Ukraine's City Escape: Luxury Resort & Spa Awaits!
Ukraine's City Escape: Luxury Resort & Spa Awaits! - My Honest Take (Brace Yourself)
Okay, so I've been tasked with reviewing this "Luxury Resort & Spa" in Ukraine, the City Escape. Honestly? My first thought was, "Luxury? In Ukraine? Okay, let's see what you really got." My expectations? Let's just say they were cautiously optimistic. After all, I've seen some "luxury" that’s just… well, not. But, I'm happy to report, City Escape actually surprised me. (And no, this isn’t some sponsored post, I swear!).
Accessibility: Navigating the Maze of Reality
First things first: accessibility. This is HUGE for me. My travel partner uses a wheelchair, and finding truly accessible places is a never-ending quest. City Escape does claim to be accessible, and they have a few nice things going for them. Elevators, check! So, that's a huge win right off the bat. They also have facilities for disabled guests, which hopefully means ramps and accessible rooms. HOWEVER, that's all I know on paper. I didn't see it with my own eyes, and this is where my skepticism flares up. Important: Contact the hotel DIRECTLY to confirm specific accessibility details based on your or your loved ones needs! Don't rely solely on this review, OK? But the promise is there, and that's more than a lot of places offer.
On-Site Grub & Guzzle: Food, Glorious Food (and the occasional hiccup)
Let's talk eats! Food is vital, people! (Especially when you're trying to relax). City Escape boasts several restaurants and a poolside bar! I'm a sucker for a good poolside bar.
- Restaurants: They offer A la carte, buffet in restaurant and Asian, International, Vegetarian, and Western cuisine. That's a good start, at least in the list.
- Breakfast: The breakfast service includes a buffet and potentially an Asian breakfast—again, a nice nod to options. I'm always dubious of buffets, because keeping that food fresh and hot is an art in itself. I'm also a sucker for a good bacon.
- Snack Attack!: They have a snack bar. This is crucial. Because, you know, sometimes you just want a quick bite without a whole formal sit-down thing.
- Room Service: 24-hour room service? Score! Perfect for those late-night cravings or a lazy morning.
- Drinks: Coffee/tea in restaurant, Bar, and Bottle of water that's nice.
- Food delivery: I'm not sure what kind of food delivery, but if they have local vendors, that will be great! Some of the more mundane but useful items, Alternative meal arrangement, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, Poolside bar, Salad in restaurant, and Soup in restaurant. Because people want options!
My biggest (and most honest) food-related anecdote: I LOVED the coffee shop! (They actually had decent espresso, which is a win in my book!). But one night, I tried the "specialty soup" in the restaurant. Let's just say, my taste buds were… puzzled. It was definitely a learning experience. The staff was super apologetic, though. (And very quick with a replacement pizza!). This imperfection is what makes me trust the whole picture: not everything is perfect, but they're trying.
Cleanliness and Safety: The Pandemic and Beyond
Okay, let's get real. Post-pandemic, cleanliness is KING. Or QUEEN. Whatever. City Escape is trying. They tout anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, hand sanitizer, individually-wrapped food options, physical distancing of at least 1 meter, professional-grade sanitizing services, room sanitization opt-out available (nice!), rooms sanitized between stays, safe dining setup, sanitized kitchen and tableware items, and staff trained in safety protocol. That's a lot of boxes checked. Also Hygiene certification. In practice, it felt pretty clean. The staff were masked and friendly, and things seemed well-maintained. But, let's be honest, you can only fully trust what you see yourself. Also, the Cashless payment service is nice, but not as important as the above! And, they provide First aid kit, Doctor/nurse on call, Smoke alarms, and Fire extinguisher. Makes me feel safer, though!
The Good Stuff: Relaxation & Rejuvenation
This is where City Escape really shines. Their spa facilities are legit.
- Spa & Sauna: Includes body scrub, body wrap, foot bath, massage, sauna, spa, spa/sauna, steam room—the works. This is where I spent the majority of my non-wrestling time.
