The captivating, culture-rich, and cool capital of Georgia Tbilisi is Europe’s lesser-known gem. The sparkling, dynamic capital city of Georgia teems with iconic attractions, ambrosial cuisine, ancient, elegant architecture, and everything in-between. What’s more, it is one of Europe’s oldest cities and has been ruled by Mongols, Persians, and even Russians. Undoubtedly, Tbilisi is a treasure trove for history aficionados. So, it is only fitting that such an amazing city will also be home to some excellent accommodations. Moreover, the best hotels in Tbilisi city range from quaint, historic stays to uber-cool, modern ones that reflect the city’s zesty character. So, for every one-of-a-kind artist’s retreat for a hotel, there’s also a killer hostel and a boutique hotel.
On that account, what are the most popular areas to live in Tbilisi? A neighborhood on top of perhaps every traveler’s list is Old Tbilisi, where cobblestoned streets and restored full-of-character structures take you back in time. Avlabari, on the other hand, is still Old Tbilisi but lies on the eastern side of the Mtkvari river. It’s also where the world’s third tallest eastern orthodox cathedral, the Trinity Cathedral, lies. The more modern Freedom Square is dining and transportation-central, as is the somewhat-Soviet suburb of Pekini Avenue. Finally, trendy Rustaveli blends both hip budget accommodations with history and culture.
Ilja’s Hotel
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Ilja’s is easily Tbilisi’s most historic micro-hotel and lies on a serene leafy street just a stone’s throw from the vibrant Rustaveli Avenue. Its Art-Deco lobby is reminiscent of the Parisian Belle Epoque era and is operated by concierge-cum-owner Ilja.
A gold-framed, zinc-topped vintage desk welcomes guests into the lobby, which boasts a lush indoor garden and floor-to-ceiling windows. Since it has just four rooms, the hotel is as intimate as it can get. A ground-floor café not only serves breakfasts but also offers light food and beverages for the rest of the day. In fact, it even has excellent sparkling wine Jujuna on tap. Moreover, a hearty, lovingly-made breakfast features many kinds of breads, Georgian tea, and made-to-order eggs.
When it comes to the rooms, nothing is done on the cheap. Vintage furnishings and Art-Deco lighting fixtures meet huge flatscreen TVs topped up with Netflix. What’s more, the rooms also feature plush goose-down pillows and luxurious bath fittings.
Moxy Tbilisi
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The Moxy Tbilisi teeters over Saarbruecken Bridge and is surrounded by some of the city’s most photogenic sights. With the Mtkvari River right there and Rustaveli a mere 10-minute walk away, the hotel makes for a great base for exploring Tbilisi city’s many amazing sights.
The futuristic hotel sets the tone for many of Tbilisi accommodations in the coming years. A comfy yet funky lobby features hip furnishings, light wood floors, and beautiful Art Deco chairs. It’s also where you can sip on Georgian tea or coffee while reading the many books stacked on the shelves or playing a board game or two. An Instagram wall with pictures clicked by current guests perhaps is the most outlandish and yet chic thing you’ll ever see at a hotel. Apart from a global roller coaster breakfast, the hotel also arranges everything from booking tickets to tours.
Moreover, the accommodations at the Moxy are equally unusual. Three types of rooms feature squishy beds, hi-tech mod-cons, ensuite bathrooms with organic toiletries. Instead of minibars, there’s a unique communal shelf in the lobby stacked with quick-to-eat food and booze.
Stamba Hotel
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The design-centric Stamba Hotel lies in a structure that was formerly a Soviet-era publishing house! It sits on Kostava Street, which lies at one end of the famous Rustaveli Avenue. At the other end is Freedom Square, which sits right next to Old Town. So, this hotel is the near-perfect base to explore all of Tbilisi’s top sights.
This 20th-century landmark opens up to a soaring expanse of a four-floor lobby whose crown jewel is a glass-bottomed rooftop pool. Floor-to-ceiling shelves of books, custom-designed nature-inspired wallpapers feature everywhere. However, it’s the magnificent outdoor terrace with views of the hotel’s manicured gardens that is the highlight of this hotel. A neighboring structure houses the bar and even a co-working space, while the main building features a chic casino, an ode to Tbilisi’s gambling culture. Dig into classic Georgian fare at the curb-side cafe or enjoy a spot of Georgian dessert on the sun-kissed terrace. Finally, work off all those piled-on Georgian calories at the fitness center.
Spacious and light-filled rooms feature exposed brick walls, textured furnishings, plush, velvety carpets, and floor-to-ceiling walls of books. Apart from an amazing minibar and a slew of old and new mod-cons, the room boasts a cocktail kit and a plush bathroom with gilded standalone bathtubs.
