Walking the streets of Kiev, one is quickly taken by its architecture, which spans a varied gamut alternating between classic romantic, modern and Soviet, sometimes within a single block. If you’d like to extend the statelier, more timeless look of early 20th century the city to your hotel, there is no better place to stay than the Opera Hotel in Downtown Kiev.

An architectural monument built in 1906, the building looks as though it was torn from a history book, when horse-drawn carriages conveyed men in top hats and women in pearls to the nearby opera house. Sliding doors part into a lobby rich with marble under a chandelier hanging from an art deco skylight.

After a friendly greeting and easy check-in, we were escorted to a small but charming room decorated basically in antique furniture. Of the 140 rooms here, there are several suites inspired by global destinations, including Egyptian, Japanese, Moroccan and American accommodations, the latter resembling a chic Upper East Side bachelor pad. The hotel’s charms are plenty.

Each morning, we were welcomed warmly into Teatro Restaurant, entering through a charming nook of wood and leather Lobby Bar. Teatro specializes in celebrated Mediterranean fare and wines at night, but in the morning offers a generous breakfast buffet filled with cheeses, meats, breads and fruit and vegetables, while eggs and coffee are delivered by bustling servers exactly to your specifications.

The hotel draws a lot of business travelers and various dignitaries, paying visits to the neighborhood’s many international consulates, making it fun to eavesdrop on stray tidbits of conversation over your latte.

Kiev is undoubtedly a walking city. Which makes the existence of Opera Hotel’s Diva Spa so necessary. In addition to hot stone, Thai and Polynesian massage, this link in the French beauty company’s chain offers skin treatments and a salon, while a Finnish sauna, Jacuzzi, fitness center and circular shower are also available within.

Nourished in body and appetites, Opera Hotel kept us contented, happy and relaxed during our time in Kiev. Beyond the historic allure of the hotel, as is often the case, the experience was made all the better by the people working there. Staff was caring, always stepping in to help lift a stroller up a flight of marble stairs or ready to recommend the best place for a Georgian meal, with clear directions on how to get there. The service, atmosphere and comfort of Opera Hotel makes it one of Kiev’s very best hotels and one that will ease your adventures in Ukraine. Opera Hotel, 53 B. Khmelnitskogo Street, Kiev, Ukraine, +38-044-581-7070, http://www.opera-hotel.com/en/.