Where to Stay in Georgia: Regions and Hotels

If you're visiting Georgia for the first time and have limited days, the best base is Tbilisi, especially the Old Town around Meidan Square and Shardeni Street, where you'll be within walking distance of sights, restaurants, and the sulphur baths. Couples seeking something quieter and more romantic will find Sighnaghi a better choice, an old fortified town in Kakheti amidst the vineyards. Families with children usually prefer Batumi, where the beach, promenade, and parks offer space for leisurely strolls without getting tired. For travellers on a more restricted budget, Kutaisi and Borjomi offer excellent value for money.

Georgia is not a country with a single centre of gravity. It is rather a collection of very different destinations, from the large capital city to the mountain villages of Kazbegi and the spa resorts of Borjomi, with distances measured in hours of road travel, not minutes. The choice of region largely determines the type of trip you'll have, as travelling between cities takes time and often requires planning.

If you plan to combine city, mountain, and sea in a ten to twelve-day trip, a logical itinerary would be Tbilisi, one or two days in Kazbegi, Sighnaghi and Kakheti for wine, and then Borjomi, Kutaisi, and Batumi towards the Black Sea. If you have less time, Tbilisi with an excursion to Kazbegi or Kakheti covers much of what one seeks on a first trip to the country.

A Few Words About Georgia

Georgia is located in the Caucasus, between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea, bordering Russia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Turkey. Its history spans over three thousand years, with its own alphabet, its own Orthodox Church, and a winemaking tradition considered among the oldest in the world, with wine still matured in clay vessels, qvevri, buried in the ground. Tbilisi, the capital, combines old neighbourhoods with wooden balconies, Soviet-era apartment blocks, and modern architecture along the Mtkvari River.

The best time to visit is spring, from late April to June, and autumn, from September to early November, when temperatures are mild and the vineyards of Kakheti are full of grapes ready for harvest. In summer, Tbilisi can be quite hot, so many prefer Batumi and the Black Sea or the mountains of Kazbegi, where temperatures drop significantly. Winter brings snow to the mountains, suitable for skiing in Gudauri, but can temporarily close the highway to Kazbegi due to heavy snowfall.

The country's main airport is Tbilisi International Airport, about twenty minutes from the city centre by taxi or bus. Batumi and Kutaisi also have their own airports, with Kutaisi serving several low-cost flights from Europe (see here for tips for cheap flights). Travel between cities is mainly by marshrutka (minibus), train between Tbilisi, Kutaisi, and Batumi, or by rental car, which offers greater freedom for mountain villages and monasteries outside the city.

Food is one of the biggest motivators for a trip to Georgia, with dishes like khachapuri with cheese, khinkali with minced meat, and wine in clay qvevri found everywhere, from simple tavernas to luxury restaurants. Accommodation prices remain quite affordable compared to Western Europe, with the exception of five-star hotels in Tbilisi and Batumi in summer, when demand increases significantly.

Tbilisi: The Old Town and City Centre

Tbilisi boasts most of the country's attractions, restaurants, and museums, with the Old Town around Meidan Square being the most popular base for visitors. Here you'll find the historic sulphur baths, Metekhi Church on the cliff, and the cable car to Narikala Fortress. A little further up, the Mtatsminda neighbourhood offers quiet streets with city views, while near Freedom Square are most of the modern hotels and shopping centres.

1. Sharden Hotel

Located in the heart of the Old Town, on Shardeni Street, full of cafes and galleries. It stands out for its views of Narikala Fortress from the upper floors.

• Average cost: 60 to 100 € per night
• Ideal for: couples

2. Old Town Mtatsminda

A small hotel on a quiet street in Mtatsminda, with breakfast included and helpful staff. A good choice for those who want to walk to the Old Town without staying in its hustle and bustle.

• Average cost: 40 to 70 € per night
• Ideal for: couples and solo travellers

Batumi: Beach, Promenade, and Nightlife

Batumi, on the western Black Sea coast, is Georgia's most popular resort, with a long promenade, Europe Square, and tall hotel towers along the shoreline. The beach is pebbly, not sandy, but the city has plenty of life in summer, with parks, fountains, and casinos. It suits families and those looking for a combination of sea and urban entertainment.

3. Boulevard Hotel Batumi

Located on the historic promenade, near Europe Square, with comfortable rooms and a rooftop. Excellent location for walking around.

• Average cost: 70 to 120 € per night
• Ideal for: couples and families

4. Sheraton Batumi Hotel

A tall tower on Rustaveli Avenue with a swimming pool, spa, and sea views. Suitable for those who want comfort in a large international hotel.

• Average cost: 110 to 170 € per night
• Ideal for: families and couples

5. Graphic Hotel Batumi

A modern hotel between the Old Town and New Batumi, with a good breakfast and city views from the rooftop. Good value for money.