Rooms Hotel Tbilisi
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Young, chic travelers will love staying at Rooms Hotel, Tbilisi city’s first design accommodation. The place effusively blends luxurious digs with hipster chicness to churn out what is one of the city’s most exciting temporary living spaces. The hotel lies in the neighborhood of Vera, which is a five-minute walk from Rustaveli Avenue.
The hotel is full of character, right from the very building it lies in, which is a former Soviet-era publishing house. The entrance with dark glass doors opens to a heritage library with incredible floor tiles. With uniformed bellhops, dark metal-reclaimed wood furnishings, and a grey marble staircase, the entire place radiates an aura of mystery. The lounge/bar area is peppered with Bohemian artwork by Italian and Georgian artists. It is the perfect place to sink into plush sofas and have a drink. The quaint garden is a great place to wig out after a bit fo workout in the gym. However, its food that’s the most serious business here. Breakfast features an excellent spread of cooked items, gluten-free specialties, and even Georgian fare. Additionally, the on-site restaurant seems quite popular with both locals and visitors, with the alfresco seating nearly full during tourist season.
Guests can choose from 125 rooms, each of which is an ode to the 1930s era of New York. All of them feature a slew of hi-tech mod-cons, vintage writing desks, minibars, armchairs, and very comfy beds. Also, props to the owners for retaining character with actual bedroom keys, and not the frustrating-to-use plastic keycard ones.
Fabrika Hostel & Suites
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Perhaps the hottest, and also one of the cheapest, places to stay in Tbilisi is the Fabrika Hostel & Suites. The hip n’ happening hostel has become extremely popular with backpackers to the city.
So, what makes Fabrika so singularly awesome? For one, it lies within what was a Soviet-era sewing factory! This gorgeous relic of Georgia’s tumultuous past is now a hostel, artist studio, co-working space, live music venue, bar, and cafe all rolled into one. Salvaged furnishings, older black-and-white prints, and original fixtures are testaments of the building’s past. The spacious open-plan lounge with designer and vintage furniture, indoor plants, floor-to-ceiling windows, and antique kilims is Fabrika’s signature space. Sitting right there is also Fabrika Tbilisi Bar and Cafe that is famous for serving some of the best coffee in town. However, Fabrika’s most sought-after feature is its breakfast which includes some of the flakiest, buttery croissants in Tbilisi. rounding up its excellent offerings is the charming courtyard, or ‘The Yard,’ which is the heart of Fabrika.
Those staying at Fabrika can choose from a bevy of dorms and private rooms, as well as suites with private rooftop terraces! All rooms feature tasteful neutral shades with pops of color brightening the space. Plus, cool industrial fixtures, high ceilings, a set of mod-cons, and comfy beds with bathrooms make staying here as cool and comfy as hanging out here.
The Grove Design Hotel
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The Grove Design Hotel in Tbilisi city is something of an icon for design innovation. The hotel’s architectural design serves as a planter for the grove of cypress trees from which it takes its name.
The entrance to the hotel is via an impressive lobby with beige floors and dark-grey ceilings, a gilded reception desk, and a mishmash of gilded and comfy seating areas. The on-site restaurant and bar are equally snazzy and minimalistic and are perfect for grabbing delish Georgian food or a drink. A gorgeous terrace and garden, as well as the outdoor terrace, make for fabulous communal spaces to hang out. What’s more, a hearty continental breakfast is an excellent way to begin the day.
Every room at the Grove Design Hotel offers a one-of-a-kind aesthetic experience. Rooms are more like historical boudoirs with walkable paths that surround a central bed. Large screens in front of beds make for a surreal viewing experience. Apart from that, rooms also have plush bathrooms, seating areas, flatscreen TVs, and even patios.
Vinotel Boutique Hotel
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Wine lovers will love the Vinotel Boutique Hotel that lies right on the eastern banks of the Mtkvari River. The hotel is housed in a historic 19th-century affluent Georgian home complete with stained glass windows and is a fabulous characterful hotel to stay in Tbilisi city. It even has a wine cellar with a rich and fantastic wine collection as well as wine tasting classes hosted by a professional sommelier. Don’t forget to look around in the library, which has an equally superb collection of English and Russian books. Apart from that, there’s a cozy lounge area as well as two charming terraces that make for great places to hang out. Hence, it’s no wonder that Vinotel Hotel won the awards for ‘Best Boutique Hotel in Georgia’ and ‘Best Small Luxury Hotel in Eastern Europe’ at the 2017 World Luxury Hotel Awards!
