Our family lived in Kyiv for 10 years and my business regularly suggested Senator as an excellent alternative to more expensive hotels for clients visiting Kyiv. So, when our family decided to move from Kyiv and we required a place to stay for a few months, we decided to stay at Senator.
Good -- excellent value (for Kyiv). Get used to it, Kyiv is sorely lacking quality hotels and anything reasonable is very expensive. It reflects the local society. Expect either crap or extremely over priced bling. Senator is expensive compared to competition elsewhere, but a real value in Kyiv. The reception (especially Elizabeth -- we can't say enough good about her) and the security were excellent. Always smiling, always helpful. The rooms/kitchen/bathroom/living room were excellent.
Not as good -- Very typical soviet management: The people that actually work at the hotel have no decision making power. We stayed there 3 months and never, ever saw or heard of this Sales Manager Galina that replies to these posts. As usual, she is too important to actually talk to guests. Head office makes arbitrary decisions that greatly affects the service of the establishment, but they are not there to see it's results or to take responsibility for the decisions with the client. As a result "it's the rules" is a typical, and an extremely annoying, response. "what can be done about x?" "nothing". The attached restaurant, while very interesting and offering board games and/or events nightly, has horrible food. Like seriously some of the worst food I've eaten in a long time. Skip the room service. Never tried the breakfast, it might be better.
Bottom line -- It's Kyiv. The price is high, take a deep breath when they say it's the rules, because it's the rules. The service is much better than typical. The management is 'normalno'. Translation: crappy. However, Elizabeth is really trying at reception and it shows. I will stay there again on my trips to Kyiv and I look forward to saying Hi to Elizabeth again! ... and maybe seeing who this Galina is.
