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Premier Palace
Premier Palace - (CLICK HERE for a closer look)
Premier Palace - Logo
Kiev - Ukraine
6 Stars & 7 Stripes
Society - World Level Perfection
July - 2009
6 Stars & 7 Stripes
Overall - 'Hotel & Service'
The Ultimate Award:
Seven Stars and Stripes®
The Lufthansa crew had advised us that soon we would be able to see the Dnieper River from the windows of our comfortable business class seats; we were within minutes of landing in Kiev, the capital of the Ukraine. Kiev is located on both sides of the Dnieper River, which flows south through the city towards the Black Sea. We were relaxed and refreshed after a smooth flight with excellent, creative on-board cuisine and caring service. At the gate we were expected by airport security personnel who guided us to a private airport bus and accompanied us to the VIP terminal. While we were waiting here in a pleasant atmosphere on comfortable leather sofas, security took care of our passport formalities, and shortly thereafter they guided us through customs. Here another solid welcome sign identified us as guests of the Premier Palace Hotel, Kiev’s first house. Miss Anna and Mr. Ivan, both in crisp butler uniforms, welcomed us graciously.
Premier Palace - Arrival
Premier Palace - Arrival - (CLICK HERE for a closer look)
Our ride, a shiny Mercedes S AMG, two travel sets of golden Rimowa luggage and the colorful appearance of the butler couple attracted a lot of attention from the crowd. After we had been seated in the Mercedes, Miss Anna reached for cool towels for us to freshen up. Kiev has a continental humid climate. The warmest months are June, July, and August, with temperatures in August soaring sometimes to 80 °F. Miss Anna offered us the traditional welcome drink, an alcohol free energizer, made from figs and almonds and inquired after our taste for background music and temperature. We had a great driver, who gave us the opportunity to enjoy marvelous first impressions of this fascinating, pulsing city, and home of almost three million people. Kiev, founded in the 5th century, is worldwide renowned for its priceless historic landmarks and recognized as a cultural center of Eastern Europe that played a pivotal role in the development of the medieval East Slavic civilization as well as in modern Ukraine.
When we arrived - (CLICK HERE for a closer look) at the main entrance of the Premier Palace, the hotel’s façade a blend of Art Nouveau and Art Deco, three traditional costumed people welcomed us - (CLICK HERE for a closer look) dressed in the mesmerizing bold colors of the folklore of their land. The ladies were attractive with wreath of flowers in their hair, one holding a tray with a loaf of bread and the man a tray of wine. The Ukrainian culture is personified through more than 110 ethnic groups that are living today peacefully in this country and are representing the rich and diverse heritage of a land that has been formed and challenged since the 5th century.
Premier Palace - Tradittional Weclome
Premier Palace - Tradittional Weclome - (CLICK HERE for a closer look)
Modern Kiev seems to be a tasteful merger of the old and the new, precious, incredibly interesting and not only for history buffs. According to Ukraine traditions, when the glasses of all are full, somebody has do propose a toast. EAM Rodderich Leffler gave us the honor: "Hopefully it's not the last time that we drink together, with God's help". In May ‘09 the Premier Palace Hotel kicked off a yearlong celebration of the 100-years since ground was first broken on the original hotel and much has changed since then - (CLICK HERE for a closer look). As we looked around the classy entrance hall, it became evident that the history of the Premier Palace Hotel is the history of Kiev.
Premier Palace - Suite - Welcome
Premier Palace - Suite - Welcome - (CLICK HERE for a closer look)
One of the original two buildings that make today the Premier Palace Hotel belonged to Prince Dimitri Zhevakhov, a colonel in the Russian Cavalry, whose family roots went back to the legendary Kartlos. He was a hero from the Caucasus region, leader of the Georgian people and the great-grandson of the biblical Japheth, the third son of Noah. Our accommodations were on the 7th and 8th ‘Executive Floor’, granting us not only plenty of privacy, but also access to butler service and a splendid view over the distinctive golden domes of Kiev.
I would have just one word to describe the feel of my luxurious accommodations I would have a hard time; precious, traditional & high-tech, classy-cozy, comfortable and spacious might come close; or a home away from home with a superior level of service and privacy. Over three hundred individually designed and decorated suites - (CLICK HERE for a closer look) are ready to embrace travelers from all over the world. Perfectly placed within walking distance to the Golden Gates, the State University, Kiev's Shevchenko Park, the National Opera and Kiev's business district this hotel has the perfect location. Exquisite shopping venues are dangerously close, like the pictorial Taras Shevchenko Boulevard and Kreshchatik, which is the main shopping street in Kiev.
