It has taken a long time, but Europe’s last remaining capital without an “internationally branded” hotel has finally joined the 21st century. Kiev has gotten itself a Radisson!
During communism, the only accommodations available to foreigners were dilapidated state run hotels, many of which lacked basic necessities such as toilet paper. After communism fell and economies began to finally improve, tourism and business prospects were promising enough for major hotel chains to invest in new projects from Moscow to Bulgaria. Even lowly Tirana, capital of the poorest country in Europe, can boast a Sheraton. But this was not the case in Ukraine where high inflation and a corrupt government scared many investors away.
Last September, however, Kiev celebrated the arrival of a 255-room Radisson SAS hotel. Five-star comfort has finally made it across the Ukrainian borders and boy are businessmen happy!