Kiev is a wonderful city although the hotel prices are insane. A good alternative, as with any eastern European city is private, fully furnished apartment rentals. I used Kiev Apartments company which is an affiliate of the same company in Odessa. I was met by a gentleman named Eugene, taken to an apartment right in the center and overall everything went great. The only downside is that the apartment may be located in a very beaten up common area, so you may have to endure a minute or so walk through 'podyezd' which is not well maintained. This is not a case everywhere but most Kiev Apartments are like this since the residents do not pay any type of common charges. I heard this is changing but I guess very slowly. Anyway, check out the firm, it's
www.kievapts.com