INTERCONTINENTAL KIEV OPENS IN THE HEART OF UKRAINE’S HISTORIC CAPITAL CITY

Kiev, Ukraine (August 27, 2009) – InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, the world’s first truly global hotel brand, today announces the opening of InterContinental Kiev. Situated in the heart of Ukraine’s historic capital city, InterContinental Kiev has been designed to offer a sense of place that is authentic to the charm and character of its location. Occupying a city center address between three of the most famous churches of ancient Eastern Christendom – St. Michael’s Cathedral, St. Andrew’s Cathedral and the Cathedral of St. Sophia – the hotel is surrounded by golden cupolas and is the perfect base from which to explore the cradle of the “Kievan Rus.” The city’s corporate offices, embassies and government agencies are also within easy reach.

Of its prime location, InterContinental Kiev’s General Manager Leon Larkin says, “Like many of our sister InterContinental hotels around the world, in world capitals such as London, Paris, Hong Kong and Sydney, the location of InterContinental Kiev could not have been more strategic. Our doors open directly to some of the best-known landmarks in this city and our contemporary-classical façade blends perfectly into the heritage and culture of the immediate area.”

Architecture and Design – The 11-story hotel was designed by celebrated Ukrainian architect Sergey Babushkin. Its angular marble-and-glass façade is an artful blend of classical and contemporary features, highlighted by a three-meter statue of the Greek Goddess Nike by Ukrainian sculptor Michael Reva. The hotel’s interiors were created by well-known British designer, John Tweedie, and offer an authentic perspective of the region’s rich heritage. Upon arrival, guests are greeted by an air of elegant refinement, reminiscent of noble Ukrainian homes. The residential lobby and public areas feature cream and pale yellow marble floors, black marble columns, handmade Italian furniture by Armando Rho, exquisite drapes, and specially-commissioned Eastern European art and lighting fixtures.

Rooms and Suites – InterContinental Kiev offers 272 deluxe rooms, including five Ambassador Suites and two signature suites – a 2,282-sq. ft. Royal Suite and larger 3,380-sq. ft. Presidential Suite, both overlooking St. Michael’s Square. The Presidential Suite has enhanced security features with exclusive private lift access, and has been specifically designed to host visiting heads of state and high-level dignitaries. All guest rooms and suites are classical in style, with furniture by distinguished British designer David Salmon, silk drapes and upholstery in light blue, gold and burgundy accents and traditional wood detailing. Rooms and suites are equipped with the latest business and entertainment technology including high-speed wireless Internet access, Philips plasma televisions and iPod docking stations, and Cisco IP telephones. 

Food and Beverage – InterContinental Kiev is anchored by three exceptional restaurants, featuring cuisine by renowned Executive Chef Hector Jimenez-Bravo. Comme il faut, the hotel’s French restaurant, recreates a traditional Parisian brasserie experience inspired by the legendary Café de la Paix at InterContinental Paris Le Grand Hôtel. Olivera, the hotel’s casual all-day Italian-Mediterranean dining room, has an open kitchen, decadent buffets and guest-to-chef interactions as a focal point. The mood changes to a more dramatic tone at b-hush, the hotel’s ultra-modern rooftop Champagne, caviar and seafood bar with panoramic views of historic Kiev. Anticipated to be the destination bar for the city’s local elite, b-hush will also have an outdoor mahogany sky terrace overlooking St. Michael’s Square.

Club InterContinental – Located on the mezzanine floor with views over the Ukrainian Diplomatic Academy and a 20^th century church, the Club InterContinental lounge has six distinct zones including a library, dining room, bar, and relaxation area. The lounge is for the exclusive use of Club InterContinental guests, offering complimentary breakfast, all-day refreshments, evening cocktails, and personalized concierge services.

Events and Recreation – InterContinental Kiev is also home to the capital city’s largest and most technologically-advanced pillar-less Grand Ballroom, for receptions of up to 450 guests. The hotel also has a state-of-the-art conference center, a stunning spa and health club and indoor swimming pool.

Concierge and Local Knowledge – Through its location, design and local knowledge, InterContinental Kiev is committed to providing guests with truly local, authentic and enriching perspectives of Ukraine. Each employee is empowered to share their local knowledge, so guests make the most of their stay in Kiev. Joining her global counterparts in 160 other locations worldwide, InterContinental Kiev’s chief concierge Katerina Khrapko will engage with guests prior to their arrival, through information-rich destination-specific interactive websites and videos. For more information, visit www.intercontinentalvideo.com.

Insider Experiences – InterContinental Kiev will also offer guests unique insights to Ukraine through a carefully-selected range of Insider Experiences packages, available at all InterContinental Hotels & Resorts locations worldwide. The Insider Experiences collection in Kiev includes cooking lessons and visits to the Bessarabka Bazaar food market with the hotel’s Executive Chef, guided tours of Kiev’s collection of underground cave churches and monasteries, private boat trips along the Dnieper River, and front row seats along with exclusive backstage tours of the Taras Shevchenko Opera House.

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