Hotel Universitetskaya

Everything about this was awful, and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone. It felt like they were cutting every corner, and then a problem came up when I arrived: I'd booked a double room, but was told that after a certain number of days I'd have to move to a triple because somebody else had booked it. Why couldn't they have discussed this by phone?

For Minsk, this is an ultra-budget place. A double bed costs 13 rubles. The location is peaceful and quiet, and the staff are friendly and helpful. My room was fairly clean; the furniture is Soviet-era, but the bed was fine and I slept well. The building has been repainted, and there are lots of positive comments everywhere. The shower in block 4 needs fixing: its hose leaks, and the curtain should be replaced. There should also be a notice by the bathroom entrance saying there's no toilet paper or soap, so unprepared guests aren't caught out. The same goes for the linen change at checkout, which should be posted somewhere visible in the room.

The location was handy, close to both the metro and a bus stop, and the staff were friendly. We rented a deluxe room and were pleasantly surprised by how spacious, cozy, and clean it was. It came with a refrigerator, TV, and electric kettle. There's a shared kitchen in the hallway, where we used the microwave. The price felt fair for what we got.

After a long bus ride, staying here in Minsk was a relief. It's a block of two rooms, with three people in each. The heating and hot water deserve credit. There's a dining room and a kitchen, and it's a decent enough place for business travelers to spend a few days. We were so busy that we only came back to rest. The building itself also has plenty to see and learn from, especially for teachers. Best to come with people you trust.