Premier Palace - Suite
Premier Palace - Hetman Suite - (CLICK HERE for a closer look)
While my lady butler Miss Anna unpacked my luggage I opened my laptop and connected by WiFi with New York and after I finally realized that it was running late, I quickly hopped into the marble shower, - we had dinner reservations at 8 pm at the Sumosan Restaurant on the 1st floor. As usual Edmund was ready to go and expecting me already. Though we both were very tired by now, we truly enjoyed our dinner very much.
The Sumosan Restaurant (CLICK HERE for a closer look) itself and Volko’s Japanese cuisine seem to be intentionally eclectic. Presenting a fabulously bold menu it seems that Alexander Volkov has done a fine job in bringing his cuisine to Kiev, returning to his Ukrainian roots. I slept deep and dreamless, these windows must have been sound-proof, and my bed was delightful. It sometimes seems as if all truly great hotels of the world shop at the same company for bedding, and we assure you, they don’t.
Sumosan Restaurant
Sumosan Restaurant (CLICK HERE for a closer look)
My wake up call came punctually with a delightful voice at 7 am, breakfast was planned at 8 on the ‘Executive Floor’. Be assured that I've had many breakfasts at many hotels, and this one was definitely one of the most remarkable ones on an executive level. I would recommend this as a fine place to have a breakfast meeting. The staff was accommodating beyond the call of duty and the omelets were airy and flavorful and the waffles divine. After breakfast we took a tour of the hotel, including the meeting and banquet complex that spreads over the entire second floor of the Premier Palace Hotel.
Grand Hall Sofiyivskiy
Grand Hall Sofiyivskiy - (CLICK HERE for a closer look)
It is easy to imagine businesses - (CLICK HERE for a closer look) from all over the world holding conferences here or a bride & groom dancing their first dance as husband and wife. After the tour, we finally discovered the spa facilities with its dramatic waterfalls; we were most certainly looking forward to a swim in this turquoise blue sparkling pool – as well as our appointments there. But first of all we were scheduled for a business lunch at the Terracotta Restaurant at the Premiere Palace. This relatively new Mediterranean restaurant has been opened shortly before Christmas. The view - (CLICK HERE for a closer look) from here is fantastic and is especially romantic at night.
Champagne Perrier-Jouët
Brunch with Perrier-Jouët (CLICK HERE for a closer look)
Our lunch at the Terracotta restaurant turned out to be a brunch symphony - (CLICK HERE for a closer look); one rarely finds a brunch display that blows one away, this one did. The multitude of fascinating cuisine, created by Executive Chef Igal Kovriga and his team was orchestrated on the ‘Taste Isle’ by EAM Rodderich Leffler, former F&B Director of the Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi. Mr. Leffler has put his personal stamp on Terracotta, from architectural details like the exotic aquarium - (CLICK HERE for a closer look) at the main entrance to the new panoramic windows that allowed one today to admire the golden domes of Kiev, to the walk-in wine humidor, his distinctive style is present.
Since inception the Terracotta team presents this exquisite Sunday brunch - (CLICK HERE for a closer look) with fine French champagne by Perrier-Jouët and live music while celebrating the culinary talents of Executive Chef Igal Kovriga and his team. This Sunday brunch concept has forced competitors to close their venues. Executive Chef Kovriga presented a cascading show of culinary delights such as Smoked Duck Breast stuffed with Foie Gras to die for, delicate French Crepes with Salmon Roe & Sour Cream, a delicious whole stuffed Pike, tenderly baked Baby Pork, amazing Smoked Hams and Kovbasa, Chicken Liver Pâté, Peri-Peri tiger prawns, plump New Zealand mussels Napolitani, Calmari in cream sauce, a terrific Tuna fillet with warm lettuce, succulent fresh Oysters (with seawater still in the shell), Wakami oysters with Seaweed,- just to mention some of the most memorable ‘appetizers’.
Premier Palace - Brunch
Premier Palace - Brunch - (CLICK HERE for a closer look)
The trays were replaced and serviced continuously. We need to also mention some of the entrée dishes like King Salmon with Asparagus, Lamb Brisket on Pineapple, Veal a la Wellington, Fillet of Duck on Apple with Currant Sauce and mouthwatering tender Opera Fillet Mignon. The food was not only outright delicious, but temperatures were checked frequently. The enticingly decorated, mouthwatering desserts included Mousse au Chocolates, Mini Tiramisus, Lemon Tarts and Apple Strudel. This is truly a wonderful Sunday event for an impressive date, but also suggested for a little business or family affair - since there is a special room ‘Just for Kids’ with a nanny, clown and lots of toys.
