Radisson Blu Hotel near Golden Gate reopens with 254 fully renovated rooms, conference area, lobby, and lobby bar
Radisson Blu Hotel, Kyiv, near Golden Gate, presented its new look this week after a full renovation of the legendary Kyiv establishment. It includes a stylish design that applies local heritage reinterpreted using modern materials, with attention to the smallest details and personalized services that will inspire unforgettable experiences for business travelers and tourists alike.
“When it came to renovation and new design development of the first international branded hotel that started operating in Kyiv 14 years ago, we did not want simply to recreate a Radisson’s luxury style,” Jesper Henriksen, the General Manager Kyiv City Director for the hotel said.
“We wanted to integrate and reflect the local heritage, to show the connection with the Golden gate, the Yaroslaviv Val Street, and the original historical building style. For this purpose, we looked for a Ukrainian designer who could do it in a proper way. And we are proud to present… the re-birth of a Kyiv legend.”
The hotel’s lobby and bar were designed to connect guests to the many layers of the area’s history, blending the past and present to create a timeless experience. The building itself combines an eclectic style with Radisson Blu’s trademark contemporary luxury that blends with Ukrainian interior designer Natalia Shchyra’s design elements representing local heritage.
Ms. Natalia Shchyra, a British-Ukrainian designer and principal at OMO design, UK, said, “We call this project Timeless. The hotel’s building is located at the site of the ancient city wall, the Golden Gate, and the UNESCO world heritage site of St. Sophia Cathedral. It carries a powerful ancient energy within its walls.
Our vision is to blend the hotel’s contemporary luxury with the elements of the rich local historic heritage. The interior’s calm modern harmony of wood and stone is contrasted by the artworks and artifacts of the past century, where each piece has its own story. It has been a pleasure to work with the Radisson Blu team who provided inspiration for many design solutions.”
Each element in the space has its own story, with a timeline ribbon in the center of the lobby that carries the ebb and flow of historical events. Old masters’ style photography magically captures members of the hotel staff. Glass walls at the entrance reproduce the fragments of the old city walls. Small décor elements are reimagined from ancient artifacts and accessories are revived with a modern interpretation.
The renovation was a three year undertaking. In 2017, the conference area on the ground floor was renewed, not only by design but including structural elements and audio and visual equipment.
Room renovation proceeded in 2017-2018, with new rooms designed and developed by a well-known Nordic design bureau, which adapted Nordic design elements to compliment the unique and original setting. New rooms of the Radisson Blu Hotel, Kyiv combine a simplicity, minimalism, and functionality that can easily fit the tastes of the hotel’s multinational guests. The interior of the rooms are complemented by modern art – images of Kyiv made by famous Ukrainian photographers.
The renovation covered everything from wall coatings to furniture and lamps. Some of the rooms were completely re-zoned. The combination of different materials and colors like grey and violet creates a unique atmosphere in the rooms. Industrial elements and forms are gracefully combined with natural wooden elements and textiles, with the ambiance by mirrors, glass surfaces, and lamps.
In 2019 the final stage of the renovation completed the lobby, main entrance, and lobby bar.
“To feel the difference, you need to come and to see the renewed Hotel with your own eyes. Guests are always welcome at Radisson Blu Hotel, Kyiv,” says Mr. Jesper Henriksen.
