Kyiv's Hidden Gem: Unbelievable New England Aparthotel!
Kyiv's Hidden Gem: Unbelievable New England Aparthotel! - My Unfiltered Rant & Rave
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea (and maybe a little shashlik) on Kyiv's Hidden Gem: Unbelievable New England Aparthotel! This isn't your sterile travel blog review, this is me, just back from a whirlwind trip, still buzzing on borscht and the lingering smell of pine. And let me tell you, this place… it's a thing.
First Impressions: Is This Really Kyiv?
The "New England" part? Honestly, it throws you a little curveball. You're expecting Soviet-era architecture and maybe a statue of Lenin (okay, maybe not anymore), but instead, BAM! Charming, almost jarringly cozy, with a vibe that screams "leaf-peeping in Vermont." It’s a jarring contrast, but trust me, it works.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag… But Promising.
Let's get the nitty-gritty out of the way. Accessibility is always a big one, and honestly, it's a work in progress. They have Facilities for disabled guests, which is a HUGE plus. I didn't personally need them, but I did see the Elevator and wider doorways, and the staff definitely seemed accommodating. I'd recommend calling ahead and clarifying specific needs, because this is Kyiv, not Disney World, and sometimes things aren't perfectly buttoned-down.
On-Site Grub & Groceries: Oh, the Food! (and The Wi-Fi!)
Right, the food. This is where things get interesting. They've got a Restaurant (multiple, actually!), and the Asian cuisine in restaurant was unexpectedly good. Seriously, some killer sushi. But the real star? The Western cuisine in restaurant. Think hearty breakfasts, perfectly cooked steaks… pure comfort food after a long day of dodging pigeons in the Golden Gates. The Poolside bar is a dream, especially after a dip in the Swimming pool [outdoor]. And speaking of dreams, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Thank you Jesus. I, and several other guests, were having some challenges with the internet, but eventually we got it to work.
The thing that had me laughing the most was the Coffee shop. The coffee was delicious, but the servers seemed confused by my coffee order when I started ordering some different kinds of "coffee" they never heard of. It was really great, but at the same time, very bizarre.
The Sanctuary of Relaxation: Spa-tastic!
Listen, traveling is exhausting. So, the Spa/sauna? Lifesaver. They have a Sauna, a Steamroom, and even a Pool with view. Don't judge me, but I spent a good chunk of my time in the Spa. I got a Massage. My advice? Book it. Now. Seriously, the masseuse was magic. I walked in a crumpled husk of a person and emerged renewed, ready to conquer Kyiv again. The Body scrub and Body wrap are on my list for next time.
Things to Do (Besides Eat and Relax):
Kyiv itself is bursting with amazing things to do. This hotel is a great home base.
Cleanliness & Safety: Feeling Safe (and Cautiously Optimistic)
Okay, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: safety. They're really trying. I saw Staff trained in safety protocol, Hand sanitizer everywhere, and they use Anti-viral cleaning products. They also boast a Health certification. They offered Room sanitization opt-out available. All that is reassuring. The Security [24-hour], CCTV in common areas, and Fire extinguisher in the hallways certainly provide a sense of security. The Smoke detector was also appreciated.
The Rooms: Cozy Chaos (in a Good Way)
My room? It was a glorious, well-appointed mess. The Air conditioning was a godsend in the summer heat. The Bedding was fantastic. I loved having a Refrigerator to keep my water bottles cold. The Internet access – wireless was fast. The Alarm clock was accurate. The Blackout curtains blocked out the sun, allowing me to sleep in. The desk was adequate, but the Laptop workspace was a little cramped.
The Bathroom phone was a mystery to me, and the Bathrobes and slippers were a nice touch. I especially loved the Wake-up service and the Shower.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Feed Me, Seymour!
The Breakfast [buffet] was a winner. They have a variety of options, and they catered to different tastes. The Coffee/tea in restaurant was good. The Happy hour at the bar? Excellent people-watching opportunity. The Room service [24-hour] saved me from some serious late-night hunger pangs. The Desserts in restaurant were the perfect end to the day.
Services and Conveniences: Because Sometimes You Need Laundry
They offer a ton of services to make life easier, like Daily housekeeping (thank God!), Laundry service, and Dry cleaning. The Concierge was super helpful with everything from booking taxis to pointing me toward the best pierogi in town. The Currency exchange was handy.
For the Kids (and Anyone Else):
This is a Family/child friendly place. I also peeped some Kids facilities.
Getting Around: Easy Peasy (mostly)
They offer Airport transfer, which is a MAJOR convenience. They also have a Car park [free of charge]. I also availed myself of Taxi service.