Later that afternoon we were scheduled for a couple of expertly performed massages, and found the time to experience the pearl of the Premier Palace Hotel - (CLICK HERE for a closer look), the perfect pool. Placed under a raised glass dome, the turquoise mosaic pool tiles reflected the natural daylight making especially early mornings a delightful time to swim. There were also two smaller pools with crosscurrent hydro-massage jets and a very appealing waterfall and Jacuzzi tub. The ‘Water Zone’ is an adjoining open bath concept and part of the fitness center,
Premier Palace SPA - Thorsten Buehrmann
Premier Palace SPA - Thorsten Buehrmann (CLICK HERE for a closer look)
featuring a Finnish sauna, Roman steam baths, Russian baths, a small pool, an icy water quick dip tub and resting room. At the Premier Palace Hotel’s salon ‘Aldo Coppola’, also found in Milan, Rome, Monte Carlo, St. Moritz and 65 other fashionable locations worldwide, guests may book the services that Italian coiffeur Aldo Coppola has become so famous for.
Premier Palace - Pool
Premier Palace - Pool - (CLICK HERE for a closer look)
The spa caters to a wide range of guests and is one of Kiev’s best-kept secrets amongst local spa aficionados as well. The therapists were trained in traditional European as well as Tai techniques. Our incomparable massages (Tai for me and Swedish for Edmund) helped to relieve fatigue and loosen jetlagged muscles. It was an experience we both will savor.
Premier Palace SPA Award
Premier Palace - SPA Award - (CLICK HERE for a closer look)
Most hotel spas are about pampering and relaxation, primarily focusing on the quick fix aspect; we experienced the Premier Palace Hotel spa more like a small medi-spa, with the emphasis on healing and soothing body and soul. Another thing we liked during spa time was the juice bar and the calming background music, definitely an oasis of tranquility to work off the stresses of the day or for pure pampering. The staff’s pride in the facility was evident everywhere in these lavish facilities, from the healing, experienced touch of the therapists to the tea ritual - (CLICK HERE for a closer look), perhaps the best part of the post-spa treatment.
Our lady tour guide expected us in the main lobby, and since Mrs. Nataliya Zaiatz - (CLICK HERE for a closer look) had already toured Hillary Clinton during her visit in ’95, we felt honored and in good hands. A Mercedes S was parked at the main entrance and brought us within minutes to Kiev’s ‘Ensemble of the Historic Center’, which is on of the UNESCO World Heritage list, the only one in the Ukraine. We must admit that St Sophia's Cathedral, which is the oldest existing church in Kiev, dating back to the first half of the 11th century, had the most impact on both of us. Founded in 1037, the cathedral served as a social, political and cultural center and played a major role in the way Kiev evolved and was laid out . The cathedral was originally surrounded by two circled galleries, but changed its architectural look dramatically during the centuries.
Premier Palace - Excursion
Premier Palace - Excursion - (CLICK HERE for a closer look)
St. Sofia burned several times and in 1707 was rebuilt in the style of Ukrainian Baroque and at that time the unique cupolas were added. For many years St. Sofia Cathedral served as a burial place of Kiev’s blue blood. In the cathedral the remains of Yaroslav Mudry, his son Vsevolod, and Vladimir Monomakh are buried. The cathedral is renowned world wide for its mosaics and frescos by Byzantine masters and over three hundred irreplaceable notes and images on the walls, known as ‘Sophia’s graffiti’. Another fascinating site is the National Museum of History of the Great Patriotic War (1941-1945), located in the southern outskirts of the Pechersk district of Kiev. The museum was moved two times before ending up at its current location and with over three hundred thousand exhibits is most likely the largest museums in the Ukraine.
The actual museum complex is centered around the famous 62-meter tall Motherland statue (CLICK HERE for a closer look), which is probably one of the best recognized landmarks of Kiev today. We were fortunate to be given the chance to admire and photograph the titanium statue, located on the right bank, during a yacht excursion on the Dnieper River. The sword in the statue's right hand is 16 m long weighing 9 tons, the left hand holding a 13 m by 8 m shield with the coat of arms of the Soviet Union. The memorial complex includes other fascinating exhibitions ‘The Glory Flame’, a site with World War II military equipment, the ‘Alley of the Hero Cities’ and many more.
Premier Palace - Excursion
Premier Palace - Excursion (CLICK HERE for a closer look)
The Memorial hall displays engraved marble plaques with the names of more than 11,600 soldiers and over 200 workers of the home front honored with the title of the Hero of the Soviet Union and the Hero of Socialist Labor. On the hill, beneath the museum, traditional seasonal flower shows are displayed. Kiev is historically by far one of the most fascinating cities of the world. Open for visitors from all over the globe, destination Kiev deserves a whole week to be discovered, after all in 1982 Kiev celebrated its 1500th anniversary. With twenty square meters of green per resident Kiev is considered the ‘Greenest City in the World’ by the UN. It was a glorious, interesting day with a fabulous tour guide.
