Je suis American. This was my first trip overseas and I traveled to Ukraine. By myself. I know...kinda crazy, huh? It was to meet a lady (of course) but I am also 25% Ukrainian. I have many interesting stories to share but for the purposes of this posting I will focus on the hotel. The hotel is situated on a side street one block over from the main drag in Kharkov...Sumskaya Street. The side street ain't gonna remind anyone of Southern Orange County (California) but then what does? The hotel is its own enclave from the din and dinginess of a downtown and it was clean, extremely secure and very well-appointed. I booked the lowest priced room (through the internet). It was small but served its purpose especially if you are one person and do not expect to have company staying over. The rate included a complimentary breakfast, which was very good. Finally, and most importantly, the staff (including those at the front desk, the porters, wait staff and ladies in the business office) was VERY courteous (if not outright friendly), helpful and professional. In fact, they were as good as anyone working at a high-end hotel in the US. My refrigerator was missing several items (e.g., drinks) and the staff took my word for it...no quibbling about what I did or did not consume. They were simply outstanding before, during and after my stay. (I have had to call them after my return to the US about a matter or two and they have treated me like I was still a guest at the hotel.) When I return to the land of my ancestors I will stay at the Hotel Chichikov. Word of advice: Perhaps this is a given for seasoned travelers but for the uninitiated (as I was) you should consider giving the young folks working at the hotel a few extra dollars for their help on whatever matter arises; they will insist it is not necessary but they will appreciate your generosity and thoughtfulness.

P.S.: I spent a portion of my time in Kharkov at a rented apartment in an effort to save some money. That was an experience that I do not wish to repeat. If you can afford it, then stay at a good hotel (like this one) for the duration of your stay or shell out the dollars for a really really nice apartment complex that does not have darkened hallways filled with empty beer bottles and cigarettes...yikes! (The young Ukrainians hanging out in the hallway talking loudly, smoking [and perhaps drinking] well into the early morning hours was an added amenity of my apartment stay [I should have known what was coming based on the condition of the common areas]). Do yourself a favor and stay for the duration at the Hotel Chichikov or a similarly situated hotel.