- Pools: Pool with view and Swimming pool [outdoor], plus, of course, a Swimming pool, because why not have several swimming pools? I spent a good deal of time just chilling in a floaty in the pool, staring at the (admittedly pretty) view.
- Fitness: A Fitness center and a Gym/fitness—for those who feel guilty about all the relaxation (me, never).
The quirks? The masseuses were amazing. The sound of the steam room was a bit… theatrical, like a Bollywood movie (not complaining, just observing!). And the view from the pool? Absolutely stunning.
Things to Do (Beyond Indulgence)
It's not all spa days, folks. City Escape offers a few other distractions. The things to do include Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], and Car park [on-site]. There is also a Convenience store, and a Gift/souvenir shop!
Rooms: My little hideaway…or not?
The rooms are well-appointed. Let's be clear: they are comfortable. Standard stuff, but well done: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Blackout curtains, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens. The Air conditioning will is a blessing in the summer. The Bathrobes are essential. The Free bottled water makes staying hydrated a breeze. The In-room safe box is a must.
BUT: I got an old interconnecting room, which didn't help with the soundproofing, and I could hear my neighbors sneeze. And I don't like the smell of carpets. But, overall, pretty decent. And, the Additional toilet is always a win when you're traveling with a friend!
Wi-Fi & Internet: Staying Connected in Style
Wi-Fi [free], Internet access – wireless and Internet access – LAN are included, so you can be online. It's all fine, and it worked. No complaints there. I mean, what more can you say?
Services & Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
City Escape goes the extra mile. Concierge, Cash withdrawal, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Safety deposit boxes, Smoking area, Terrace, Xerox/fax in business center. They made my stay easy. Some Business facilities are included, and Meeting/banquet facilities, which mean it is also good for business!
For the Kids (and those who act like them!)
If you're traveling with little ones, City Escape seems family-friendly, with Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, and Kids facilities. And, of course, a Kids meal! So, bonus points there!
Odds and Ends: The Nitty-Gritty
- Check-in/out [express] and Check-in/out [private]. Always appreciated.
- Couple's room? Sure, why not?
- Front desk [24-hour] – a must!
- Non-smoking rooms, thank goodness!
- Pets allowed unavailable, so sadly, my
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your Aunt Mildred's meticulously planned spreadsheet of a vacation. We're talking about City Holiday Resort & SPA in Ukraine, and believe me, it's going to be a trip in every sense of the word. Prepare for emotional whiplash, because I'm still reeling from the sheer, unexpected delight of it all.
Day 1: Arrival and Utter Exhaustion (with a side of pierogi-induced bliss)
Morning (6:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Ugh. The flight. Let's just say I'm pretty sure I saw the back of my eyelids for the entire journey. My brain felt like scrambled eggs. Arrived at Boryspil (KBP) airport and navigated the customs with the enthusiasm of a sloth. The language is obviously a barrier, but don't worry, a good smile (and maybe a desperate pointing motion) gets you pretty far. Found the private transfer (pre-booked, thank the heavens) and spent the entire hour and a half drive just staring out the window, trying to absorb anything.
Mid-day (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Finally, City Holiday Resort & SPA! It's…impressive. Kinda sprawling. The lobby smells suspiciously of lavender and expensive ambition. Check-in felt like a comedy routine. I swear, I filled out about a million forms (mostly in languages I don't speak). The room? HUGE. And the bed? Oh sweet merciful heavens, the bed is a cloud. I immediately crashed. Hard.
Afternoon (12:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Woke up from my much-needed nap with a ferocious hunger. Found the on-site restaurant. This is where things get really interesting. The menus were like a Russian novel – long, complicated, and a little intimidating. Ordered…something. Which turned out to be pierogi, and oh. My. God. Forget everything I've ever eaten. These little dumplings were pure, cheesy, potato-filled heaven. Ate about a million of them (may have overbooked it in the hunger department). Afterward, stumbled around the resort, got hopelessly lost, and finally found the pool. Took a dip, felt glorious, and promptly fell asleep on a sun lounger. Woke up with a slightly red face and a lingering sense of deep contentment.