Premier Palace - Roof Bar Dinner
Premier Palace - Roof Bar Dinner - (CLICK HERE for a closer look)
From the spa back to our accommodations we took the silent elevator. The wall-to-wall elevator carpet features the day of the week and is entirely exchanged daily. Later on we met for an early dinner (CLICK HERE for a closer look) at the Roof Top Café, allowing us to inhale a fresh summer breeze while enjoying great company and cuisine. Some greenery, carefully placed, created just the right feeling that I often miss in newer eateries and especially bars. Utter restfulness, a casual setting and sunsets not only for romantics, make this a great place for any affair. The cuisine was prepared with specialties produced only in the Ukraine. The service was excellent and the servers were attentive and patient. The ambience was very nice, with a fountain quietly splashing in the background, the musicians playing a light medley and the lights of the city competing with the stars.
Premier Palace - Yacht Excursion
Premier Palace - Yacht Excursion (CLICK HERE for a closer look)
After a restful night I woke up by a careful knocking at the door. I had taken advantage of the pillow menu and found upon my return to my accommodations, the temperature at my preferred setting, which makes a great difference. My butler Mr. Ivan opened the drapes and placed a tray of freshly brewed strong coffee, orange juice and Danishes on the side table. After I came out of the shower my outfit was prepared for the day and my shoes were polished. A good swim in the morning helps to keep me in tune with my body and mind and this radiant pool was once again delightful.
After we had an opulent breakfast at the Terracotta restaurant, admiring the stunning views over early rising Kiev, we boarded once again the Mercedes S., this time for an excursion on the Dnieper River. The driver who had overheard that Edmund likes to listen to the tunes of the James Last Orchestra had prepared his sound system accordingly. It’s the little things, which make all the difference. In my timeless state of mind, admiring the architecture of the great city, I almost forgot to note that we had arrived at the harbor. We were invited to experience Kiev from the sleek yacht (CLICK HERE for a closer look) of Mr. Lytvyn, General Director of the Premier Palace Hotel.
Premier Palace - Yacht Excursion
Premier Palace - Yacht Excursion - (CLICK HERE for a closer look)
This former military man, with the looks of a Navy Seal, is a sportsman through and through. There is really not much that this well traveled gentleman hasn’t accomplished; he loves sports activities that make his adrenaline rise. He is not only a professional skydiver with several hundred free falls but also a scuba diver, desert Quad bike rider, similar to what we experienced at the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi, U.A.E. - (CLICK HERE for a closer look). When we mentioned the ‘Sabrage’ to the Captain, after all we were on a yacht, the perfect location of the ancient art of opening a perfectly chilled champagne bottle; he wanted to try it right away. Let us show you the great execution of the Captian’s Sabrage performance - (CLICK HERE for a closer look) under a fine blue sky, on the river.
Butler Mr. Ivan took over the service for the day on the river. Having worked for a Princess for years on her yacht, he had seen many of the illustrious harbors of the world and proved once again not only his professionalism but also his background as yacht butler and team player. Mr. Ivan has an eye for seeing things that could be improved upon and goes ahead and does them, he never needs to be told, or if so only once. It was his attention to details that we all admired here on the river while he presented an expertly packed lunch, which included canapés, caviar, crawfish and other delicacies - (CLICK HERE for a closer look).
Premier Palace - Yacht Excursion
Premier Palace - Yacht Excursion - (CLICK HERE for a closer look)
We passed white sandy bathing beaches and the homes of the wealthy overlooking the river and waved other boats passing by. Nothing will prepare you for the moment when you get close to the Motherland statue, majestic and silent, like the Dnieper River. Seven Stars and Stripes honors a management team and staff that have demonstrated superior professionalism in operating the Premier Palace Hotel in Kiev. We are grateful for the opportunity to review and recognize - (CLICK HERE for a closer look) such an exquisite team that truly embodies the spirit of hospitality. The Premier Palace Hotel is the premier hotel of Kiev. Congratulations!
Premier Palace - Award
2009 Seven Stars and Stripers® Award-Hand-Out at the Premier Palace - (CLICK HERE for a closer look)
by Thorsten & Edmund Buehrmann

Editor: Ingrid Lemme

Editor-in-Chief: John Lomitola
© 2009 ~ Seven Stars and Stripes, Inc.


 
 
 
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Although the above information was accurate at the time of publication, it can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all pertinent information with the companies in question before planning your trip.


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