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Il DeCameron Hotel



Eastern European tourism has of course been booming in the past decade, and will no doubt recover much of its popularity as the world emerges from coronavirus/COVID-19 lockdown and people begin traveling more again. But the country of Ukraine - Europe's biggest after Russia - has remained more under the tourism radar, attracting a relatively modest 10 million or so visitors in recent years, a good chunk of those business rather than leisure travelers. Part of this is down probably to poor marketing, but also to its conflicts over the past half dozen years with Russia over the Crimea and the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine. But even in the case of the latter, conflict is limited to a relatively small part of the country, and that leaves a huge unaffected area including dynamic capital Kyiv; historic, cosmopolitan  cities Lviv and  Kharkiv; ecotourism and adventure in the gorgeous Carpathian Mountains; even notorious Chernobyl near the northern border (yes, you can take nuclear-disaster-themed tours in the area, though obviously not at the facility itself).



Alex Doomer



But one of Ukraine's biggest draws, stretching back into the 19th century, is its thousands of kilometres of Black Sea coast and most especially its coastal resorts. The largest (as well as the entire country's third largest city, with a population just over one million) is Odessa (above), founded in 1794 during the reign of Catherine the Great and home to a mix of architecture from Renaissance and Art Nouveau to Soviet-brutalist and cutting-edge contemporary, and a thriving cultural, dining, and hospitality scene. Odessa tourism is still a big deal, and 30 years of Ukrainian independence under a free market have brought a wave of new hotels on the local scene.

One of the newest and most distinguished - indeed, now one of the entire country's best - is the five-star Il Decameron Luxury Design Hotel, located right in the city centre convenient to most sightseeing and attractions of interest to visitors. Business-traveler-oriented but very well suited to holidaymakers as well, what makes it unique in comparison to other hotels is its friendly and impeccable service, comfort, and refined, contemporary-Italian style.


Il DeCameron Hotel

Structured behind its sophisticated dark-stone façade around a central courtyard, its sleekly minimalist, this Italian-designed, five-floor boutique property offers 62 stylish, air-conditioned rooms with flat-screen satellite TV, high-speed WiFi included, en suite bathrooms, and imported Italian furnishings; some also have terraces, kitchenette, and/or terrace. For the business market there is a fully equipped conference hall and meeting rooms


Il DeCameron Hotel


And of course let us not forget the onsite Elissa Bar & Restaurant, created by noted designer Nunzio Da Via and serving up Odessa's best modern-Italian cuisine (and most comprehensive Italian wine list) leavened with international/nouvel items under the masterful hand of chef Stefano Antoniolli, who hails from the region of Venice. You'll find, for example, fresh, authentic risottos and pastas, veal tonnato, burrata, and creative mains such as Parma-style eggplant with tomato sauce and parmesan ice cream, as well as various types of steak and fish dishes.

What's more, the Il Decameron delivers incredible value for money: all the above at rates from just 55 euros per night. It's truly an amazing addition to an amazing city in a very underrated country. Highly recommended!