Accommodation is #1 issue when it comes to travelling. Kiev – the capital of Ukraine – has many housing options, but one has to know how to deal with delicate rental market in this town.
Here are several issues you can run into when booking an apartment in Kiev online:
– high prices
Kiev is known for jacked up pricing on everything from cars to restaurants to, of course, housing. Most common price for modern looking apartment in the center of the city that includes typical modern amenities like high-speed internet, air-conditioning, security, CCTV and so on is around $150/night.
– false representation
often times a Kiev visitor might get scammed and book a gorgeous looking apartment, – according to online photos – that, in reality, turns out to be a complete disappointment and looks nothing like what’s been promised. This is a quite common issue in Ukraine and you need to beware of this and learn about refund policy in advance.
– premature eviction
Staying in apartment you booked for 10 nights might result in only 3 if you’re dealing with unprofessional agency. Unfortunately, in Kiev and other Ukrainian cities this might happen. If a landlord gets a client that is willing to pay slightly more and needs apartment urgently – this will mean for you unplanned eviction and discomfort of dealing with apartment renting process again.
– bad customer service
dealing with landlords and rental agencies that are bound by virtually no laws in case of maltreatment of its clients, leaves you in a quite vulnerable position. In addition, renting an apartment versus a hotel leaves out many important moments like: calling a cab in Russian, ordering food or pizza, getting tips on city life or pharmacies or where to buy a cell phone. Given that most people in Kiev or elsewhere in Ukraine speak poor to none English, it would be hard for you to get help once you get situated unless of course, you’re staying at the hotel.
What we advice clients is to get a hotel versus an apartment. You can read more on that in our Kiev accommodation section to lean about 5-star Kiev hotels as well as 4 star hotels.
But – if you still want to rent an apartment – there are great options out there and we will help you find them!
Kiev accommodation search advice:
#1
Book apartment close to city center. You will end up going to many restaurants, clubs, mall and so on and this is best done when you’re close to the city hub like Khreschatic street.
Additionally, apartments located at the following streets are usually more high-end, safer and best equipped with modern amenities:
Khreschatic St / Lesi Ukraincky St / Bassenaya St / Yaroslav Val St / Proriznaya St / Shota Rustaveli St / Gorkogo St / Krasnoarmeyskaya St
Metro station you’d want to be near to are : Kreschtyk / Mayden Nezaleznosty / Pechesrk
#2
Ask for online e-mail confirmation and make sure you lean about the refund policy in advance. Booking online is better and proves the company operates more professional business as opposed to paying upon arrival in cash. Ask the booking agency if you can swap apartment to another one in case if you don’t like it.
#3
Ask Kiev apartment rental agency about the closest mall and support you will get in getting a cab, for example. See how they handle this request and be sure to check online the proximity of your future Kiev apartment to said locations.
#4
Here’s a list of reliable Kiev apartment rental agencies:
->> Kiev apts
->> FlatLux
->> Appartamenti
->> Kiev Luxury apts
#5
Use Craigslist. It’s very Americanized site and will be very useful if you’re American.
Hope this helps you in your Kiev accommodation quest, and remember – our agency can help you secure accommodation as well!
Our Kiev local guide and interpreter will meet you at the airport and help you get to your housing spot when you arrive. Read more in our Kiev rentals section!
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