In terms of architecture and design the Salute is a true gem in Kiev. Its a 1980s built soviet-style piece of architecture which is a sign of the last defiant struggle before the breakdown of the soviet empire. And in contrary to many many other examples in eastern europe you'll find this hotel in almost unrefurbished condition. Of course the reception and many other parts of the lobby are 'littered' with many things ther do not belong there but you still get the feeling of a cool and well designed soviet hotel of the 80s. The rooms are still original as well. I know this is not everybodies style but I liked it a lot. So go there if you want to catch a bit of cold war flavour. By the way the brakfast was terrible and the stuff not the friendliest I found around the world.

I was booked there by a colleague who didnt find rooms in the city for our stay and the only choice for our budget in that night was Salute Hotel.

When you enter to the hotel you smell something that gives you a notion of humidity.. the front desk team were nice and friendly.. the elevators are old.. the floors are rennovated but still you could easily tell that the hotel is old.. the rooms are not that clean nor gives you good cleanliness feeling..

The breakfast is not with good variety and the quality is not what i expected even.. the coffee smelled bad and just had boiled egg..

The only thing i liked is their bar which is next to the hotel... sort of coffee shop style...

Kyiv/Kiev can be a bit intimidating, if you're like me and don't speak either Russian or Ukrainian. Thankfully the Hotel Salute (also spelled Salyut or Salyute) helped make Kyiv a great stay for me and my family.

We booked our room online and sent them questions via e-mail beforehand. They answered promptly in English and made booking a snap. When we got there, Front office staff all spoke perfect English. Everyone from security to cleaning staff was very friendly.

Because there were four of us in our family, we splurged for the junior suite - which has a separate bedroom area and a living room area, with couches and two chairs that folded out into twin beds (there was an extra fee per bed). Bathroom was spacious, with hair dryer and towel warmer. The room had a terrific view.

TV had twenty channels - three English news channels, French, Japanese, and Spanish channels. No kids channels.

Free wi-fi. Elevators were tiny. Bottled water machines in the hallway. Nicer restaurant on the second floor - cafe-style restaurant on the first floor. ATM by the front door - currency exchange by the front desk. Security staff on the ground floor.

There's a "night bar" on the second floor of the hotel, but it must be very discreet, as we never once noticed it was there.

The hotel has a terrific location - easy walking distance to two of the most unmissable sites in Kyiv, the Pechersk Lavra and the Mother Motherland Statue at the Museum of the Great Patriotic War.

Walking in the other direction takes you to the Arsenal metro station, which provides cheap easy access to other parts of Kyiv.

There's an underground shopping center across the parking lot from the hotel (open from 10-8) - the center includes a food court with a variety of eating options.

Across the street from the hotel is a terrific park overlooking the river. Walk down a bunch of stairs and you'll get great views across the river, several war and famine monuments, and a children's playground.

NOTE FOR PARENTS WITH SMALL CHILDREN. The room had a balcony that wasn't built with children in mind. For safety's sake, keep the doors to the balcony locked.

Only one night stay for a conference.
Ugly "modern" archictecture and sovietic style operation.
My room was basic, with a a cheap double bed in a wooden frame.
Bathroom with a small sink and shower.
Old TV set.
Good modern air conditioning equipment.
Thin door on the corridor, from where you can follow the steps of passing customers.
Service is basic also...
At my floor, like in the soviet time when an eye had to be kept on visitors, an old lady is sat at a table in front of the lift, discussing with some of her colleagues all the day, and not even saying hello when you cross or making at least a smile. If such job has to be maintained, at least some training should be done to teach how to behave with customers.
One has to mention that there is a free wifi internet connection in rooms, which is very positive, even if there is sometimes some interruption in the signal.
Breakfast, in a room out of age, is also very ... basic, but decent.
Acceptable for the price if you are not staying too long or on honeymoon...