The Imperfections: It’s Not Perfect, and That’s Okay.
Alright, I'm not going to lie and tell you this place is flawless. There were a couple of moments. One day the Mini bar was empty. The Invoice provided was delayed. Just a little bit of this, just a little bit of that, but nothing that ruined the experience.
My Verdict: Kyiv's Hidden Gem? Absolutely!
This Aparthotel is fantastic!!! It is a true hidden gem. It’s charming, comfortable, and the staff genuinely cares.
My Offer (and Why You Should Book NOW!):
So, here's the deal. Instead of just giving you a straight-up hotel review, I'm giving you the inside scoop, the good, the bad, and the slightly messy. The Unbelievable New England Aparthotel? It's real. And I'm telling you, it's a great choice.
Here’s Why You NEED to Book Right Now:
- Unbeatable Location: You're right in the heart of things. You can see everything and be safe.
- Spa Magic: Seriously, book that massage. Treat yourself. You deserve it.
- The Food, Oh, the Food! Enough said.
- The Cozy Factor: It's a respite from the hustle and bustle. A warm hug for your soul.
- The Value: For what you get, the price is ridiculous.
Special Offer:
Book your stay at the Unbelievable New England Aparthotel for stays between now and [Date] and receive a 15% discount, PLUS a complimentary welcome drink at the poolside bar!
Don't wait! Kyiv is calling, and this place is the perfect basecamp for your adventure. Book your stay today and experience the magic!
Kuala Lumpur's HOTTEST Luxury Condo? Tropicana Vale Pine Residences REVEALED!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your average, perfectly-manicured travel itinerary. This is… well, this is me trying to navigate Kyiv, mostly fueled by questionable coffee and a desperate hope for a decent shower. We're talking Aparthotel New England, chaos, and questionable decisions – the recipe for a truly unforgettable trip!
Aparthotel New England, Kyiv: The Messy, Honest, Funny, and Absolutely Human Adventure
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Luggage Labyrinth
- 8:00 AM (ish) - ARRIVAL! (Or at least, attempted arrival) - Landing in Boryspil Airport. First impressions? Cold. Like, bone-chilling cold. And a general air of "business as usual," which, after a sleepless flight, felt a bit… intimidating. The airport itself wasn't the problem – it was the luggage. My beautiful, perfectly-packed suitcase had vanished. Poof! Gone! So I’m already wandering around with a backpack, looking like I’m auditioning for a low-budget spy thriller.
- 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM: The Great Search (and the Language Barrier of Doom) - Filed a missing luggage report. The airport staff were polite, if a little mystified by my frantic hand gestures. Finding a translator app on my phone was a LIFESAVER. But I swear, I spent half an hour just trying to explain that "my suitcase" was, in fact, not a small, fluffy dog.
- 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Taxi Tango & Arrival at Aparthotel New England - Finally, luggage-less but undeterred, flagged down a taxi. The drive from the airport felt suspiciously long. Note to self: learn some basic Ukrainian phrases, like "Are we there yet?" and "Is this a scenic route… or are we lost?" Arrived at Aparthotel New England. It's… impressive. Like, seriously gigantic. And the lobby? Clean, well-lit, and made me feel instantly underdressed, which, given my backpack-and-jet-lag look, was saying something!
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Check-in and Apartment Reconnaissance - Check-in was thankfully smooth. My room? HUGE. Seriously, it’s bigger than my entire apartment back home! Found it, it was nice to see, but I was still missing my suitcase.
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch (and the Mystery Bread) - Wandered to a cafe for lunch near the hotel. Ordered something that looked appealing on the menu (and pointed a lot). Got a plate of… something. It involved bread. Lots and lots of bread. I couldn’t identify half the ingredients, but hey, fuel is fuel! (Later, I learned it was probably borscht and some kind of local bread! It was actually quite good.)
- 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM: The Nap That Saved My Soul - Jet lag hit me like a freight train. Passed out on the ridiculously comfortable bed. Woke up a few hours later feeling… somewhat human. This nap was vital.
- 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Wandering & Wondering (and the quest for wifi) - Actually managed to find wifi! I also went wandering towards the hotel, and was amazed at the architecture and scenery.
- 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Dinner & the First (and hopefully not last) Ukrainian Beer - Found a local restaurant. It seemed… traditional. I ordered a beer and something I couldn't decipher. It was delicious. The beer was even more so. Celebratory: made it through the first day!
- 8:00 PM - Bedtime: Sleep? We'll see… - Back in the apartment, unpacked my backpack and tried to stop thinking about my suitcase. Tomorrow: hopefully, some sightseeing. And maybe… just maybe… my luggage will reappear.
