Batumi’s skyline is a sea of new high-rise apartment buildings and flashy resorts. Yet finding great-quality, centrally located accommodation in Georgia’s biggest Black Sea city can be a challenge.
Located on the site of the historic Medea Hotel, the Radisson Blu Batumi has a perfect location footsteps from the boulevard and the seafront. The historic old town, where many of the city’s best cafes, restaurants and bars can be found, is a short stroll away.
The Radisson opened in 2011 and is a completely new building with 168 rooms and suites spread over 19 floors. As you would expect from one of Georgia’s leading accommodation chains, the hotel is extremely polished while still embracing its location and history.
Aside from spacious rooms – a rarity in this part of Batumi – other perks include onsite parking, an outstanding breakfast buffet, world-class spa, and a sky bar. I was lucky enough to experience it all for myself this spring when the Radisson Team invited me to spend a few days with them on the beach.
A big thank-you to the Radisson Blu Batumi for hosting me in exchange for a fair and honest review. As always, all opinions, recommendations and criticisms are 100% my own.
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Radisson Blu Batumi
The location
The Radisson Blu’s biggest draw is without a doubt its location. The hotel sits at the top of the boulevard, in front of the Drama Theatre, a 5-minute walk from many of Batumi’s major seafront landmarks including the Alphabetic Tower, Ali and Nino Statue, and the lighthouse.
Miracle Park is located in front of the hotel, meaning you get a clear view out to the water from the restaurants and northeast-facing rooms.
Directly behind the hotel, Europe Square unfolds onto Batumi Old Town. This area is a contrast to the seafront – all historic architecture, cute cafes and trendy restaurants.
In short, this location gives you the best of both worlds, with easy access to walking trails and swimming beaches, the lively waterfront, and the more subdued historical zone.
Rooms at the Radisson Blu Batumi
Most apartments and hotel rooms in Batumi err on the smaller side. The Radisson definitely offers the luxury of space – I stayed in one of the corner rooms on the 12th floor, which featured a separate study area, loads of closet storage and seating, and a huge bathroom that was bigger than most studios I’ve stayed in (complete with a full tub and steam room).
Some of the design choices make the space feel even bigger. Floor-to-ceiling windows highlight the panoramic views, and the use of marble, bright colours and clean lines perfectly suits the beachfront vibe.
As with all Radisson hotels there are thoughtful touches throughout: beautiful bathroom products, a Nespresso coffee machine, and small things such as USB charging ports that make life easier.
The Radisson serves the best buffet breakfasts in Georgia (in my opinion), and this spread certainly didn’t disappoint. I was pleased to see some local Adjarian specialties on offer, including pulled cheese.
Breakfast is served bright and early from 6.30am so you can get a head start on your day.
Umami at Clouds Bar and Restaurant
The main restaurant on the lower level, Medea (named in tribute to the Soviet-era hotel that once stood here) specialises in Georgian fare.
Upstairs on the 19th floor, a second venue, Umami at Clouds, is a sky bar and Asian kitchen. Favourites include sushi and tempura. The bar serves cocktails and Adjarian wines accompanied by live music on the weekends.
The best thing about the bar is the open terrace that overlooks the city and sea, offering majestic views of the sunset.
This is the best bar with a view in Batumi in my opinion – much better than the nearby Alphabet Tower, where the dining room is fully enclosed in glass.
Umami at Clouds is open from midday daily to hotel guests and walk-ins.
Anne Semonin Spa
Like the Radisson Blu Iveria in Tbilisi, this hotel also houses a branch of Anne Semonin Wellness and Spa. The third level is devoted to private treatment rooms, a fitness centre, Finnish sauna, and a steam room. I treated myself to a massage (the first I’ve had in Georgia – it’s been a while!), and it was terrific.
The spa has two huge pools, one indoor and another outdoor overlooking the rooftops and boulevard, with a big deck and plenty of outdoor seating. The outdoor pool is only open in summer. If you want to swim in winter or you’re looking for a rainy day activity, the indoor pool and spa is the place.
The details
The Radisson Blu Batumi is located at 1 Ninoshvili Street.
Book direct through the Radisson website.
