Hostel Golden Gates

It's a good budget spot for walking to the square, souvenir shops, cafes, and restaurants. The girl at reception was nice, though the reception area is tiny. The lift felt scary, and the small kitchen was dirty. It's okay if you just need somewhere to sleep, but not for a comfortable night's rest. The bedsheets were too old and should be replaced.

The receptionists were two women in the middle of a corridor and could barely speak English. I booked an individual room, but when I arrived it was only about 2 by 2 metres, with a bed and desk. If you fell off the bed, you'd be out of the room. It cost 36€ for four nights, which wasn't cheap. This was the worst hostel I've ever booked.

My first night in Kiev was ruined after my waist bag was stolen, with valuables including a camera and tablet inside. Local people who live in and run a similar hostel nearby told me theft is common and alleged that the manager steals in cooperation with other local residents. One man, tall and thin and from Odessa, had been staying there for months and showed me a knife, saying even the lockers could be opened easily with it. A lot of my food was stolen too. I felt there was no security and that guests, especially foreigners, were being targeted. I went to the nearby police station, filed a report, and they are still investigating. I can show the report. The place is also called one step independence square hostel. I suspect the owner may have changed a few years ago, since the furniture and management look completely different from photos of the former place. As it is now, it's messy and seems to be run without care. The management seemed rude and easy to deceive, like a prostitute. They charged me without explaining beforehand, then refused responsibility for what happens in the accommodation, saying they didn't know and it was my responsibility, while pretending they couldn't speak English. The photos look almost fake. Even though it's the cheapest, never stay here. It's a criminal house, more dangerous than staying outside, and it should be arrested. Don't go near it now, it's too dangerous.

Terrible. We booked a room for three people and came to the hostel, but they said they didn't have one. Now we have nowhere to stay because of this hostel.