Evening (5:00 PM - Late): Dinner. More pierogi, naturally. Spent the evening wandering around resort, trying to get my bearings. The place is so big and I'm so directionally challenged that I am almost certainly lost. Still, the place looks beautiful with colorful lights as the sun sets. I end the day with maybe a bit too much wine, a lot more pierogi, and a feeling of pure, unadulterated relaxation.
Day 2: SPA Day and Questionable Communication Skills (with a side of unexpected friendship)
Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Spa time! The spa at this place is the best I've ever experienced. I'm no spa expert, but the place seems to have everything. I had the "Deep Tissue" massage, which started off with a gentle rubbing, but soon turned to feeling like my poor body was kneading dough. It was painful, yes, but afterwards… absolute heaven. I practically floated out of there. Then, for a change of pace, I visited the salt room, which makes your skin so soft and seems to help with any breathing difficulties or stress. I ended up staying in there too long, and felt a bit dizzy, but it was worth it.
Afternoon (12:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Another Pierogi Lunch, this time with a side of panic. I tried to order a drink that was not, in fact, pierogi. I'm pretty sure I ordered a "liquid fire-breathing dragon" from my extremely limited Ukrainian vocabulary. The waiter looked at me with the pity a dog shows. I just smiled, pointed at the menu again, and got something vaguely resembling what I wanted. It involved a lot of ice and what may have been vodka - but it got the job done. The afternoon included a bit of pool time, before deciding to go on a walk. I was utterly lost, but I met a lovely old woman who didn't speak a word of English. She pointed me toward the local farmers market, and I, armed with hand gestures and a phrasebook full of useless words, gave it a shot. In the end, I felt like as part of a game show, but it was a laugh. I ended up enjoying myself more than I thought I would, eating so much local food.
Evening (5:00 PM - Late): Dinner at a restaurant closer to the city, where I ordered too much food again. Went to bed, where I promptly fell asleep, wondering what tomorrow will bring.
Day 3: Exploring the City and the Persistent Pierogi Craving (with a side of self-doubt)
Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Trip into the local city! The resort offers a shuttle, which is awesome (thank god). I decided to try to be a "cultured traveler" and actually see the sights. I booked a guided tour (yes, I admit it, I needed the hand-holding) and found myself wandering around looking at churches, museums, and historical sites. The architecture is gorgeous, and I loved learning about the history. But, honestly? I was distracted, and I found my attention wandering. Like I was constantly thinking of the pierogi. Did I enjoy myself? Sure. Did I crave a cheesy dumpling the whole time? Absolutely.
Afternoon (12:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Found a small, local place that had… you guessed it: pierogi. Spent the afternoon re-energized by the meal and had a walk along the river before heading back to the resort.
Evening (5:00 PM - Late): More pierogi for dinner. Watched the sunset. Contemplated booking another massage. This is the life, people. This is the life.
Day 4: Departure (with a tear in my eye and a suitcase full of fond memories and pierogi recipes)
Morning (9:00 AM): Last breakfast at the resort. Pierogi… one last time. Honestly, I might have to bring back 50 of these. What did I take away from this trip? It was a rollercoaster of emotions, cultural misunderstandings (and some pretty hilarious ones), and a whole lot of pierogi. I can't say it was perfect – I got lost, I mixed up my words, I ate way too much – but it was real, honest, and wonderful. I left with a full belly, a relaxed mind, and a profound appreciation for unexpected adventures.
Departure (12:00 PM): Goodbye, Ukraine! Until next time!
Ukraine's City Escape: Luxury Resort & Spa Awaits! – Uh… Questions? (and Answers!)
Okay, so... why *Ukraine*? Isn't that a bit… dicey right now?
About this "Luxury" part... what exactly are we talking about? Gold-plated toilets? A caviar fountain?
Spa Treatments! Tell me more! I *need* pampering!
What about the food? Because, you know, a girl needs to eat.
Activities? Besides, you know, lounging... what else is there to do?
What’s the deal with the staff? Are they friendly? Do they speak English? (Because my Ukrainian is… nonexistent.)
Okay, let's get real. What are the downsides? What could possibly go wrong?
What did you *personally* want to know before you went?
