Kiev is a nice city. There is no info center in the city and no one can talk english in the city so the info at my hostel was a must.
Kiev is great, but has nothing in common with Prague. It is very interesting, cheap, and safe, but I would not really call it beautiful except for the Orthodox churches. Those make it an Orthodox Rome and the monastery is superb. The city itself reminded me more of Moscow but smaller. English usually does not help -- there are very few tourists.
Kiev … This city will soon surpass Prague as the cool new destination. Public transit only 10 cents U.S. Admission to museums and clubs is very cheap, and food is cheaper than central Europe. Folks are fairly polite, even lining up patiently for many buses. Lots of folks riding public transit, which is mildly crowded, but I did not have a sense of concern for pickpockets or personal safety here, ever. The main touristic areas are first rate, easy to access, and have a good variety of restaurants nearby.
Lviv … If you don't know how to read cyrillic, spend an hour or two on the train and teach yourself how to transliterate (memorizing the letters so you can sound out a cyrillic word in English, even if you have no idea what it means). You can do it from the Russian Alphabet page in the back of your Lonely Planet. Nothing in Ukraine is written in the Roman alphabet, and for some stupid reason, most maps (including LP and Let's Go) as well as the hostel directions on this site don't include any cyrillic. Have a great time in this amazing country and thank me later.
Lviv … It's a stunning and enchanting city -- surely the culture capital of Ukraine. It was a complete surprise for us.
Lviv Backpackers' International Hostel in Lviv … L'viv Backpackers is truly the most advanced and interesting hostel seen in my travel career. The facilities are astounding. From the tremendous style to the complete functionality of the hostel, you'll have all the comforts of home and a staff to make you feel that way. The owners take special pride in the quality of experience for their guests. They are friendly, professional, and accommodating.
L'viv itself has much to offer, but if the weather is bad or you just need a rest, there's no place better, with their fantastic selection of DVDs and hundreds of TV channels. The common area is spacious and well furnished, not cramped and smelly like many in this part of the world. The kitchen and bath areas are like something out of a magazine -- multi jet shower, hot tub, once all again with plenty of space. The location is perfect. While close to the center, it's just far enough away from the crowds yet only minutes from all the action. This hostel seems to attract seasoned travelers…
Kosmonaut Hostel in Lviv … A classic hostel in the center of Lviv. All the things you need here plus good staff and informative. Lviv was a big surprise for us even as Polish (former Polish city!).
LeoCity Hostel in Lviv … I visited Lviv for the first time & i'm glad that i found Leo City bcoz it's really great. The staff are very good & nice people, friendly boys & girls, all are very interesting people to talk with, they helped me with advices, showed me everything, gave me the map so that i would not be lost in the city ;)) & they know lots of interesting things about the city so felt like they are good guides as well.
The place is very clean, fun, we were playing games, watched shows and movies, talked - so i enjoyed a lot.
When i came there the administrator Nikita was very friendly, he showed me the place, told me if i will eed anything he will always help, so i stayed in 8 room dorm with one lady from New Zeland & Italian man, very funny as well ;) so i met new people & now we are friends.
I had good time there, made new friends & watched super beautiful city! So would recomment to people to visit this hostel, i really enjoyed there a lot.
Kiev Lodging Hostel in Kiev … The hostel is a minute form Independence Sq. and a minute from Kreschatik St. With some of the best clubs and bars in Kiev just out the door (Check out Chateau Bar and Art club 44). The staff are English speaking, and they are a sea of knowledge on where to go and what to do. The hostel is newly renovated and it gives a positive vigor to the character. It has a wide range of facilities available like LCD TV and free Internet /WiI-Fi Access. I recommend this hostel!
Lviv Backpackers' International Hostel in Lviv … Stayed here for a couple days in March. Good location, staff very friendly and speak good English. Hostel was very secure. The hostel is smaller (I think it holds about ten people) which created a good vibe during my stay. Lviv is a great city and the hostel has lots of great information on what to see and do. If in Lviv, I would stay here again.
Lviv Backpackers' International Hostel in Lviv … A truly good hostel. The staff and owner are the best. i just want to say thank you and i will be back.
Kosmonaut Hostel in Lviv … This was one of my best stays ever. At the beginning i wanted to stay just two nights, but the atmosphere over there make me stay one more. Everything is there and girls at the reception are very helpful. That hostel -- awesome!
Lemberg Hostel in Lviv … We liked our staying in Lemberg hostel very much. This is very clean hostel with all facilities that you need. It is fifteen minutes by walk from the centre. The staff were very friendly and provides us by all that we need. We recommend this hostel for all travelers with pleasure.
Shevchenko Hotel Sun in Lviv … It was really dark in our room. But it was the only problem. Friendly, atmospheric, surprising (for example, there is a jacuzzi in a female dorm). Recommended.
LeoCity Hostel in Lviv … Leocity has everything you need for traveling -- free coloured maps of Lviv, excellent kitchen and breakfast, bath as in a good hotel, games, and very helpful staff! Don't miss an opportunity to eat Ukrainian varenyky, which Nataly makes! love this place!
Kosmonaut Hostel in Lviv … I enjoyed very much the hostel. Staff were great and very nice. People were helpful. The hostel is ideally located in the center. I highly recommend this place!
HI - Kiev - Yaroslav Hostel in Kiev … Stayed here for over a week. Very pleasant and friendly staff. Very large rooms but no common room worth a mention and also no kitchen. But you can wash your clothes and make tea in the small room where the staff hangs out. The place itself felt very safe, my dorm mates were wonderful, and while the area is very convenient, it felt a bit unsafe being close a large bus terminal (train and bus stations in Ukraine tend to attract unsavory characters). Overall, I would recommend it to anyone looking for discount (however, at $28/night, not cheap) accommodations in Kiev. If you are a female traveling alone, use caution and usual common sense if coming back alone at night time.
Hostelz.com is the only hostel guide with complete information and reviews on all youth hostels and backpackers worldwide.
