hotels) is a popular practice in Eastern Europe. It’s an especially great option if you have many travelers in your party; if you want to live like a local; and if you want the convenience of having a kitchen.
- Left Bank vs Right Bank – Kiev is split into two parts by the Dniepr River. The Left Bank (east part) is closest to the KBP Kiev Borispol airport and the new apartment buildings, while the Right Bank (west part) includes the historical center and is closer to IEV Zhuliany airport. It gets a little confusing because the Left Bank is technically on the right side of the city and vice versa. I highly recommend staying in the Right Bank because you’ll be closer to all of the tourist attractions. If you’re only in Kiev for a day and want to be closer to Borispol Airport, then consider booking a hotel in the Left Bank.
With these tips in mind, let’s check out some of the best hotels in Kiev!
HOSTELS & BUDGET HOTELS
(Under $25)
DREAM House Hostel Kyiv
TOP PICK
What happens when you take a centrally located (one block away from Andriyivskyy Descent!), clean and modern-decorated hostel with excellent customer service? The best hostel in Kiev! Voted #1 hostel on TripAdvisor, DREAM House Hostel is my top pick for budget accommodation in Kiev. There are different room options (4-, 6-, and 8-bed rooms) along with private rooms. The one thing that really makes it stand out is the free concierge service they provide through the Telegram app – if you have any questions or need suggestions on what to do in Kiev, they’re happy to help!
Pricing from $10/night
Agoda || Booking.com || HotelsCombined
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Maison Blanche Kyiv
This eco-friendly and minimalist chic B&B is close to central attractions like Artist Alley while being quiet and relaxing thanks to its location on a small side street. All of the rooms are private, with some having shared bathrooms. As a bonus, there’s a supermarket across the street and a Roshen chocolate store below (perfect for last minute souvenirs!)
Pricing from $25/night
Agoda || Booking.com || HotelsCombined
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Cloud 9
One of the most centrally located hostels in Kiev, Cloud 9 is a quick 2-minute walk to Maidan Square and the nearby restaurants, bars, cafes, and stores. I love the cozy Scandinavian style and complimentary lockers as well – this hostel is where you’ll get the most bang for your buck since prices start at only $7 per night!
Pricing from $7/night
Agoda || Booking.com || HotelsCombined
Gar’is Kyiv Factory Hostel
The Factory Hostel is a quiet hostel that’s in a residential part of downtown. It’s a one minute walk from a bus station that will take you to the center, plus Zhuliany Airport (IEV) is conveniently located about 3.5 km away. The area has a nice amount of restaurants and cafes as well.
Pricing from $25/night
Agoda || Booking.com || HotelsCombined
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Olive Hostel
A charming little hostel that’s run by a friendly and helpful host. It’s a 5-minute walk from the main shopping street (Khreshchatyk Street) and located in a gorgeous classical building. Olive Hostel is usually more well-known with Ukrainian tourists, so you can meet some “local” friends if you stay here. :)
Pricing from $7/night
Booking.com || HotelsCombined
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Sun City Hostel
Sun City is, like the name says, a cheerful hostel that’s covered in bright yellow decor. It’s walking distance to many museums, parks, and the Arsenalna metro station.
Pricing from $5/night
Agoda || Booking.com || HotelsCombined
Yak Olympic Hostel
If you’re in Kiev to go to a concert or catch a sporting event, there’s a good chance that you’ll be going to the Olympic Stadium. Yak Olympik hostel is a 5 minute walk to the stadium and a 3 minute walk to the nearest metro station (Olimpiyska Metro Station).
Pricing from $7/night
Agoda || Booking.com || HotelsCombined
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AK Hostel
TOP PICK
One of the newest hostels on this list (it was opened at the end of 2018), AK Hostel is in one of the best locations in Kiev: It’s a 3-minute walk to Maydan Square; surrounded by cafes and restaurants that are open late; and within walking distance to touristy sports like St. Sophia’s Cathedral and Poshtova Square.
Pricing from $10/night
Booking.com || HotelsCombined
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Sky Hostel Kyiv
Located in the Podil (Podol) district, Sky Hostel is another hostel that’s highly raved about – I’ve heard a few travelers that said it was one of the best hostels they’ve ever stayed at. It’s comfortable, clean, well-situated, and has plenty of space in the rooms.
