Places to Stay in Odessa?

[JP5380]

I thought someone might have some advice for me.  I am considering going to Odessa around Christmas time and was investigating places to stay.  I think it would be best if I had my own place to stay, at least on the first trip.  Searching online, it appears a lot of the hotels are already booked. I was curious if anyone knows of an economical way to stay in Odessa for a couple of weeks?  Thanks!

[Anotherkiwi]

I thought someone might have some advice for me.  I am considering going to Odessa around Christmas time and was investigating places to stay. I think it would be best if I had my own place to stay, at least on the first trip.  Searching online, it appears a lot of the hotels are already booked. I was curious if anyone knows of an economical way to stay in Odessa for a couple of weeks?  Thanks!

You've answered your own question - get an apartment.  There are hundreds, if not thousands available, although maybe fewer during the winter as the owners may be in residence rather than being on vacation.  Prices range from $30 a night in the suburbs (still quite nice, but maybe 30 minutes by tram or bus to the centre) to a luxury pad in the middle of town for $250+ a night.  You will be able to find something suitable, whatever your budget.  It may just take a bit of time to settle on the one that's best for you.
 
There are plenty of members here with far more experience of Odessa than me, but I was there last year and paid $50 a night for a beautiful one-bedroom apartment by the top of the Potemkin Steps. 

[Hammer2722]

When I spent New Years in Odessa 2 years ago, I used hotel Paradis to rent an apartment on Deribosovskaya right across the street from the Irish pub. It was one of my favorite rentals and have used it several times. Paradis is a pretty reliable rental agency. They have both thier own agency owned flats (with washers and dryers, Wi-Fi etc..) and privately owned flats that they lease out. Check out their website :
 
http://www.odessapartments.com
 
I have rented from them 3 times and have never been disappointed. They will even pick you up/ take you to the airport for 20USD each way.
 
Don't wait too long to get an flat!!!! Good luck!

[Donhollio]

 Winter is low season in Odessa, you can ask for a lower price and they may give it to you,especially if you're going to stay for two weeks.  www.odessarentaflat.com is one guy I know (Matt) he's a Irish expat, owns many places with PC's in the suite, shuttle service, and many other helpful things for a traveller. Go to his website and give him a call.
 
  I've spent months in Odessa and wrote about my travels in a fair amount of detail over at RUA.
http://ruadventures.com/forum/index.php?topic=1578.0 Give it a read, I have posted photos as well. 

[JP5380]

This is excellent information guys! 

[LAman]

I have used several, for first timer http://www.odessaexecutivesuites.com/   is excellent.
Someone is always in office to help you plus free airport pick up's. Located above Mcdonalds on Deribasovskya.
 
Also used quite often http://www.ukrainefare.com  ......certain apts I use often. Plus can assist on many different issues...such as travelling to neighbor cities.
 
May I ask on Why Odessa?
Nikolaev and Kherson are not far away!!!

[JP5380]

@ LAman:  Odessa is where the lady lives that I met on russianbrides.com.  She seems like a good girl so far.  We used video chat once on Skype and have another Skype date set for this Saturday.  I haven't seen any red flags yet, and we have spent HOURS online talking since we met a little over a week ago.  But still plenty of time for red flags to appear.  I am thinking about going in December...this will also give more time to get to know each other.  I the only thing thing that I thought could be a red flag is that she does not have a web cam to Skype.  She goes to a friend's house to use her video camera in Skype.  I don't believe it's anything for real concern, but it has crossed my mind some.  My impression is that she should be able to afford one, but I have not wanted to push the issue yet.  Any advice from experienced members would be great!

[JP5380]

Also, I did make it very clear form the first contact that she could never ask me for money.  I was scammed on match.com several years ago and it was a bad experience.  But that situation was showing red flags early on and I should have seen them.  A fool I was. 

So unfortunately, I am paranoid, but I never let it show to the lady I am communicating with now-- except when we first met and I told her what happened.  But my instinct tells me this girl is for real.  And I believe I should go for it.  It seems there are good ones out there.  I'm just hoping she is one of them.