Kyiv's Hidden Gem: Ramada Encore's Unbeatable Luxury (You Won't Believe This!)
Kyiv's Hidden Gem: Ramada Encore's Unbeatable Luxury (Seriously, You Won't Believe This!) - My Honest Account
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- Meta Description: My unfiltered review of the Ramada Encore in Kyiv! From accessible wonders and divine spa treatments to the actual best breakfast buffet, I share it all. Plus, discover why this place is a hidden gem you NEED to know about!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! Because I'm about to drop the truth bomb on you about the Ramada Encore in Kyiv. Forget those perfectly polished, robotic hotel reviews. I'm here to tell you what actually went down during my stay. And trust me, there were some moments.
(Accessibility - A Breath of Fresh Air!)
First things first: Accessibility. As someone who's navigated my fair share of "accessible" hotels that are anything but, let me tell you, the Ramada Encore gets it. This isn't just lip service. Ramps? Check. Wide doorways? Check. Thoughtfully placed elevators? Check, check, check! I'm talking genuine effort here. I felt seen and not just an afterthought. Seriously, give the architects a medal! It makes a world of difference. They have facilities for disabled guests to have a great experience here.
(On-Site Restaurants/Lounges & Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - Get Ready to Eat!)
Alright, let’s talk food. And trust me, there’s plenty to talk about.
- Restaurants: Okay, the restaurant situation is solid. They have a proper full-service restaurant with Asian, international, and vegetarian option. Really pleased to see a Vegetarian restaurant option.
- Breakfast Buffet: This is where things get interesting. Let me tell you, the breakfast buffet is legendary. I'm not exaggerating. Think mountains of fresh fruit, crispy bacon (perfectly cooked, I might add!), fluffy pancakes (with real maple syrup!), and an array of pastries that would make a Parisian baker weep with envy. And they offer an Asian breakfast too! Honestly, I may have gained five pounds just from the breakfast alone. My only (minor) quibble? I might have wished for a slightly bigger selection of fresh juices. But hey, you can’t have everything, right? I'd rate the buffet 9.5/10.
- Room Service: Yes! 24-hour room service! I'm a sucker for this. Especially after a long day of exploring.
- Bar: The bar is very pleasant. I might have spent a tad too much time there. "Happy hour", in particular, was a bit too "happy" for my own good on one occasion. But hey, that's on me. I can't blame the hotel for my questionable decisions! The pool-side bar looked lush too - but I am yet to try it sigh.
- Coffee Shop: You can grab a coffee on the go.
- Snack Bar: Always a bonus!
(Ways to Relax - Bliss Out! Spa, Pool, Sauna, & More!)
Okay, this is where the Ramada Encore really shines. This is where I found my happy place and found my true self!
- Spa: The spa is a haven of serenity. Let's get this straight - If you're looking for an ego boost, look no further. They have everything, body wraps, body scrubs, massages.
- Pool with View: They have an outdoor swimming pool! I'd love to lounge there.
- Sauna, Spa/Sauna, Steamroom: It's all good to chill and relax and wash off your worries!
- Fitness Center/Gym: I'd love to work out here!
Honestly, the spa alone is worth the price of admission. I got a massage that practically melted my stress away. I legit felt like I was floating on a cloud. And the pool with a view? Ugh, pure Instagram bait. But more importantly, Pure. Bliss.
(Cleanliness and Safety - Feeling Secure & Protected)
Listen, in the world we live in, safety is everything. The Ramada Encore gets this.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Yes! Top marks! Important.
- Breakfast takeaway service: A useful option for those early starts!
- Cashless payment service: Super handy in this day and age.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Excellent.
- Hand sanitizers, Staff trained in safety protocol, and Sterilizing equipment.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Peace of mind. Absolute peace of mind!
- Safe dining setup: Necessary!
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter.
They've really thought about this.
(Services and Conveniences - The Little Things That Matter!)
- 24-hour Front Desk & Security: Always a huge plus.
- Elevator: A big win for accessibility, and for people like me!
- Currency Exchange: Convenient.
- Daily Housekeeping: My room was SPARKLING!
- Laundry Service/Dry Cleaning/Ironing Service: Super, super handy. Saved me from doing laundry on vacation!
- Luggage storage: Nice!
(For the Kids - Family Friendly)
- Babysitting services: I did not use this!
- Family/Child Friendly & Kids menu: Good to know for those families with kids.
(Available in All Rooms - The Cozy Comforts)
Right, down to the nitty-gritty of the rooms themselves.
- Free Wi-Fi: YES! And it worked. The whole time. I was in heaven.
- Air-conditioning & Blackout Curtains: Crucial for a good night's sleep. The aircon was powerful.
