Villa Lidiya

The location is handy, close to the market and pump room. But we regularly smelled smoke coming through the bathroom exhaust because our neighbors smoked in there, despite the no-smoking rule. The owners also started renovations or installations while we were staying. Drilling continued until 9:00 PM, when all we wanted was to relax. The plumbing is old, and although the maid tries to clean it, the rooms feel tired. The bed linen was stained and the curtains torn.

The staff were attentive, and the train station is about a seven-minute walk away. It’s conveniently placed, with a market and two convenience stores on one side and the town center, refreshment bar and all the entertainment on the other. Good value for money.

It’s okay for the price and location. Street-facing apartments are noisy, so choose one that faces away from the street if you can. Top-floor apartments are likely to get hot, and air conditioning generally isn’t available.

We booked a room at the Lydia Hotel this year and paid 600 UAH. When we arrived, we were horrified: what the hotel advertises doesn’t match reality. We refused the room, but didn’t get a penny back, then found another place for the same price. The staff were terrible, quarrelsome and rude. To anyone planning a vacation, I’d say don’t book here. Better to go there and find somewhere to stay when you arrive. Think about what sort of mood the Lydia Hotel will leave you in.