Hotels – global hotel system

There are a few more historic and more atmospheric hotels in town than the Hyatt Regency Kiev, but there are arguably none so luxurious. And if the gleaming glass structure seems incongruously modern, there’s a reason, which is readily apparent from inside — the views from behind that wall of glass manage to take in the whole of Kiev’s low-slung old town, including the city’s monumental gold-topped Ukrainian Orthodox churches.

Rooms are remarkably crisp and contemporary in style, with all the functional i’s dotted and t’s crossed — as Kiev evolves into a global city, this kind of proper high-end business/luxury hotel is a must. There are king beds and Frette linens for comfort, as well as full-size work spaces for efficiency, and the room service and concierge service are on duty around the clock.

Space is plentiful here, which means there’s room for not just a full-service spa and fitness center, but a 23-meter indoor swimming pool as well. The main restaurant, Grill Asia, is open-plan, with the kitchen’s wood-burning oven clearly visible. And no fewer than three bars keep patrons hydrated and lubricated, from the 8th-floor cocktail bar to the lobby lounge to the wine bar, Brunello, serving Italian cuisine alongside a wide selection of vintages.