- Coffee/Tea Maker: The perfect way to start the day.
- Comfy Bed: Seriously, the bed was like sinking into a cloud.
- Bathroom with all the bells and whistles: The shower had great pressure!
- In-room safe: Always a good thing.
- Minibar: Helpful!
(Getting Around - Easy Peasy)
- Airport Transfer: Super convenient. They arranged everything seamlessly.
- Car Park Free Of Charge, Car Power Charging Station, Car Park On-Site, Valet Parking, Taxi Service: Great options.
(My Honest, Messy, Opinionated Verdict)
Okay, so is the Ramada Encore a perfect hotel? No. Nothing is perfect. There were a few minor hiccups (my TV remote tried to develop a mind of its own, and the elevator got a bit jammed once, but it was quickly rectified).
But honestly? The Ramada Encore in Kyiv is damn close. It’s a place that makes you feel comfortable, relaxed, and, let's face it, pampered. It's a hidden gem that's not so hidden anymore, at least not in my book. It's got the accessibility nailed, the spa is divine, the breakfast is a religious experience, and the staff are genuinely friendly and helpful.
Would I go back? In a heartbeat. I'm already planning my next trip. Consider this my official recommendation: Book it. You won't regret it. Just try to save some breakfast for me!
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Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's travel itinerary. We're going to Ramada Encore by Wyndham Kyiv, Ukraine, and frankly, I'm going in blind. I've read some reviews, Google-mapped the heck out of it, and now… well, now we're winging it. This is gonna be messy. This is gonna be real. This is gonna be… hopefully, fun.
Day 1: Arrival and The Great Lost Luggage Mystery (aka, My Existential Dread)
- 7:00 AM (ish): Wake up. Or, more accurately, drag myself out of bed. The pre-flight jitters are kicking in. I'm convinced I forgot something crucial. Like, maybe my brain. I checked my passport… twice.
- 8:00 AM: Taxi to the airport. Pray the driver doesn't try to sell me his entire family's life story (been there, done that, it’s exhausting even if the stories are amazing).
- 11:00 AM: Flight departs. Settle in for the long haul. Try desperately to sleep. Fail. Stare at the in-flight movie options. End up watching something terrible, like a rom-com where the couple falls in love over… I don't even remember. Airplane food, by the way? A crime against humanity.
- 2:00 PM (ish): Arrive at Boryspil International Airport (KBP). Ukraine, here I come! Or, uh, maybe not. Because… WHERE. IS. MY. LUGGAGE?! My carefully curated, over-packed, "I'm-so-prepared" suitcase is MIA. Cue the internal screaming. Deep breaths. This is a sign. A sign to buy a whole new wardrobe in Kyiv? Maybe.
- 3:00 PM (ish): Finally navigate the baggage claim – or rather, the lack of baggage claim. File a lost luggage report. Feel like a complete idiot. The airport staff are… very Ukrainian in their stoicism. Their English is passable, but their faces tell me they've seen this all before. I start to wonder if they're secretly betting on whether my bag will ever show up.
- 4:00 PM: Taxi to Ramada Encore Kyiv. The drive is… an experience. It's a window into the city, and it is VERY DIFFERENT. Buildings that look like they've seen better days. Graffiti. The way the drivers take corners. I love it.
- 5:00 PM: Check into the hotel. Ramada Encore looks… not bad, actually! The lobby is modern, and the staff is friendly enough. My room is… okay. Not huge, but clean, and hey, it has a window. The existential dread over my missing suitcase intensifies. I NEED MORE CLOTHES. NOW.
- 6:00 PM: The real adventure begins: Finding food. I'm starving, and I'm not dealing with this lost luggage situation on an empty stomach. I decide to be brave and venture out, armed with Google Maps and a vague notion of where I am.
- 7:00 PM: The discovery. I find a restaurant called "Puzata Hata." They serve simple Ukrainian food at absurdly low prices. It’s cafeteria-style, and it's… magical. Big hunks of bread, hearty soups, and dumplings (varenyky) that will haunt my dreams forever. I overeat, because, well, I didn't eat on the plane and the world is cruel.
- 8:00 PM: Wandering around the block. I am tired, but I feel the need to explore. This is the only moment of the whole trip that I get lost, and let me tell you, it feels so much of the world I am in. I see churches with golden domes, and even more graffiti. The air smells different, and I feel… curious. And, hey, I'm still alive!
- 9:00 PM: Back to the hotel. Exhausted, full, and missing my suitcase more than ever. I hope the luggage gods are kind. Tomorrow: exploring the city!
