Kronon Park Hotel offered almost everything one would expect from a luxury mini-hotel. You just don't expect to get it here, in Belarus. Out of all the hotels I've ever stayed in the country, Kronon Park was fairly the best, definitely exceeding even the highest Belarus standards. LOCATION Can be delightful to some and torturing to the others. The hotel is located in a relatively short driving distance from the city centre, in its green belt. Tranquility of the forest, fresh air and smell of pines that surround this small mansion make it perfect for a getaway from the city fuss and grime. Walking there, lost in the forest, was fabulous. But if you are in for actively exploring Grodno, and left your car at home, this is hardly your top choice. Taxi cost will increase the already high bill, as the hotel is definitely not in a walking distance to any of the city sights. There’s a parking lot in a few meters from the hotel, but it’s totally non-conditioned. The cars are mainly left on a small gravel lot right outside the hotel, which is convenient. Parking is for free. BOOKING, CHECK-IN AND -OUT Since this is a mini hotel, with 15 rooms only, DO book in advance. The hotel is very popular for corporate and personal events, and seems to be often sold out. Have witnessed two weddings and a conference, none having any negative impact on...Kronon Park Hotel offered almost everything one would expect from a luxury mini-hotel. You just don't expect to get it here, in Belarus. Out of all the hotels I've ever stayed in the country, Kronon Park was fairly the best, definitely exceeding even the highest Belarus standards.

LOCATION

Can be delightful to some and torturing to the others.

The hotel is located in a relatively short driving distance from the city centre, in its green belt. Tranquility of the forest, fresh air and smell of pines that surround this small mansion make it perfect for a getaway from the city fuss and grime. Walking there, lost in the forest, was fabulous.

But if you are in for actively exploring Grodno, and left your car at home, this is hardly your top choice. Taxi cost will increase the already high bill, as the hotel is definitely not in a walking distance to any of the city sights.

There’s a parking lot in a few meters from the hotel, but it’s totally non-conditioned. The cars are mainly left on a small gravel lot right outside the hotel, which is convenient. Parking is for free.

BOOKING, CHECK-IN AND -OUT

Since this is a mini hotel, with 15 rooms only, DO book in advance. The hotel is very popular for corporate and personal events, and seems to be often sold out. Have witnessed two weddings and a conference, none having any negative impact on my stay. Except that I failed to extend it when suddenly decided to, being really charmed by the place and the city.

Booked over the phone a deluxe room (caUSD 171 per night). Later the hotel called to say the room was cross-booked earlier and won’t be available for a part of my stay, so offered a suite for this part, twice as expensive (USD 329 per night) and beyond my initial budget, hence declined. Surprisingly, got another call later with an offer of the suite for the price of the room, very reasonable and precisely what one would expect in such situation. Agreed.

Upon arrival, however, the heat was so unbearable that AC suite for a full stay looked more appealing than non-AC room for its first half. Moreover that the receptionist confirmed the discount offer for the agreed part. Have to mention though that at check-out my card was charged for the full value with no discounts.

ROOM, BATHROOM, FACILITIES

All rooms are located on the first floor, the ground one hosting reception, a bar and a restaurant. The room key is also a door-opener to the floor, which serves yet another security measure as it allows access to the guests and the staff only.

Suite could be described in one word: excellent! Spacious to make a perfect ballroom, cozy and elegantly decorated, full of light, with all needful interior items and even few luxury extras. Large bed provided for a fabulous sleep.

A fridge and a mini-bar were available.

There were few downsides in terms of facilities though. The lightning system was poorly thought-out. Say, you can’t switch off the light staying in bed.

Thick walls block cell and wi-fi signals. So there’s actually no wi-fi inside the building except in the reception and bar area. But the hotel staff was kind enough to offer the Internet cord, so I had Internet access all the time, and it was for free.

Bathroom was new and stylish, with eye-catching antiquated taps. However, not without minor downsides here. Many necessities were only available by request. Also, in the process of daily house-keeping the bathroom often lacked sufficient attention. On a positive note, I’m rarely pleased with aroma of the hotels’ toiletries, but in Kronon Park they were wonderful.

BREAKFAST AND RESTAURANT

Breakfast was included into the room rate. It represented a combination of a buffet, a bit limited perhaps, and a la carte meals. It was tasty and more than sufficient, all in.

And the hotel restaurant is not to be missed even if you don't stay in Kronon Park! It was the best place to eat found in Grodno and even all over Belarus. I was also pleasantly surprised by the prices, more than reasonable for this exceptional quality. Its interior also deserves special mentioning. And weather permitting, you can seat outside, enjoying the forrest view and really fresh air.

There was a live music at night, provided by a duet of musicians. Their repertoire sounded a bit repetitive if dining there several nights in a row. And their skills have not really satisfied my demanding ear. However, they added so much ambience that all these minutiaes can be easily forgiven.

SERVICE

They are trying really hard. And most of the time do succeed in reaching the highest standard of a decent hotel. And for an ex-Soviet country, this progress in customer service is truly outstanding!

RECOMMENDED

I can strongly recommend Kronon Park, if you are in Grodno, travelling by car and ready to splash a bit. It was my best stay in Belarus. Wish I could stay longer.More