We stayed 2 nights in an updated room on the 10th floor which resembled chain hotel accommodation. Our room was comfortable and served as a decent base for exploring wonderful amazing Minsk. Despite the gorgeous 38°C temperatures that blessed our stay, the un-air-conditioned roomed stayed relatively cool. The large window afforded a fabulous view over the park and Svislach river and the twin beds (no doubles here we're told) were comfortable with large feather pillows. Our room was made up to a high standard each morning and everything was very clean.

The hotel is a 10 minute walk to Nymega or Frunzyenskaya metro stations and a 20 minute stroll to the centre of Minsk. Planeta staff were polite and professional, friendly and helpful - most spoke very good English. Our room had no minibar but there is a convenience shop selling supplies that you can take to your room. The "Express Bar" sells reasonably priced coffee, beer and snacks whilst an Al Fresco bar had sprung up in the grounds in front of the hotel and had a pleasant relaxed vibe. Other facilities included a Post Office and an ATM as well as a Bureau de Change that seemed never to shut.

Breakfast isn't bad but don't rely on them having everything ready by 7 if there's been a wedding party on site the night before... although walking through the arch of flowers to the sliced cheese and salami part of the buffet was at least a novelty! There was a good variety of hot and cold dishes with fried eggs, fried potatoes, a dozen types of hot meat, beans, salads, cakes etc.

If you're reading this you've almost certainly decided to visit Minsk but it can't be stressed enough what a vibrant, pleasant and engaging city it really is.