Kiev is a sprawling city, but everything worth seeing and doing is concentrated in three or four neighborhoods. We’ve picked some of the best accommodation around Podil, Zoloti Vorota, Vozdvyzhenka, and other central areas that work for sightseeing, food, and nightlife. A budget hostel bed or a deluxe suite, you’ll find a place to rest your head in Kiev.

Hotels

Photo: BURSA Hotel Kyiv/Facebook

Bursa Hotel — By far the hippest Kiev hotel, Bursa ditches the plush curtains and crystal chandeliers you’ll see in many other properties. Its 33 rooms come with Bauhaus-inspired furniture and minimalist colors. For a morning coffee and a bite, there’s a city cafe called White Noise on the first floor; for a drink and a view of Podil, a cool rooftop bar called 1818. There’s also a library bar for a low-key night and, of course, the Bursa Gallery hosting art exhibitions, lectures, and film screenings.

Photo: Manna Hotel/Facebook

MaNNa Boutique Hotel — This baby hotel has only five rooms, but each of them is brimming with personality. Think imaginative color combos, skylight windows, ornate textiles, and quirky art. For such a small property, MaNNa Hotel is well-equipped, and in terms of service, it can match the bigger, fancier hotels. The location is great, too : MaNNa sits in the middle of rebuilt historic Vozdvyzhenka. That means you’re close to major Kiev attractions, surrounded by restaurants and coffee shops, and yet away from the noise.

Vozdvyzhensky Boutique Hotel — As the name suggests, this is another design hotel in Vozdvyzhenka. Bigger than MaNNa, Vozdvyzhensky is still small and intimate with only 32 rooms. The rooms are designed with old-fashioned charm and even grandeur, but they don’t cross the line between that and kitsch. What gives Vozdvyzhensky an edge over other Kiev hotels is the restaurant Terrace, complete with a rooftop terrace and a lush garden climbing the hill.

 

Luxury Hotels

Photo: 11 Mirrors Design Hotel/Facebook

11 Mirrors Design Hotel — 11 Mirrors has far more mirrors than that, all melded into a posh interior with shiny metal and panoramic windows. The property sits on a bustling street but is just around the corner from quiet lanes few tourists know of. Like most hotels, 11 Mirrors has an on-site restaurant and a lobby bar, but you may never need them because you’ll be close to a bunch of local restaurants and cafes. Fun fact: The hotel’s owner is Wladimir Klitschko, a two-time heavyweight boxing champion.

Photo: Opera Hotel/Facebook

Opera Hotel — Opera Hotel is just a few steps away from the National Opera of Ukraine. The busy Khmelnytskyi Street dwindles down to a quiet residential block here, so you can enjoy the hotel’s opulence in peace. If your budget is unlimited, pick one of the suites, designed and named after the world’s greatest operas. The Opera Hotel has excellent breakfast and service and even better toiletries, so it’s no wonder it’s been one of the top Kiev hotels for years.

 

Hostels

Photo: DREAM Hostel Kyiv/Facebook

Dream House Hostel — Dream House is easily the best and most popular hostel in Kiev. It sits in a quiet courtyard just off Andriyivsky Uzviz and is bundled with Druzi, a popular cafe with board games and a patio. There’s also a coworking space, bike rental, and organized tours for the guests.

Photo: Sky Hostel Kiev/Facebook

Sky Hostel — Sky Hostel is new and sparkling clean, with a high-end kitchen, views of Podil and skylight windows in the rooms. The two common problems of hostels — stuffy rooms and long lines to the shower — are solved with a climate-control system and as many as seven showers. The room options vary from doubles with an ensuite bathroom to family rooms and six-bed dorms.

Photo: AK Hostel/Facebook

A.K. Hostel Kiev — If you like your hostel as central as they come, check out the A.K Hostel on Khreschatyk. This clean, minimal hostel comes with sturdy box beds, so you won’t suffer a minor earthquake every time the guest on the bottom bunk sneezes. According to the hostel, it’s also equipped with adjustable and extra-long beds. You can book a bed in a female-only room if that’s your preference, or get a double room with your own bathroom for complete privacy.

 

Airbnbs

Photo: Airbnb

Luxury Designer Apartment with Panoramic View — This Airbnb deserves its Plus status. Designed by popular Ukrainian architect Sergey Makhno, it comes with 180-degree views through floor-to-ceiling windows, minimalist furniture, and even a fireplace. You’ll be close to the city center and see a large chunk of Kiev from above.

Photo: Airbnb

Stylish sunny flat at Golden Gate — A spacious one-bedroom with lots of wood, natural light, and neutral colors. When you come back here from a day sightseeing, you can watch the historic Zoloti Vorota neighborhood from your balcony or play the vintage radio. There’s a kitchen if you’d rather cook, but do take advantage of the many bars and restaurants in the area.

Photo: Airbnb

Inspiring condo near the botanical garden — Owned and decorated by a Kiev-based artist, this Airbnb has plenty of character. A few pieces of retro furniture give it an authentic touch, while art by the owner adds personality. As a bonus, there’s a cute balcony overlooking a botanical garden.