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Vip Tours | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5
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| Kiev - Ukraine |
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Society - World Level Perfection
July - 2009 |
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6
Stars & 7 Stripes
Overall - 'Hotel & Service' |
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The Ultimate Award:
Seven Stars and Stripes® |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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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. |
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| 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. |
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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. |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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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. |
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| 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’. |
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| 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. |
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| 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, |
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| 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. |
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| 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.
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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. |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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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. |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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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. |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| 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). |
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| 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! |
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by Thorsten & Edmund Buehrmann
Editor: Ingrid
Lemme
Editor-in-Chief: John Lomitola |
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| © 2009 ~ Seven Stars and Stripes,
Inc. |
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