Day 2: Golden Gates, Green Markets, and the Quest for the Perfect Pierogi
- 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Breakfast (and the Coffee Crisis) - Coffee from the in-room coffee maker? Disaster. Like, genuinely undrinkable. Scoured the apartment for any decent caffeine source. Found some instant coffee granules. Downed it with a grimace. The quest for good coffee in Kyiv: officially on!
- 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Golden Gates & St. Sophia's Cathedral - Finally, some actual sightseeing! Golden Gates were impressive. Old, grand, lots of history – which I mostly absorbed through the vague sense of awe. St. Sophia's Cathedral. Wow. The sheer scale of the place! The mosaics, the frescoes… stunning. I tried to soak it all in, but my brain was still mostly operating at about 50%.
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Exploring the Market - Went to a market. The smells, the colors, the sheer chaos! It was AMAZING. Bought some weird-looking fruit that the vendor insisted was delicious. (It was. Surprisingly.) My lack of Ukrainian skills gave me the chance to mime, smile, and point a lot. Very successful, it seemed!
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Pierogi Pilgrimage (and the Great Pierogi Debate) - Okay, this was the mission. To find the perfect pierogi. Found a highly-rated restaurant with some online reviews. Ordered a plate of the potato and cheese ones. Devoured them. They were good. Really good. Not the perfect pierogi I was dreaming of, but definitely worthy. (The search continues…)
- 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Museum Moments (or, The Moment I Learned to Appreciate Art… Maybe) - Visited a museum. Art. I don't really "get" art. But I tried. Wander, look, shrug, repeat. It was a good break from the walking, though!
- 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: The River Cruise – (or the Wind in My Hairs) - Found a boat tour on the river and decided to try it out. Was chilly, the wind was fierce, but the view of the city was breathtaking! At least it was a relaxing moment!
- 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Back to Aparthotel New England. Suitcase Update… Still Missing. - The lovely staff at the front desk were still very helpful. Decided to rest. Another nap? Possibly.
- 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Dinner - Another lovely meal. Try ordering Ukrainian meals! - Back to the local restaurants. Ordered a large meal. Was happy with myself!
- 8:00 PM - BEDTIME: Did I find my luggage? No, but I did fall asleep. - Sleep. The elusive goal. Tomorrow: more Kyiv!
Day 3: Chernobyl Commemoration, and the (Maybe) Perfect Pierogi… Finally?
- 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Breakfast (and the Coffee Resurrection) - Found a coffee shop near the hotel with actual, decent coffee! Rejoice! Small victories!
- 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Chernobyl Museum - Decided to visit the Chernobyl Museum, commemorating the nuclear disaster. It was… heavy. Somber. A stark reminder of human error and its devastating consequences. The exhibits are moving. The stories are heartbreaking. I found myself feeling overwhelmed. The museum is a must-see, if you can visit it.
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: The Perfect Pierogi (Take Two!) - After the museum, needed something… comforting. Went in search of pierogi success! Found a small, unassuming place the locals recommended and ordered a huge plate. Potatoes, onions, cheese, every iteration imaginable. And… YES! PERFECTION. I could have cried (and maybe did, a little, from overwhelming joy).
- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Andrew's Descent and St. Andrew's Church - Wandered down Andrew's Descent a very, very historic street. The shops, the souvenirs, the art… so touristy, but also charming in its own way. St. Andrew's Church with its stunning architecture.
- 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Last Minute Souvenir Shopping - Got a bunch of silly, pretty, cute souvenirs.
- 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Back to the Aparthotel New England. The Departure is coming! - Sad, but I'd had a wonderful time.
- 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Farewell Dinner - One last meal, trying everything, and it was wonderful.
- 8:00 PM - BEDTIME: Pack and wait. - Got everything ready for my departure.
**Day 4: Farewell Kyiv & The Suit
Escape to Shangri-La: Unbelievable Views Await at Starway Hotel, Linzhi!
Kyiv's Hidden Gem: Unbelievable New England Aparthotel - (Or, My Unvarnished Thoughts!)
Okay, let's be real. Is this actually a "hidden gem" or just another overhyped Airbnb with a slightly better PR team?
Alright, buckle up, because I'm about to unleash the truth like a caffeinated squirrel. "Hidden gem?" Well, that depends. It's *certainly* not a crumbling, damp, Soviet-era apartment someone tried to spruce up with a throw blanket. The photos? They're REAL, which is a miracle in itself. Think cozy… like, seriously cozy. Think fireplaces (they actually *work* – a revelation!). And the location? Amazing. You're dodging pigeons and grabbing pierogies from a hole-in-the-wall just seconds away. But "hidden"? Nah. The internet has found it. It deserves the hype, even if a tiny part of me wants to keep it all a secret.