• Average cost: 60 to 95 € per night
• Ideal for: couples on a moderate budget

Kutaisi: Gateway to Western Georgia

Kutaisi, the country's third-largest city, mainly serves as a base for visiting Prometheus and Sataplia caves and Gelati Monastery, thanks also to its own airport with low-cost flights. The city itself has a quiet centre with a bridge over the Rioni River and Bagrati Cathedral. It is a more economical option than Tbilisi and Batumi.

6. Best Western Kutaisi City Center

Located near the centre, one bridge away from the square, with a rooftop restaurant. Comfortable for those who want an organised hotel with consistent quality.

• Average cost: 55 to 85 € per night
• Ideal for: couples and business trips

7. Kutaisi Inn

A large hotel with a gym and a rich breakfast, popular with travellers spending a night before or after a flight from Kutaisi airport.

• Average cost: 45 to 75 € per night
• Ideal for: travellers with flight connections

Kazbegi (Stepantsminda): Mountain Landscapes and Hiking

Kazbegi, also known as Stepantsminda, is located about three hours north of Tbilisi, on the road to the Russian border, beneath Mount Kazbek. It is the starting point for the hike to Gergeti Trinity Church, with views of the snow-capped mountain. Most accommodations here are small guesthouses offering family hospitality and breakfast.

8. Red Stone Guest House

Located near the start of the trail to Gergeti Church, with comfortable rooms and mountain views. The hosts serve homemade breakfast.

• Average cost: 35 to 55 € per night
• Ideal for: hikers and couples

9. Hotel Nestt

A small hotel within walking distance of Stepantsminda's centre, with panoramic views of Gergeti Church from the veranda. The hosts assist with route suggestions.

• Average cost: 45 to 70 € per night
• Ideal for: couples seeking a view

Sighnaghi: The City of Love Amidst Vineyards

Sighnaghi, in the Kakheti region, is a small fortified town on a hill, overlooking the Alazani Valley and the Caucasus mountains in the background. It is known as the city of love, because one can get married there at any time of day or night, and it serves as a base for visits to nearby wineries and Bodbe Monastery. It suits couples and wine lovers.

10. BODBE Hotel

A modern hotel outside the centre, with a swimming pool and panoramic views of the Alazani Valley. A good choice for those seeking peace and comfort.

• Average cost: 80 to 130 € per night
• Ideal for: couples

11. Hotel Traveler

Located within Sighnaghi's historic centre, with a small swimming pool and a good breakfast featuring local products. Close to cafes and wineries in the area.

• Average cost: 55 to 85 € per night
• Ideal for: couples and wine lovers

Borjomi: Thermal Waters and Forests

Borjomi is world-renowned for its mineral water, bottled here for over a hundred years, and for the park with thermal springs in the city centre. It is surrounded by forests and Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park, ideal for gentle hikes. It makes a good stop between Tbilisi and Kutaisi, especially for those seeking relaxation and nature.

12. Borjomi Classic Hotel

Located near the park with thermal springs, with comfortable rooms and friendly service. A good choice for a short stay in the city centre.

• Average cost: 45 to 75 € per night
• Ideal for: couples and families

13. Borjomi Bridge Hotel

A hotel at the entrance to the centre, with a rich breakfast and a restaurant. Popular with families who want to combine the park with forest walks.

• Average cost: 50 to 80 € per night
• Ideal for: families

14. 1 Hotel Borjomi

A small, well-maintained hotel in the city centre, with a rooftop and warm hospitality. Good value for money for couples.

• Average cost: 40 to 65 € per night
• Ideal for: couples on a budget

If you're planning your trip, you might also be interested in our detailed accommodation guide for Tbilisi, where we analyse the capital's neighbourhoods in more depth. If you plan to include a stop in Kutaisi within Georgia overall, also see our guide to Kutaisi for more accommodation suggestions. For those interested in other destinations in the wider region, we have also written a guide to accommodation in Bulgaria and a guide to accommodation in Romania, two trips often combined with the Caucasus.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days do you need to see Georgia?

For a first taste, seven to eight days are enough, based in Tbilisi, with an excursion to Kazbegi and another to Kakheti. If you want to add the Black Sea or Borjomi, it's best to plan for ten to twelve days.

Which area is best suited for couples?

Tbilisi's Old Town and Sighnaghi in Kakheti are the most popular choices for couples, thanks to their atmosphere and nearby wineries.

Where should a family with children stay?

Batumi is the easiest option for families, with a beach, parks, and a promenade suitable for strolls with children of all ages.

Do you need a car to visit Kazbegi?

It is not essential, as there are daily minibuses from Tbilisi, but a rental car offers more freedom for stops along the way.

What is the best time to travel to Georgia?

Spring and autumn offer the mildest temperatures, while autumn also coincides with the grape harvest in Kakheti.

How far is Batumi from Tbilisi?

The road distance is approximately 370 km, around five to six hours by car or bus, and there is also a train which takes a similar amount of time.

Is it worth staying in Kutaisi for more than one night?

For most travellers, one to two nights are enough to see the city and nearby caves and monasteries, unless you are using it as a stopover for flights.