Accommodation options in Georgia

Before we get into the types of accommodation available in Georgia, here are a couple of points to note about housing:

Not all plumbing in Georgia can handle paper waste of any kind. You may find a trash basket near the toilet, often with advisory signage. Please ask to be sure, because flushing normal toilet tissue can clog up the plumbing in your (even newly built) holiday rental, and affect others.

The elevators in many multi-storied apartment buildings in Georgia are privately-owned and require per-use payment. If you rent a self-catering apartment, the apartment owner should provide you with an elevator card if necessary, but don’t be surprised if you’re asked to pay a few coins to visit someone in another building.

You’ll also have to go downstairs and greet the delivery person if you order food in, or cover the elevator fee for them.

Georgian hotels range in quality from enormous international 5-star hotel brands in Tbilisi and Batumi, to mid-range local hotels and simpler budget hotels. If you want to experience luxury combined with gambling, there are hotel/casinos on the Black Sea in Batumi, Tbilisi (the capital city) and Kutaisi. 

While many hotels are newer buildings with modern architecture, some are housed in refurbished historic castles or lovely heritage buildings. 

With a broad range of boutique hotels, all-inclusive spa hotels, and beach resorts to choose from, you won’t have trouble finding the perfect place. There are spacious and well-equipped resorts and lodges in remote areas, near popular ski spots and mineral springs, in or near national parks, or perched above the Black Sea coastline.

If you’d rather spread out in your own space with the chance to cook some meals during your vacation, you’ll have innumerable options; so many that it’s difficult to make a decision! 

While thousands of apartments are in modern buildings, or in high-rise condo towers in Batumi, many (especially in the capital city of Tbilisi) are located in large, refurbished houses built around charming central courtyards. These are affectionately known as “Italian courtyards” for their friendly, communal vibe.

Some holiday apartments are located in older Soviet-style concrete apartment blocks. These large apartment buildings (uniform, minimalist architecture, with weathered exteriors) can be found everywhere in Georgia (often built face-to-face with parking in between).

Don’t be put off by the run-down exterior of a building that might house the perfectly remodelled beautiful apartment you found online! Most of these apartment blocks are family-friendly and are perfectly safe for your stay.

Fun fact: For those interested in urban ruins, history and architecture, Soviet-style buildings are fascinating. Tourists from around the world enjoy photographing the colourful laundry that residents hang on high cables crisscrossing the buildings, a practical sign of cooperation between residents in the post Soviet-era.

Private Villas

If you have a large group, or simply want to luxuriate in a private villa, you can find a variety of options from one to multi-bedroom homes, set in the cities, and also in resort areas. These spacious homes might include private swimming pools, hot tubs, terraces, gardens, balconies, and large, fully-equipped kitchens.

Because so many of Georgia’s interesting natural landmarks require a trip to out-of-the-way places, you’ll probably end up spending a night or more in these areas. For a genuine experience, family-owned guesthouses offer cozy rooms and delicious home-cooked meals. 

If you’re in Georgia during the holidays listed below, and stay with a family, you’ll probably be treated to a traditional home-style Georgian supra (celebratory feast) like you’ve never experienced before. Some Georgian holidays are celebrated twice, because of Orthodox Christian lunar calendar dates:

• New Year’s Eve - celebrated both on December 31, and also on the eve of January 13 or “Old New Year’s”

• Christmas - celebrated on December 25 and January 7 

• Easter - celebrated according to the Julian calendar each year

Every acre of arable land in mountainous Georgia is precious to Georgian farmers, and you’ll enjoy the fruits of their efforts when you stay at boutique winery or farmhouse accommodations.

These estates, lodges, and villas offer a full range of options, from cozily homey to lavishly indulgent, providing a chance to relax in nature, while sampling unique local wines, plus rich organic cuisine.

If you’re looking for a low-key and economical option, Georgian cities offer a variety of hostels, where you can mingle with other tourists. These facilities often provide a group kitchen, breakfast, or meals for their guests.

And they’re not all dormitory rooms for the budget-conscious; some have beautifully appointed private rooms, with or without private baths, lovely communal grounds, and/or co-working spaces.

• Hostel dorm rooms: US $11 – $27

• Hostel private rooms: US $15-$35

• Hotel rooms: (3-star to luxury) from US $20-$480

• Guesthouse stay: US $50 – $110

• Self-catering apartment: US $15 - $56

• Private villas: US $42 (one-bedroom villa) to a 12-room villa for US $924