Pricing from $10/night
Agoda || Booking.com || HotelsCombined
MID-RANGE HOTELS
($35 to $75)
Royal Grand Hotel
TOP PICK
Arguably one of the best-decorated hotels in Kyiv — check out that Baroque style!
The Royal Grand Hotel is located near Zoloti Vorota in my favorite district of Kiev. It’s a lovely area that has an upbeat atmosphere (probably due to the nearby university!), little parks, and plenty of cool cafes. The hotel is a quick 5-minute taxi or 20-minute metro ride from the main train station (Kiev Pasazhyrskyi Railway Station) and has three metro stations nearby. I recommend visiting the nearby Park Shevchenko and botanical gardens if you have an extra hour or two.
Pricing from $60/night
Agoda || Booking.com || Hotels.com || HotelsCombined
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Gallery Hotel Gintama
A solid option that’s centrally located but still quiet (it’s off the main street). Gintama feels more homely than the other hotels — there are only 24 rooms! — and has continental breakfast included. There’s also a wonderful little terrace that you can sit outside and enjoy the sunshine. If you’re tired after a long day of sightseeing, the hotel has a sauna that you can rent for 200 UAH per hour.
Pricing from $65/night
Agoda || Booking.com || Hotels.com || HotelsCombined
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Mackintosh Hotel
Location, price, and amenities make this another good hotel for a first-time visit to Kiev. Mackintosh offers fantastic service, a delicious breakfast buffet spread (try the syrnyki pancakes!), and a no-frills room with comfortable beds.
Pricing from $55/night
Agoda || Booking.com || Hotels.com || HotelsCombined
Number 21 by DBI
If you can, go for the Suite room! The room decor is one of the best in Kiev, with elegant, dark, and modern vibes – it’s the perfect spot for a casual staycation or romantic surprise. Number 21 is located in Podil (Podol) near the Kiev funicular and Poshtova Ploshcha, as well as some of the city’s best fine dining restaurants.
Pricing from $65/night
Agoda || Booking.com || Hotels.com || HotelsCombined
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ibis Kiev City Center
I’ve stayed in other Ibis hotels (Rio de Janeiro, Casablanca, etc) and appreciate their simple and no-frills approach to rooms – which you can find in their Kiev hotel as well! The warm and minimalistic atmosphere makes Ibis a lovely option. It’s a few streets away from the center (near the university), has a solid breakfast spread and a 24-hour bar with cocktails and light snacks.
Pricing from $75/night
Agoda || Booking.com || Hotels.com || HotelsCombined
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Park-Hotel Golosievo
If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the capital, book a room at this hotel, which is conveniently located in Holosievskiy Park! You’ll be surrounded by nature but have convenient access to the city, since the Holosiivska metro station is only 500 meters away. Each room is cozily decorated in an earthy design and comes with complimentary breakfast.
Pricing from $75/night
Agoda || Booking.com || Hotels.com || HotelsCombined
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Hotel Ukraine (Ukraina Hotel)
Last but not least, we have one of Kiev’s most classic hotels: Hotel Ukraine! Also known as Hotel Ukrayina, this hotel has a fascinating history. It was built at the beginning of the 1960s and served as the hotel where presidents, diplomats, and other famous people would stay when they visited Kiev. Although the outside gives it a very Soviet-style look, the inside was completed redecorated in recent years. If you’re into Soviet history or want to feel like you’ve taken a time machine back to the USSR, this is your place. :)
Fun fact: Thanks to its close proximity to Independence Square (Maidan Nezalezhnosti) and amazing views, TV channels “rent” some of the rooms to film news segments and shows.
Pricing from $65/night
Agoda || Booking.com || Hotels.com || HotelsCombined
LUXURY & HIGH-END HOTELS
($100+)
Hyatt Regency Kiev
TOP PICK
If there’s one hotel that I would have to pick from this list with the best view, it would be, no questions asked, the Hyatt Regency — and you’ll soon find out why This impressive hotel has a fantastic location that’s in the heart of Kiev and within walking distance of (almost!) every tourist attraction. If you can, I highly recommend booking a room with Cathedral View – you’ll wake up to a beautiful panorama of the Saint Sophia Square every morning. As a bonus, it’s only a 700-meter walk to get to the square.
If you can’t book a room view a view, no worries: head up to the eighth floor, where you’ll find one of my favorite bars called Bar on 8 (pretty straightforward, right? ) . There’s also an in-house gym, sauna, and beauty salon.