If the communal areas of the hotel are so unique, so are the rooms. They’re all decorated in the classic Georgian style and feature a slew of hi-tech mod cons and very, very comfy beds. In fact, some rooms even have lovely balconies that look out to the leafy surroundings.
Above all, Vinotel’s restaurant that serves excellent Georgian fare plus a damn good breakfast is an absolute joy for the culinary aficionados. What’s more, Vinotel is within walking distance from Rustaveli Avenue as well as Freedom Square.
Artists Residence in Tbilisi
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How’d you like to live in a hotel that was formerly an artist’s studio? Welcome to the Artists Residence, which lies a quiet neighborhood around 10 minutes south of the Royal Baths and Narikala Fortress.
There’s a lot to love about the Artists Residence. One of its most striking features is an open-air terrace with stunning views of the Old Town. There’s a lovely lounge that features comfy seating areas with a cozy fireplace for the winter. It is historic to boot, with original fixtures, paintings, and more. Right behind the lounge is a dining area along with a private patio. This is also where one can enjoy a warm, homecooked breakfast. The best part of the residence is the presence of the wine bar and art gallery, and it hosts both art classes and wine-tasting tours.
Rooms at the Artists Residence are equally stunning and feature singular decor done up by famous Georgian designers. All rooms are spacious with seating areas and plush bathrooms with delightful bathtubs.
Wyndham Grand Tbilisi
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The Wyndham Grand is easily one of the most interesting-looking hotels in Tbilisi city. The hotel is a combination of two structures, a round-shaped, glass one in the front, and a rectangular one sitting behind.
The building is all kinds of impressive beginning right from its entrance, which is a ginormous, seven-story atrium. However, the only thing your eyes will be drawn towards is the showstopping centerpiece, which is the massive glass ‘Chandelier of Peace.’ The sixth-floor executive lounge with alfresco seating on the terrace is where you can have breakfast to kick off your day. While the lobby bar serves food all-day-long, it’s the rooftop Sky Lounge/Bar with sweeping views of Tbilisi where you can spend a perfect evening. The indoor pool and a well-equipped fitness center wrap up the amneities at the Wyndham Grand.
Guests get to choose from 158 amazing rooms, all of which are equipped with hi-tech mod-cons, nice work desks, elegant bathrooms, and panoramic views of the city. Likewise, the hotel lies close to Rustaveli Avenue and all the city’s top attractions, entertainment, and dining spots.
Opera Rooms & Hostel
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If you and your partner are traveling to Tbilisi on a budget, then the Opera Rooms & Hostel right on Rustaveli Avenue is perfect. The neighborhood is restaurants, pubs, and cafes galore, and even the Freedom Square Metro Station that makes most of Tbilisi accessible.
The hostel has a great cozy and cute vibe going on and is perfect for you and your partner to mix up with other travelers to Tbilisi. The hostel offers the choice of both dorms and private rooms at a much lesser price than it is available in hotels. A great little common room with comfy seating and s a TV is perfect for lounging around. Moreover, the guest kitchen is well-stocked with all essentials to prepare quick and cheap meals. Apart from offering free coffee and tea during the day, the hostel also offers 24-hour airport drop services.
Shota @ Rustaveli Boutique
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Shota Rustaveli Boutique Hotel is easily one of the best-located boutique hotels in Tbilisi city. The hotel lies right on Rustaveli Avenue, the busiest and most happening area of the city. Also, the Freedom Square Metro Station is right there, and so, staying here is incredibly convenient.
Guests are welcomed into a modern lobby with comfy seating. The hotel’s in-house restaurant with alfresco seating is a huge selling point. Additionally, the massive varieties available during the hearty breakfast is most impressive. Fitness fanatics will like the presence of the fitness center, while the modern sauna is perfect for some R&R. The picture-perfect pool is where you can lounge around all day on a lazy laidback day in Tbilisi.
Rooms at the hotel are stylish and minimalistic with some extraordinarily soft and plush bedding. Lots of natural light, a chic bathroom, and a lovely balcony complete the amazing room.
Recommended Restaurants / Bars / Food Tours in Tbilisi:
- Tbilisi – Wine and Culture: Tbilisi and its surrounding regions are world-famous for their wine. Sample some of the region’s finest on this exclusive wine tasting tour.
- Ezo: Meaning ‘yard’ in Georgian, this gorgeous, alfresco restaurant lies in the courtyard of a residential home and serves delicious Georgian fare.
Recommended Activities In Tbilisi:
- Tbilisi – Old Town Walking Tour: Old Town is full of famous highlights and lesser-known secrets, and this fascinating walking tour will reveal them all.
- Private Tour – Highlights of Tbilisi: Explore the very best attractions of the city including cathedrals, museums, bridges, theaters, etc, on this fabulous tour.