The website boasts about the "impeccable breakfast baskets." Are they seriously worth the hype, or just another dried croissant disappointment?
Oh, the breakfast baskets! Okay, look, I'm *not* a morning person. Generally, I'd trade a gourmet meal for an extra hour of sleep. BUT. These baskets... these were a game-changer. Seriously! Crusty bread, locally-sourced jams that'll make you weep, and the freshest eggs I think I've ever tasted (seriously, I suspect the chickens were hanging out just outside my window, judging me). My first morning, I was a grumpy, sleep-deprived grump. That basket? Revived me. It was like sunshine in a wicker basket. I'm still dreaming of that strawberry jam. Okay, *maybe* the croissant wasn’t *perfect*, but honestly, after the jam and the coffee I was basically blissed out.
What's the Wi-Fi situation? Because let's be honest, bad Wi-Fi ruins *everything*.
Okay, important question! As a digital nomad, this is *crucial*. And the Wi-Fi? Solid. Like, "I can actually video conference without freezing mid-sentence" solid. It's fast, it's reliable. I managed to stream a whole season of that ridiculous show I'm ashamed to admit I watch, with zero buffering. Seriously, I had to *force* myself to go outside and explore the city because the internet was too good. (And that's a first for me.)
The reviews rave about the staff. Are they *actually* friendly, or just trained to be?
The staff! Oh, the staff. They're not just friendly, they're… magical. I swear. They somehow knew when I needed a refill on coffee *before* I even realized I needed one. They were always there with a helpful smile, offering recommendations (spot on, by the way), and generally making you feel like you're visiting a friend's gorgeous, art-filled apartment. One time, I locked myself out (classic me). They were there in five minutes, laughing *with* me, not *at* me. Genuine warmth. Seriously, they're the sort of people you'd want to adopt as your own personal travel guardians. I almost wanted to hug every one of them when I left, but figured that might be a bit much.
What's the overall vibe? Is it romantic, family-friendly, or just for stressed-out travelers wanting some peace?
The vibe? It's whatever you want it to be, honestly. I saw couples holding hands in the lobby, families laughing in the courtyard, and solitary souls like myself curled up with a book in front of the fireplace. It's sophisticated without being stuffy. Relaxed without being lazy. It's like… imagine your cool, artistic aunt's apartment, but with better amenities and a way better location than your actual aunt's (sorry, Aunt Mildred!). I felt at home. It gave me a level of serenity I haven't known in years.
Okay, the REAL questions: Are there any downsides? Any quirks I should be prepared for? Give me the dirt!
Alright, let's get into the nitty-gritty. There WERE a few minor bumps on the road to perfection. Firstly, the water pressure in the shower wasn't *amazing*. Usable, but not the earth-shattering experience you might be used to. Secondly, I *may* have accidentally set off the fire alarm making toast one morning. (Don't judge me; I was still half-asleep!). My English is also slightly rusty. Thirdly, and this is nitpicky, but the pillows? I personally needed like, three to feel comfortable which, given my already high bed headcount, was a lot. And, on my last day, there was a minor misunderstanding about the final bill... which was quickly sorted and handled with grace by the staff. Ultimately, none of these things even remotely detracted from the experience. If I had to nitpick to extremes, I'd say maybe they could expand the breakfast biscuit selection but I'm honestly scraping the bottom of the barrel here.
Would you go back? And more importantly, should *I* go?
Would I go back? In a heartbeat. I'm already plotting my return. And should *you* go? YES! Absolutely, unequivocally YES. If you're looking for a place that's charming, comfortable, and genuinely welcoming, this is it. Seriously. Run, before they raise the prices because of me! Just... go! Tell 'em the toast-burning, jam-loving, pillow-stacking girl sent you (maybe don't mention the toast). You won’t regret it. And if you do? Well, let's just say I'll be happily eating the rest of my jam in peace!
Okay, the *very* real question--what's the coffee situation like? I can't function without good coffee.
The coffee... OH, THE COFFEE! Okay, okay, *breathes deeply*. So, look. The coffee is phenomenal. Seriously, the coffee is *chef's kiss*. I think they roast their own beans or have a direct pipeline to the coffee gods. It's rich, aromatic, and strong enough to wake the dead (or at least, me before my first croissant). They have a Nespresso machine in the room as well as the breakfast baskets and the breakfast coffee is an EXPERIENCE. In short: No coffee-related despair here. You're covered. You can thank me later.
