Hidden Tips

The best life hack for this hotel is to take advantage of that pretty, quiet garden behind the busy city sightseeing spot. After a day out painting the town red amid all the hustle and bustle of the city, What better way to have an evening chill than with a glass of Georgian wine before dinner. It’s a rarity and a boon for any hotel, especially so centrally located, giving great space to kick back and get some respite.

Ask the extremely friendly staff their ‘inside tips’ on which are the most authentic local restaurants; the best family-run wine cellars for a tasting; or which hidden courtyards and art galleries most tourists miss. Their insider knowledge will give you a far richer and more authentic experience of Tbilisi. Also, do avail of the free buffed breakfast-it’s a great way to try some local Georgian dishes.

Don’t mistake staying in the heart of the hotel for traveling only around the immediate Old Town. Use the nearest Freedom Square metro station to get cheaply and fast to other fascinating districts: for example, take the metro to Avlabari station to visit the enormous Holy Trinity Cathedral (Sameba) or to Marjanishvili station to wander through the elegant newly restored Agmashenebeli Avenue with beautiful 19th-century architecture.

This one's unforgettable: as the sun goes down, get on the cable car from Rike Park up to the Narikala Fortress. You won’t regret it - the ride is lovely in itself, though nothing compared to the view of the whole city with the Mtkvari River cutting through it, and a light-covered hill beyond. It's Tbilisi’s best photo op. Then you may walk down between fortress walls to sulphur baths, finish a perfect evening loop just a short walk back to hotel.