Pricing from $240/night
Agoda || Booking.com || Hotels.com || HotelsCombined
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Fairmont Grand Hotel Kyiv
Staying at the Fairmont Grand Kiev will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a room in Versailles – just look at the gorgeous decor! The hotel is situated on top of a hill overlooking the Dnieper River and near a lovely plaza that comes alive at night.
Remember what I said about Versailles? If you’re missing a taste of France, head down to the lobby cafe called Sweet Book Pastry & Library for a m acaron and coffee. For something a little more filling, the Fairmont also has a restaurant (Vogue) that services European, Chinese and Ukrainian cuisine.
Pricing from $220/night
Agoda || Booking.com || Hotels.com || HotelsCombined
Khreschatyk City Center Hotel (Khreschatyk Hotel)
My two favorite things about the hotel are the breakfast buffet (one of the best in Kiev!) and the smart system in the rooms – you can control the lights and housekeeping with a panel. There’s also an Asian restaurant called Buddha Bar and an outdoor cafe. Overall, Khreschatyk City Center is one of my top options for a first-time visit to Kiev.
Pricing from $100/night
Agoda || Booking.com || Hotels.com || HotelsCombined
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Hilton Kiev (Hilton Kyiv)
If you’ve been to a Hilton before, this hotel has the same familiar features and top-notch service. I recommend booking the Executive Corner King Room with Panoramic View for a lovely view of the Kiev skyline and plenty of space to stretch out. As mentioned before, it’s located in one of my favorite areas and a great starting point for your trip to Kiev.
Pricing from $220/night
Agoda || Booking.com || Hotels.com || HotelsCombined
One of the only 5-star hotels in Kiev, the Premier Palace Hotel features a gym, swimming pool, cabaret lounge with live music, and an on-site restaurant. It’s centrally located and close to plenty of museums, shops and restaurants.
Pricing from $200/night
Agoda || Booking.com || Hotels.com || HotelsCombined
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InterContinental Kiev
Last but not least, another classic: The InterContinental is located in downtown, near one of my favorite sights (St. Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery). It’s also walking distance to the boutiques, museums, and restaurants at St. Andrew’s Descent (Andriyivskyi Uzviz).
Pricing from $300/night
Agoda || Booking.com || HotelsCombined
DESIGNER HOTELS
& BOUTIQUE HOTELS
Pricing from $90/night
Agoda || Booking.com || Hotels.com || HotelsCombined
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Art-Boatel St Andre
If you’re looking for a little something out of the ordinary, why not stay on a boat? ;)
The Saint Andrew Botel is located on the Dnepr River and a short 10-minute walk away from the nearest metro station (Kontraktova plosha). As a bonus, they even provide a shuttle to Boryspil Airport on request. If you want to relax, there’s an onboard cinema, karaoke bar, and restaurant.
(P.S. – If you want to know more about the whole experience, I wrote about staying on a boat while traveling to Bratislava, you can check it out here!)
Pricing from $40/night
Agoda || Booking.com || HotelsCombined
MaNNa Boutique Hotel
You can’t get any more boutique than MaNNa Hotel – that’s because it only has 7 (very well-designed) rooms! Each room comes with its own theme, whether it’s the Pop Dog Room (with a cute poster of a French Bulldog) or the Ukrainian-style Wood Room. Since there are only a few rooms, you’ll get unparalleled service and attention to detail.
Pricing from $150/night
Agoda || Booking.com || HotelsCombined
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Riviera House
Although it just opened, Riviera has been making a splash with travelers who are visiting Kiev. The elegantly-decorated hotel is set in the Old Town and within walking distance to many attractions. Some of the rooms feature a river view (!) and come with breakfast.
Pricing from $150/night
Agoda || Booking.com || Hotels.com || HotelsCombined
11 Mirrors Design Hotel
With one review calling it the “best hotel ever” and, “if I had the money to own a hotel, this would be it,” how can you go wrong choosing 11 Mirrors?
One of the hottest design hotels in Kiev, 11 Mirrors is known for its gorgeous minimalist design, excellent service, and location (sandwiched between Teatral’na and Zoloti Voroti metro stations). If you have a chance, go up to the terrace to get one of the best views of Kyiv.
