In the 1950s Kyiv’s Dovzhenko studios drew many famous and talented actors to the city. They shot Russian romances,  “educational” political movies or simply soft entertainment. The famous song-writer and singer  Oleksandr  Vertinsky, born in Kyiv but based in Moscow, spendt several memorabl weeks at the hotel in 1955 while shooting  Flame of Sorrow at the Dovzhenko studios. He missed his family and sent a letter to his wife almost  every  day of his stay about his work and his time relaxing at the Ukraina Hotel (now Premier Palace Hotel).

For  example:
February 9, 1955: “ This entire week I was at the studio from &am till 2 am … I am totally exhausted. Today , I slept all day and only by evening did  I manage to pull myself together. My entire body aches from wearing  belts, swords, boots and other props I had  to put  on in the morning. I took a bath and I am in bliss.”

Vertinsky stayed long enough at the hotel to have a suite named after him, Suite 439. It is a stylish and laconic two-room suite with light walls, elegant curtains, and cosy furniture.  The suite will best fit guests who appreciate elegant simplicity.

Book “Premier Palace Kyiv”,  part of “The World’s Famous Hotels” series

Go Back