Where to stay in Ukraine or Russia? Your first toughs might be, to take a hotel when you go to Kiev or one of the other former USSR cities to meet your future bride. Personally I would not recommend to take a hotel. First they are way over priced, the rooms are little and the style will take you way back in time. Off course if you really want to experience the former USSR incl. non service minded staff, you should take a hotel. Also will it be possible that you can’t take a guest to your room, or get disturb during the night by young ladies who offer you special kind of services.
A good alternative for a hotel is renting of an apartment. For 50% of the Hotel price you get much more privacy, a better service(Still don’t expect a western service level) and a lot more value for money. If you come together with a friend, you can hire a 2 bedroom European style apartment in the heart of Kiev for less as 50$ a person a night incl. a hot tub. A hotel on the same level, will cost you about 150$ a person a night and you not even get the hot tub. ))
There are many smaller and bigger companies that can offer you apartment services, I would recommend to contact them before you arrive and ask them much, so you can find out their level of service.
Just something you have to consider and always ask:”Does it also work?” Because some apartment say they have internet, hot tub and air-condition, but it not always means it works. So if you want to be sure, get it on writing. Finally, never pay in advance to a company that you don’t know, if they say they have almost no place and all is booked, look for another company, there are always some free apartments(Our own experience), unless you will come during the European football championships in 2012.