Fun Fact: 11 Mirrors was created by professional boxer Wladimir Klitschko – his brother, Vitali, is the mayor of Kyiv!
Pricing from $150/night
Agoda || Booking.com || Hotels.com || HotelsCombined
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Opera Hotel
Did you know that the Opera Hotel was the first ever boutique hotel in Kiev? Opened in 2006, it paved the way for modern design and boutique hotels, and is still available today! The hotel has 137 rooms, including seven themed suites decorated in styles from different countries (Japan, Italy, Russia, Egypt, France, America, and Morocco). It’s also one of the more budget-friendly boutique hotels in Kiev, with prices starting below $100 per night.
Pricing from $100/night
Agoda || Booking.com || Hotels.com || HotelsCombined
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BURSA Hotel Kyiv
Set in a modern art-deco design, BURSA Hotel would be the result if Pablo Picasso and Wes Anderson decided to collaborate and create a hotel together. Impossibly chic and minimalist, BURSA also offers complimentary breakfast (Prosecco for breakfast? Why not?) and is located in the hip part of the Podil neighborhood. The hotel also has a bar with a rooftop terrace; a 24-hour library on-site; and a friendly concierge.
Pricing from $120/night
Agoda || Booking.com || Hotels.com || HotelsCombined
APARTMENT HOTELS / APARTHOTELS
Theatre Boutique Apart-Hotel
Theatre Aparthotel is as centrally-located as you could possibly want it to be: right in between Zoloti Vorota metro station and Khreshchatyk metro station, it’s at the epicenter of cool cafes, restaurants, and bars. Like the name says, this apartment hotel is right across from the National Theater of Kiev, so don’t forget to catch a show while you’re there. With studios starting at $50 per night, it’s also an excellent budget-friendly accommodation in Kiev.
Pricing from $30/night
Agoda || Booking.com || Hotels.com || HotelsCombined
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Senator Apartments on Maidan
Business travelers visiting Kiev will particularly like Senator Apartments’ sleek interior design, proximity to the center (and major corporate buildings), as well as the option to add breakfast to their room – so they can get out the door and sign that contract. Other amenities include free parking, dry cleaning, a 24-hour security guard, and staff that speak English very well.
Pricing from $150/night
Booking.com || HotelsCombined
Status Apartments
Stylish and cozy, Status Apartments is tucked away on a quiet street near St. Sophia’s Cathedral and right across Volodymyrska Hill. It’s the perfect place to come back, recharge, and go out exploring Kiev again in the evening. Travelers with kids will love the children’s playground located in the courtyard.
Pricing from $55/night
Agoda || Booking.com || Hotels.com || HotelsCombined
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Fire Inn
Comfortable and quiet, Fire Inn is located in the university district of Kiev, which means tons of interesting bars and concept restaurants. It’s also close to Taras Shevchenko park (a lovely place to take a walk in), a short walk to the train station, and has plenty of museums and things to see. You can add breakfast for an extra $5 per person.
Pricing from $35/night
Agoda || Booking.com || Hotels.com || HotelsCombined
Partner Guest House Baseina
One of the top-picked aparthotels in Kiev, Partner Guest House has it all: it’s centrally located, with a modern design, free Wi-Fi, spa baths (!!) and a quick 5-minute walk from the Palats Sportu Metro Station and Besarabsky Market. It also has a balcony, so you can enjoy your picnic from the Besarabsky market and do a little people watching ;)
Pricing from $50/night
Agoda || Booking.com || Hotels.com || HotelsCombined
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Bogdan Hall DeLuxe
A hidden gem in the Lypky district, Bogdan Hall aparthotel is stylish, with plenty of amentities, in a quiet district, and with everything close by.
Pricing from $70/night
Agoda || Booking.com || Hotels.com || HotelsCombined
That’s all for the best hotels in Kiev! Has this made your planning a trip to Kiev easier?
Let me know in the comments below, and as always, see you in the next post!
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The fine print: Hotel photos courtesy of Booking.com
Prices listed were correct at the time of posting and may change – please see the hotel page for most recent pricing.
Hi Luda, Kiev is always on my bucket list and soon I will plan to visit this amazing place with my friends. We all are worried about the accommodation as we want everything to go well. I just stumbled on this informative piece and I think this article will be of great help in choosing the accommodation.
Hi Vijay, thank you for the comment! I hope you find your perfect accommodation in Kiev :)