BACKGROUND

Probably the best-known hotel in Tbilisi, if not in Georgia, this property opened in 1991 under the Marco Polo brand and became a Sheraton in 1997. It was bought in 2013 by the Ras Al Khaimah Investment Authority and closed for a four-year renovation, reopening in June 2019.

WHAT’S IT LIKE?

On a hillside above the Mtkvari river, the newly cleaned concrete façade with its serried balconies is as attractive as when it first opened. Inside is a giant central atrium with reception to the right. Colourful outsized furniture saves the lobby from seeming cavernous, and there were always people using the space; it helps that the main restaurant and bar are also open to this area. Staff are friendly and speak good English. The hotel’s terraces – of which there are several, from the ground-floor Craft House bar through to the tenth-level fine-dining restaurant, Ati – offer arresting river views.

WHERE IS IT?

In central Tbilisi, although if sightseeing is your main reason for visiting, the old city is about a 30-minute walk.

ROOMS

The 220 rooms and suites have been redesigned in neutral colours. Entry-level Deluxe kings and twins range from 23 to 30 sqm and offer city or mountain (more of a hill) views; some also have balconies. All have Nespresso machines, 42-inch LED TVs, free wifi and comfortable Sheraton beds, with both showers and tubs in the bathrooms.

Soundproofing is generally good, and the hotel is away from main roads, although note that some of the ninth-floor Club rooms are under the Ati restaurant and bar, where on some Friday and Saturday nights there is a DJ. The Club lounge is also on the ninth floor and again has great views from its terrace.

FOOD AND DRINK

The hotel has a wide and excellent choice. Breakfast at the all-day restaurant, Feast, is an experience, with guests able to place special orders directly with the open kitchen (the moment you give people the choice, they have the most precise instructions as to how they want their omelettes). At one end of the room is the Wine Library, where in the early evening there is a complimentary tasting of Georgian wine and cheese – well worth it if you get back early from your appointments.

In warm weather you can sit out on the terrace, from which steps lead down to the pool, where a further bar is located. The Craft House is like a high-end sports bar with a TV and lots of comfortable spots to try the craft beers, both Georgian and international. Ati serves modern Georgian cuisine and its two outdoor terraces have sofas and heaters for enjoying the views in cooler weather – you can also smoke out here (hookas are available).

BUSINESS

The hotel has the largest conference facilities in the city, with parking for 210 cars and a ballroom holding 600 guests for a banquet. There are meeting and breakout rooms both in the (almost) separate function area towards the rear of the property (which has its own entrance) and on the hotel’s mezzanine level.

LEISURE

The basement spa spans more than 1,500 sqm and includes a pool, saunas and hammam, a spa bath, a beauty salon and treatment rooms using Elemis products. There is also a large gym. On ground level, there is an outdoor pool.

VERDICT

The hotel certainly justifies its “Grand” nomenclature. It’s a well-run, beautifully renovated and well-equipped business property with enough leisure facilities to tempt you to extend your break in Tbilisi.

FACT FILE

  • BEST FOR The outdoor pool and views across to the old city of Tbilisi
  • DON’T MISS A meal at the top-floor – and top-class – Ati restaurant offering Georgian food reimagined for the 21st century
  • PRICE Internet rates for a flexible midweek stay in February started from £139 for a Deluxe room
  • CONTACT 20 Telavi Street; Tel+995 322 772 020; marriott.com