Hyatt Regency Kiev Review
After my visit to Krakow and stay at the Hotel Indigo, I flew to Kiev for a night. I used my Chase free night certificate as the Hyatt Regency Kiev is a Category 4 (typically 15,000 points). While Kiev is a very inexpensive location, the average nightly rates at the property are extremely high (€200+ per night). There are only a few “luxury” hotels in the city (Regency, InterContinental, Fairmont), so I am guessing people pay it. During my stay I did see a guest with at least two body guards so although Regency isn’t a luxury brand, it is one of the only games in town and attracts a wealthy clientele.
Location
The Regency is located across from St. Sophia’s and a few blocks up hill from Independence Square. It is a good spot to be for seeing the city.
Kiev does not have the best network of transportation and with Uber being extremely inexpensive, it makes most sense to Uber around. The nearest subway is at Independence Square.
The building itself is extremely ugly. It does not fit in with the surrounding area and is an eyesore of mirrored glass and large stone courtyard with little landscaping in front. Fortunately as a guest staying inside, you only have to look at it when you are entering the property. It is probably one of the ugliest hotels I have ever seen.
Check In
I arrived around noon and was told my room was ready. I was upgraded as an Explorist to room 729, a One King Bed with Cathedral View on the 7th floor.
The hotel is atrium style with guest rooms on floors 1-9 along the outside of the atrium.
Room
As you first enter the room, the bathroom is on the left and the closets are on the right.
It is a very standard Regency room. Bed against one side facing the TV and desk.
The Cathedral View rooms are located along the curved facade of the building so have a bit of extra room where they have placed an arm chair.
One of the windows vents. The view is quite lovely especially at night when the cathedral is lit up.
Back towards the entry/bathroom, the closet is large and includes a safe, slippers and robe.
Bathroom
The bathroom is separated from the rest of the room only with a frosted glass door. Inside it has a deep single vanity along with a separate shower (both rain shower and hand held wand) and tub. Attached to the wall is a towel warmer (which also works great for drying clothes).
The bath products are Pharmacopia (fortunately not Kennet MD or June Jacobs).
I noticed the water was a bit yellow but water bottles are provided each day and during turn down service.
Bar
There is a roof top bar on the 8th floor with both inside and outside seating. The prices are what you would expect in a high end hotel bar in the US — in other words about a 5x inflation over a similar bar in the neighborhood. It does offer nice views. I noticed that at least a few of the customers were ex pats living in Kiev — not sure why you would choose to go to that bar with many better, less expensive options.
As I was staying on my Chase free night certificate, I couldn’t use a club certificate. There is a Regency Club on the 9th floor for guests that do qualify for access.
There is also a bar off of the lobby and a restaurant on the mezzanine floor overlooking the lobby.
Spa & Gym
There is a spa with pool and 24 hour gym located in the basement of the property. Guests have free use, though must pay for treatments at the spa.
Overall
Though the rates make you think this is a luxury hotel; I found it to be just an ordinary Hyatt Regency. However, there are not many western hotels in Kiev so those looking for something familiar would find it here. If I were to return to Kiev, I would pick a different hotel or, more likely, check out an Airbnb where your money would go a lot farther.
Still, as it is a Category 4 property, those with a Chase free night certificate can use it here and save a good amount by not paying the inflated room rates (though you still have to pay a room tax of about $1.50).