Monday, 28 July 2008

Ukraine

ODESSA
Food:
Restaurants tend to be much better quality in the centre of town, rather than in Arcadia.
Accommodation:
Keep in mind Arcadia (where the beach and partying action is in the summer) is about 20mins from the centre of town, so depending on your interests, you’ll need to stay accordingly. My favourite in Arkadia is the Morskoy (~$100), but be warned, it’s RIGHT next to some of the biggest nightclubs, so unless you’re out partying, you won’t get much sleep.
Nightlife:
In Summer, all the action is at Arkadia. There are a strip of nightclubs along the beachfront. My pick is Ibiza, followed by Itaka, but you can find anything to suit your tastes.

KIEV
Accommodation:
As it’s difficult in Kiev to find reasonably-priced hotels, it is common to rent apartments. We had terrible experiences with Partner Guesthouse, who are an apartment firm, so do NOT recommend them.
Restaurants and Nightlife:
We had great meals at Shinook and Tsarskoe Tselo (both Ukranian), and Avalon is always a good bet for a decent meal and some drinks on an off-night.
Kiev has rocking nightlife, Buddha Bar has just opened for high-end cocktails (Safe is also good), Tsar and Barsky are top high-end clubs, and Patiba is still going strong for nightclubbing in a not quite so pasfusny environment.

LVIV
Accommodation:
We had good accommodation at Hotel Opera, a high-end pick.
Restaurants & Nightlife:
Partisan (“Kryvka”) bar is a must-do (but you’ll need a password at the door, and don’t try speaking Russian in there!)

POPOVKA
You’re kidding, right? ;-)

YALTA
Accommodation:
Highly recommend Hotel Bristol ($160) for amenities and location (& it’s duck-free (we checked)).

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