TRIED & TESTED HOTEL
Marriott Tbilisi, Georgia
62
B A C K G R O U N D Not to be confused with the Courtyard by Marriott, this is one of the few truly historic hotels in the city. Built in 1915 as one of Tbilisi’s first highclass hotels, it has has since witnessed a dramatic history, including the Soviet takeover of Georgia. After suffering heavy fire damage during the 1991 to 1992 coup d’état, the hotel was reconstructed and reopened as the Tbilisi Marriott in 2002. W H A T ’ S I T L I K E ? With its domed lobby and chandelier-clad high ceilings, the hotel oozes refinement and grandeur. Elegant three-piece-suit-clad porters greet you when you arrive at the property, which takes pride of place on a tree-lined boulevard. Unlike many of the more austere buildings of its time, the hotel’s lavish façades retain their original Renaissance and Baroque inspired design, with grand pillars denoting an almost palatial style in a city that is finding the balance between old and new. Staff members are welcoming and friendly and cannot do enough to help, including organising the necessary PCR testing. Everything is efficient and easy. W H E R E I S I T ? On Rustaveli Avenue, close to several of the city’s conference centres, universities, the parliament and attractions such as Liberty Square. The old city is a 10-15-minute walk, and the airport is 25 minutes away by road. SEPTEMBER 2021
R O O M S The hotel has 116 rooms and 11 suites. I stayed in the Junior Suite with balconet doors that opened out onto the picturesque street. Spacious and modern, yet understated in its luxury, there was plenty of room spread out in the 54 sqm room with a lounge area, small desk and a large wardrobe. There was not much in the way of technology, but all the essentials were there including a coffee machine and a handy bedside USB charging point. The hotel was well soundproofed, so I slept like a baby, despite the property being located on one of the city’s main roads.
spectacular open space to enjoy al fresco dining from either Parnas Cafe, the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant, or Majestic Lounge & Bar for breakfast and lunch. Breakfast at Parnas Cafe is waiter-served buffet dining and offers a huge choice of hot and cold Western-style dishes, accompanied by complimentary bubbles if you so wish. There are plenty of halal food options available too.
F O O D A N D D R I N K I was provided with Club Lounge access – an intimate venue offering comfort and convenience, as well as complimentary snacks and beverages, including local wine and beer. During the warmer months the hotel’s courtyard is a
B U S I N E S S One of the city’s leading business venues, the hotel has nine event rooms with a maximum capacity of more than 200 guests, plus cutting-edge conference technology. Photocopying and printing services are also available.
BEST FOR Service
DON’T MISS Rustaveli Avenue room views
PRICE Deluxe Rooms from $150-160 per night
CONTACT 13 Shota Rustaveli Ave, marriott.com
One of the city’s leading business venues, the hotel has nine event rooms
L E I S U R E The hotel has a reasonable
though tired gym – a visit to which is a necessity given Tbilisi has become a regional gastronomic hotspot. A massage service is also available at the health club.
V E R D I C T There are so many great hotels popping up in Tbilisi now, but this is one of the only historic properties and worth a visit, even if only to appreciate its impressive design. For a taste of old luxury, this is the spot. Melanie Swan