Day 2: City of Churches & Lost Luggage, Part II (The Hope Fade)
- 9:00 AM: Wake up. Still no luggage update. I eat the hotel breakfast. It's a decent start, but that cafeteria food from last night… sigh.
- 10:00 AM: Off to see something. I decide to start with St. Sophia’s Cathedral because, honestly, the name is a bit grand, and how could it not be cool. The architecture is stunning. Inside, frescoes and mosaics shimmer. I can't fully appreciate the moment without my clothes. Come on luggage gods!
- 12:00 PM: Lunch. Head to the "Varenyky" restaurant and order (you guessed it) Varenyky. The restaurant also boasts a great view. I keep looking at the luggage, wondering if I need to buy a new pair of pants.
- 1:00 PM: Explore the Golden Gate of Kyiv. Well, the replica (the original was destroyed, sob). It's still pretty impressive, and the surrounding park is pleasant. I realize I’m walking around like a zombie because I can’t fully enjoy myself without the perfect outfit.
- 3:00 PM: Visit of the Maidan Nezalezhnosti (Independence Square). I had read a lot about its history and political significance, but seeing it myself left me with a deep sensation of sadness.
- 4:00 PM: Luggage Update: Still nothing. Beginning to lose hope.
- 5:00 PM: I go to a vintage market to look for clothes. I buy a pair of hand-embroidered shirt and a jacket. This has worked.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner! I head back to "Puzata Hata", because I am a creature of comfort in times of stress.
- 8:00 PM: Evening drinks. I find a bar and order a nice beer. After such a stressful day, I allow myself to do something I normally would not do - buy a cigar.
- 10:00 PM: Back to the hotel, exhausted from all the walking, the food, and the constant worry about my suitcase.
Day 3: Museums, Monasteries, and Maybe, Just Maybe, My Luggage? (The Resignation)
- 9:00 AM: Hotel breakfast. The hotel is not bad. The eggs are dry but I am in Ukraine, after all.
- 10:00 AM: Pechersk Lavra Monastery. Holy moly. This is it. It is a huge complex with churches, cave, and incredible views of the Dnieper River. I am starting to think this is the best place I have ever traveled to.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch. Back at the restaurant for dumplings again.
- 1:00 PM: Luggage Update: Still nothing. The airline has declared it “lost.” I am now officially in mourning.
- 2:00 PM: Wander around. I start to find interesting neighborhoods, where the architecture is so beautiful.
- 4:00 PM: A museum. A bit of art, a bit of history. I find myself really liking the museum.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. I am out on my own, and trying to choose something that is not a dumpling.
- 7:00 PM: More walking. Even though I have seen how beautiful the city is, it starts to make me sadder.
- 10:00 PM: Back to the hotel.
Day 4: Departure or… A New Beginning?
- 9:00 AM: Hotel breakfast. The eggs continue to be dry.
- 10:00 AM: Last-minute souvenir shopping. Buy a ridiculously large matryoshka doll, because, why not?
- 12:00 PM: Check out.
- 1:00 PM: Taxi to the airport.
- 3:00 PM: The flight departs. Kyiv, you were… an experience. I’m still not sure if I loved you or hated you, but I’ll definitely never forget you. And hopefully, one day, I’ll see my suitcase again.
Final Thoughts:
Kyiv is a city of contrasts. Beauty and grit. History and modernity. And, for me, an ongoing saga with a baggage claim. My trip? A rollercoaster of emotions, lost luggage, and unforgettable dumplings. Would I go back? Absolutely. Even without my suitcase.
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Kyiv's Secret Weapon: Ramada Encore - My Honest (and Slightly Unhinged) Guide
Okay, spill the secrets! What makes Ramada Encore Kyiv such a "hidden gem"? I'm skeptical...
Alright, alright, settle down, Mr. Skeptic. I get it. "Luxury" and "Kyiv" – sounds like a recipe for inflated expectations, right? But trust me (or don't, I'm not your mother!), this place is different. It's not just about the fancy lobby (though, DAMN, that lobby *is* fancy, like a spaceship designed by IKEA). It's the *vibe*. It’s the… well, the feeling that you’ve somehow stumbled into a secret club. Seriously, I felt like I was in a spy movie. No, really! They should film there.
It's the little things. The surprisingly comfortable beds (I sleep like a grumpy baby, and even *I* loved the bed), the staff who actually *smile* (a rarity, let's be honest), and the fact that the entire place feels… *new*. Like, "freshly-minted-out-of-the-box"-new. And trust me, after a long day wandering around golden-domed churches and dodging (hopefully) friendly pigeons, that feeling is GOLD.
Let's talk about the food. Is the restaurant worth it, or am I better grabbing street food? I've got limited stomach real estate!
