Our Unplanned Gem: Why Levant Hotel Stole the Show in Yalta
We weren't even planning to stop in Yalta, but we're so glad we did. Our spontaneous decision to check into the Levant Hotel turned out to be the highlight of our trip.
The drive to Yalta took us almost 4 hours, and it was a real challenge navigating the serpentine road with traffic jams and scorching heat. To make matters worse, our GPS wasn't working, and we should've planned our route better. We arrived in the city by 1 pm, and the streets were narrow and winding, with a dense flow of cars. I had no idea where we were going or where to park our car, and there were no parking spots available.
We figured we'd only have 2-3 hours to explore Yalta before dark, and that was a tight squeeze. But then we had a brilliant idea - to check into any hotel with parking for the night, no matter the cost. That way, we could visit more interesting places and take a stroll along the evening waterfront, lit up with fairy lights and lanterns. We decided to just follow the road and see where it takes us.
The road led us to the Levant hotel, and we parked our car on the only available spot. We headed to the reception, looking like a bunch of misfits from the outside - I had a striped top over my dress, my husband was wearing a plaid shirt, and our kids were all messy and chocolate-covered from the ice cream we bought at the gas station.
The young receptionist didn't bat an eyelid, and we were surprised by the hotel's fancy exterior. There was a stand with a dozen black umbrellas for guests, a huge ficus tree to the left, and comfortable sofas and armchairs inside. The staff were dressed in white blouses and blue skirts, and everywhere was spotless, professional, and respectful.
We asked about the cheapest room for three of us, and the price was 11,000 rubles per day with breakfast. It was way out of our budget, but we decided to splurge and treat ourselves to a night at the Levant. And boy, was it worth it!
Our room was right in front of the pool, and it had one double bed and one single bed with super comfy mattresses and pillows. The bed sheets were soft and white, made of cotton, and the bathroom was spotless with a full set of towels, soap, shampoo, and conditioner.
We were amazed by the hotel's service - there's a lady who walks around the premises and replaces your wet towels with fresh ones! She'd come up to us, take our wet towels, and give us fresh, clean ones. It was like having our own personal butler.We spent the whole day exploring Yalta, visiting some awesome spots, taking a boat ride to the Lovers' Nest, and strolling along the evening waterfront. By night, we returned to the hotel - time to hit the pool and get some rest.
The pool is pretty big and deep, and the water was lovely and warm by evening. We spent some time soaking in it, and there's a hydro massage and some nice lighting for when it gets dark.
We slept like babies, and the blackout curtains made it pitch black. We were worried that there'd be some party going on by the pool all night, but by 11 PM, it was dead quiet.
Breakfast was waiting for us in the morning, and it was a feast for the eyes and the taste buds. I've never seen such a variety of dishes in a buffet - multiple egg dishes, several salads, porridge, even some meatballs. There was a selection of pastries, cold cuts, and cheeses, plus some pâtés. And, of course, plenty of drinks to choose from.
I was stuffed after trying everything, but I couldn't resist the crab salad - it was ridiculously delicious. I'm not sure what their secret ingredient was, but I've never managed to make it taste the same.And that's how Levant will stay in our memories - an incredible, clean, and welcoming hotel with a fantastic staff, a big territory, a private beach, and a fantastic breakfast. Plus, an amazing pool!
The price may seem steep at first, but in my opinion, the hotel more than justified it. They really went all out for us, and it was like a whole different holiday experience.
We absolutely loved it, and I'd give Levant 5 stars and recommend it to anyone who's a bit more affluent than us and considering a trip to Yalta. It's a top-notch hotel - you won't regret it!
The customer support from Levant has been top-notch. After a week of using the hotel, I needed some help with a minor issue, and their team got back to me within hours. The solution was straightforward, and I was up and running again in no time. That kind of responsiveness is priceless, especially when you're relying on a hotel for daily use.
In terms of return policy, I was a bit skeptical at first, but the process was surprisingly smooth. I was able to initiate the return and get a full refund without any hassle. That's the kind of value for money I appreciate.
All in all, my experience with Levant has been nothing short of amazing. The build quality is solid, the ease of use is a breeze, and the customer support is second to none. If you're in the market for a hotel like this, I'd definitely recommend giving Levant a shot.