Review: Fairmont Grand Hotel Kiev (Kyiv) Hotel Review

Book the Fairmont Grand Hotel Kiev here.

Introduction

For my trip to Kiev I had to decide between 3 different major chain hotels that all came with good reviews - the Hyatt, the Fairmont and the Intercontinental.

Since I had one free night left from the Chase Visa credit card and also the upgrade certificate I decided to try out the Fairmont Hotel.

Location (Sightseeing, Airport, Business)

The hotel is located not far from the Hyatt and the Intercontinental hotel. However instead of 'on the hill' it sits right at the river. While this allows for some great views - it also means the hotel is immediate neighbor to the major Kiev freeway. It's not audible in the hotel but it's just not a really good neighborhood. There is also a major tunnel construction going on - which requires a long walk around the block to the metro station.

The surrounding area seems pretty shady at night. Kiev isn't really dangerous but I tried to avoid walking around the hotel at night.

To reach the hotel from the airport you need to spend $30 on a cab or use the metro and walk the last bit.

Check-In (Friendliness, Efficiency)

Very friendly check-in in fluent English. The very friendly agent also spoke fluent German (and of course Russian).

I used a Chase Visa free night (from the Chase Fairmont credit card) and a suite upgrade certificate (from the associated Fairmont Premier Membership).

Check-in was also fast and I was escorted to my suite.

While I had the impression the staff was really trying to fulfill the guests wishes they were not as organized as in the neighboring Intercontinental. The hotel was opened just a year ago and is apparently the first Fairmont in Eastern Europe.

Common Areas (Lobby, Restaurants, Pool, Gym)

As you probably know by now I'm not a fan of the classic design. While the hotel and the building is brand new it was done in a classic look.

It's not my favorite - however the materials used are of high quality.

There is no real spacious lobby. My stay was too short to check out the gym or pool.





Rooms (Cleanliness, Space provided)

I'm not sure why but I did not really like the suite too much. Maybe it was the design or the high amount of accessories spread over the room.

It was a pretty big suite though with a separate living room and bedroom. It was good but somehow it did not 'click' with me.

I like the bathroom the most - it was huge with a separate bathtub and shower area. I also real liked the colors.

The Wifi worked fast and without issues during my stay.





































Sleeping (Mattress, Comfort level, Noise)

The bed was pretty big and mattress and duvet were great. It struck a great balance between soft and giving enough support.

Food (Breakfast, Executive Lounge, other food & drinks)

I did not have access to the lounge.

When receiving the Fairmont Credit Card the automatic upgrade to the Fairmont Premier Member also includes 3(!) x $25 food certificates every year.

I used 2 for the breakfast which was priced at $50. It was really good with lot's of options (no sushi though) and of great quality. It was very similar to the breakfast served at the Intercontinental.



























Overall

Regular rates for the hotel were hovering around EUR 250 with the suite ranging around EUR 450.

The Fairmont Kiev is a good hotel - there is nothing really wrong with it. I just did not get the wow factor I had at the Intercontinental plus I think the location is not the best.

If you like Fairmont hotels you'll thoroughly enjoy your time here!



Book the Fairmont Grand Hotel Kiev here.