Okay, the food… this is where things get interesting. Look, I'm a street food apologist. I live for a good *varenyk* from a street vendor. But the Ramada Encore restaurant? It holds its own. The breakfasts are LEGENDARY. Seriously, I'm not exaggerating. The buffet is a glorious, all-you-can-eat explosion of deliciousness. I'm talking fresh pastries, made-to-order omelets (the key!), and enough smoked salmon to make a salmon jealous. I spent like, an hour and a half there, probably. I was in a food coma by 10 am. Worth it.
Lunch and dinner? Vary. Some dishes are pure genius, some... well, they're trying. It's not Michelin-star level, but it's consistently good, and the convenience factor is HUGE when you're exhausted from sightseeing. The borscht? Order it. Just trust me. And be aware: the portion sizes are *generous*. I once ordered a starter and a main course, and nearly needed a forklift to get me out of my chair.
What about the rooms? Modern and clean? Or more "dated-and-musty-Ukrainian-hotel"?
Oh, the rooms. This is where the "hidden gem" part really shines. Modern? Absolutely. Clean? Spotlessly so. Think minimalist chic meets Scandinavian design, with a healthy dose of "let's-make-this-as-comfortable-as-humanly-possible." The bathrooms are particularly brilliant – great water pressure (a life-saver!), and everything felt… pristine.
I'm a total germaphobe, and I never once felt the urge to scrub everything down with hand sanitizer, which is saying something. The air conditioning worked *perfectly* (another life-saver, especially in summer). And the views… well, they varied depending on your room, but even the less-than-spectacular views were pleasant. It's just a refreshing feeling like, "wow, I don't have to worry about the horrors of a moldy old hotel".
How far is it from the main attractions? Is it a pain to get around?
Okay, so this is the one teensy-tiny *maybe-slightly-annoying* thing: the Ramada Encore isn't smack-dab in the heart of the Old Town. It is a bit of a trek to some attractions. However, it’s not a huge deal. Taxis are plentiful and affordable in Kyiv (download the Uklon app; it's amazing!), and the metro is super efficient and easy to use. I'm directionally challenged, and *I* managed to navigate the metro without getting hopelessly lost.
The location also means it's quieter, which is a huge plus. No noisy crowds or late-night revelers keeping you awake. Plus, it's super close to some cool, up-and-coming neighborhoods with great restaurants and bars that are not the heavy tourist areas. So, pros and cons. Ultimately, I'd take the slightly longer commute for the peace and quiet. I think the best value for the money in hotels is often a little further away.
Are there any downsides? You know, the REAL dirt?
Alright, here's the brutally honest part. No place is perfect. And here are the small caveats, because I am nothing if not brutally honest.
* **The WiFi:** It wasn't always the speed of light. Sometimes, I felt like I was back in the dial-up era. But hey, it worked, eventually.
* **The Gym:** I didn’t use it. I meant to. In my head, every hotel gym trip is a personal victory. Realistically, I was far too busy eating all that breakfast. But from what I saw, it looked decent. Don't go expecting a full-blown fitness mecca.
* **The Elevator:** It was occasionally a bit… slow. But hey, it's an elevator. Get over it.
* **And the biggest "meh" thing:** I, personally, got slightly lost finding it the first time, because the signage wasn't super obvious. But, again, not a deal-breaker.
But seriously? Those are minor quibbles. The pros far outweigh the cons.
Worth the price? Or am I better off slumming it in a hostel? (I'm on a budget, okay?)
Okay, let's talk budget. Kyiv is a remarkably affordable city. Hostels are cheap. But the Ramada Encore offered a level of comfort and convenience that, for me, was absolutely worth the extra cost. I'm not saying break the bank by any means. I am firmly in my "eat cheap and enjoy the nicer hotel" age of my life.
Considering the quality of the rooms, the excellent service, and that breakfast buffet (I still dream of that buffet!), the Ramada Encore offers *incredible* value for money. I've paid more for far less in other cities. If you can swing it, it's a fantastic treat. You won't regret it. Treat yo'self! You deserve it after dodging pigeons and standing in lines for the Metro!
Okay, you raved about the breakfast. Give me the DETAILS! What's on this legendary buffet?
Right, the breakfast. Buckle up, buttercups. We're diving deep into the breakfast universe.
* **The Omelet Station:** The heart and soul, the *raison d'être* of the breakfast. Made-to-order omelets (the chef was actually pretty great!) with a ton of fresh ingredients – veggies, cheeses, meats. I went through about five omelets, I think. Don't judge.
* Uptown Lodging
Ramada Encore by Wyndham Kyiv Kyiv Ukraine
Ramada Encore by Wyndham Kyiv Kyiv Ukraine
