The grey, Soviet-style, drab, concrete exterior of the Sport is a good indication of what lies within. On each floor there is another reminder of the past. The desks directly outside the elevators where the fearsome floor wardens (baboushkas) oversaw comings and goings are still there. However, the spirit of the Baboushkas lives on in Reception. The staff there are unwelcoming and taciturn but blend in well with the dull, rundown decor.
Our room on the 12th floor was a great disappointment. There has been a recent attempt at refurbishment but it was just a spalsh and dash job. A spot or aertexing and paint could not detract from the cheap furniture, the tired, old carpet and the wafer thin curtains. The door to the miniature balcony was broken and it did not close fully, letting the noise of the wind and traffic enter. yes, even on the 12th floor, the noise of the cars and lorries on the cobbled Chervondarmiskyka Street was intrusive even at night. reporting this defect to reception got a half-hearted pledge to have it looked at but that did not mateliarise.
Breakfast was included in out rate of $205 per night but it was buffet-style and if you were not there at 07:30 then bad luck because everything just sat there, stewing in heated dishes. The staff were so unobtrusive as to be invisible. If you wanted any fresh coffee or butter they had to be winkled out of their little bolt holes.
On the plus side, the bathroom was pretty good and also there was a newish LCD flat screen TV although we didn't even switch it on. Location is good. For the walkers amongst you, Chervondarmiskyka Street runs into Khreschatik Street, Kiev's most important thoroughfare, which is 10-15 minutes away. Respublikanskyi Stadion Metro station is two mintues from the hotel and it is on the Blue line that runs up to the Maiden and then Poshtova Ploscha. Stops a midnight though.
I think that Kiev is headed the way of Moscow with it's overpriced hotels. My advice is that if you are going to Kiev, make sure to book early and get somewhere better than this. Someone is making a lot of money out of the Hotel Sport at $205 per night.
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC