Looking for a place to stay in Kutaisi, Georgia? This guide to the best Kutaisi neighbourhoods and hotels for every budget walks you through everything you need to know before you book.

Georgia’s fourth-largest city, Kutaisi is compact and easy to navigate but with a slimmer range of accommodation options compared to Tbilisi or Batumi. This can make finding a suitable place to stay a bit more challenging.

Since moving to Kutaisi in 2021, I have lived in three different neighbourhoods. At this point I feel like I know the city pretty well – so I decided to share what I’ve learned about the different districts and accommodations.

This guide covers 7 central Kutaisi neighbourhoods and their pros and cons from both a tourist’s and an expat’s perspective.

Kutaisi doesn’t have as many hotels as Tbilisi but as you’ll see, there are some truly lovely boutique hotels and special family guesthouses that will make your stay memorable. All the more reason to spend a few nights in Kutaisi and see what Georgia’s most charming city is all about!

PS: Are you transiting through Kutaisi? There is no Kutaisi Airport hotel, so even if you’re on a short layover, your best option is to travel into the city and spend the night. See this guide for details about getting from the airport to the centre.

A panoramic view of Kutaisi city at sunset.
Where to stay in Kutaisi? Read on to find out!

Please note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Learn more.

Best hotels in Kutaisi: Quick links

In a rush? Here are my top picks for the best overall places to stay in Kutaisi.

A historic blue building in Kutaisi housing the Hotel Newport, one of the best hotels in Kutaisi.
Hotel Newport, one of the best hotels in Kutaisi.

Where to stay in Kutaisi: The best Kutaisi neighbourhoods for tourists & expats

Now Georgia’s fourth-largest city, Kutaisi is relatively small. It is home to around 175,000 people (tiny compared to Tbilisi’s 1.1 million), and the city itself is quite compact.

Kutaisi is divided in two by the Rioni River. The main tourist centre is located on the eastern bank. This is where you’ll find Kutaisi ‘Old Town’ and most of the city’s historic architecture along with the railway station. The western bank, by contrast, is newer and more residential, with large socialist-style apartment blocks and plenty of local markets.

The centre of Kutaisi is mostly walkable, while an affordable city bus system makes it easy to travel from one side of town to the other.

You can’t really go wrong when choosing which neighbourhood in Kutaisi to stay in – but for visitors, I would definitely recommend sticking to the eastern side of town around the Colchis Fountain or along the river, or Gora, the northern hill with Bagrati Cathedral on top.

Here is a quick overview of Kutaisi’s 7 central districts – Kutaisi Old Town, Bzholebi, Balakhvani, Ukimerioni (Gora), Choma, Sapichkhia and Rustaveli/Chavchavadze – plus a map.

Map of Kutaisi neighbourhoods

Map of where to stay in Kutaisi, Georgia - different districts and neighbourhoods in Kutaisi.
Map data copyright Google Maps 2023.

Kutaisi Centre (Old Town)

Kutaisi Synagogue and Boris Gaponov Street in the old town, a popular Kutaisi neighbourhood for tourists.
Kutaisi Synagogue and Boris Gaponov Street in the old town.

Kutaisi doesn’t really have a defined ‘Old Town’ in the way other European cities do. But the area I’m talking about here is the oldest part of the city, the very centre, including the Colchis Fountain, Central Park, and the so-called Royal District.

The first time I visited Kutaisi back in 2017, I thought this was the entire city – I don’t think I even crossed the river! From a tourist’s perspective, this is indeed the epicentre of Kutaisi and you have everything you need at your fingertips.

Pretty much all of Kutaisi’s best restaurants and bars are located in this area, along with the Green Bazaar market, several museums, and other points of interest.

I am particularly fond of the old Jewish and French (Catholic) districts, which are located behind the Colchis Fountain and to the east along Newport Street. Mtsvanekvavila Street is also a lovely place to stay – it runs along the river and is very green and quiet, with outstanding views of the Rioni.

Where to stay in the old town:

Bzholebi

Restaurants and bars on Tabidze Street in Kutaisi.
Restaurants and bars on Tabidze Street.

This district is located on the opposite side of the river at the foot of the hill with the amusement park on top (the one the cable car runs up to). Easy to reach on foot from the centre via either the Red Bridge or White Bridge, it’s so close to the Colchis Fountain, it might as well be part of the Old Town.

There are a few great restaurants and wine bars in Bzholebi, especially along Tabidze Street. Two of Kutaisi newest bars, Mary’s Irish Pub and WILD, are located here along with my favourite Kutaisi restaurant, Doli.

There is some construction work going on in this area, especially on Tabidze Street itself – so depending on where you stay, it could be a bit noisy at times.

Further back from the river along the main road, the houses give way to apartment blocks. This residential district is known as Kronika.

Where to stay in Bzholebi:

Balakhvani

Balakhvani is a small but prestigious neighbourhood located on the Rioni riverside in front of Kutaisi I Railway Station, south of the Old Town centre and roughly a 15-minute walk from the Colchis Fountain. I lived in Balakhvani for a year when I first moved to Kutaisi, so I definitely have a soft spot for this district.

It’s close to the State University, so my guess is that it was probably developed to house professors and academics (as was the case with Tbilisi’s Vake neighbourhood). The well-planned streets are dominated by pastel-coloured Stalinist apartment blocks, and there’s also a former Wedding Palace here.

For the purposes of this guide, Balakhvani also includes Tsereteli Street, which runs parallel to the river from behind the Kutaisi Museum in the centre. There are a few nice restaurants here, including Story, and a couple of great bakeries (my favourite is the La Fete cake shop).

Balakhvani has a great mix of accommodations for all budgets, plenty of local supermarkets and pharmacies, and easy access to buses to travel to the city centre and across the river.

Where to stay in Balakhvani:

Ukimerioni (Gora)

Bagrati Cathedral in Kutaisi.
Bagrati Cathedral is the centerpoint of Gora.

AKA Gora (meaning ‘hill’ in Georgian), this historic neighbourhood stretches out over the hillside around the turquoise-roofted Bagrati Cathedral. The houses here cascade down the cliff and have the best views in the city bar none. The cobbled streets are extremely quiet and peaceful.

It does involve a bit of a climb to get up the hill, but the panoramic views of Kutaisi, the Rioni River and the Lesser Caucasus mountains beyond are definitely worth it. (There is a staircase at the end of the Chain Bridge you can use as a shortcut).

No city buses come up this way (the streets are simply too narrow and windy), but it’s easy to get a taxi if you don’t want to walk.

Aside from majestic views, Ukimerioni has a lot of interesting historic architecture. The biggest perk is that it’s walking distance from Bagrati Cathedral, and you can also walk the back way to reach the Botanical Garden and dam.

It’s very special to hear the bells of Bagrati ring out every morning (don’t worry, they don’t start too early!).

Where to stay in Ukimerioni:

Choma

View of autumn forest around the Rioni River in Kutaisi.
Parts of Choma district boast great river views.

Choma is located further north along the Rioni River, past the Botanical Garden. This area is like a village within the city, with its own markets and schools. Like Gora, it’s very leafy and peaceful.

There are a couple of short-term accommodation options here, but in my opinion Choma is better suited to longer stays. It’s a little bit too far from the centre to be convenient (having said that, there is a city bus available).

If you have your own car, Choma is a good base for exploring the outskirts of Kutaisi. Most houses and accommodations have onsite parking.

Where to stay in Choma:

Sapichkhia

A historic house in Kutaisi's Sapichkhia district.
A historic house in Sapichkhia.

Another old residential district, Sapichkhia sits to the south-east of the Old Town centre. It’s quite spread out and some of the streets are very steep, so I recommend sticking to the area around Gelati Street (one of my favourites for beautiful architecture) and Tbilisi Street.

The area around Kharazov Park is also pleasant. From here, it’s roughly a 20-minute walk to the Colchis Fountain – and there are regular buses up and down the hill.

Sapichkhia has its own (abandoned) railway station, a beautiful little Orthodox church, and lots of leafy parks. You can easily access a couple of hiking trails from the back streets, including the route to Gelati and Motsameta monasteries that follows the old railway tracks.

Sapichkhia is very residential and well-appointed in terms of supermarkets and other amenities. In contrast to the opposite side of the river which is mostly apartments, there are lots of detached and semi-detached houses in Sapichkhia, some with small yards.

If you want somewhere more private and ‘homely’ for a longer stay, this area is a great choice.

Where to stay in Sapichkhia:

Rustaveli & Chavchavadze Settlements

An old Soviet style hotel, Hotel Tbilisi, in Kutaisi, Georgia.
The Soviet-era Hotel Tbilisi on Aghmashenebeli Avenue.

Located on the opposite side of the river, Rustaveli and Chavchavadze Settlements run along the two main avenues of the same name.

These neighbourhoods are newer (Soviet era) and definitely more local – the majority of housing is big apartment blocks. There’s a huge bazaar behind Central Bus Station and lots of shops and duqani-style restaurants and local pubs.

It is a bit further from the centre of town – too far to walk – but frequent buses make it easy to get in and out (the #1 circular route is very handy).

Chavchavadze is not the best area for tourists (and there aren’t many hotel options). But it is a great choice if you’re transiting through Kutaisi by bus – or, conversely, if you’re planning a longer stay and you want a budget-friendly apartment where you can put down roots.

Where to stay around Chavchavadze:

Best Kutaisi hotels, guesthouses & hostels for every budget – by category

Best hostels in Kutaisi

Top choice: Black Tomato Kutaisi (⭐ 9.2)

One of the most popular hostels in Georgia, Black Tomato relaunched in 2023. The new location in historic Sapichkhia has seen the property expand to include two dorms (one traditional, one capsule-style) plus a set of beautiful private double rooms with ensuite bathrooms (pictured below). The onsite Georgian-Jewish restaurant is a highlight.

Check prices & availability on Booking.com

Dorm room at Black Tomato Hostel Kutaisi, with capsule bunks and privacy curtains.
A private guest room at Black Tomato Kutaisi, with a heritage brick wall and a double bed.

Bao Hostel (⭐ 9.4)

Five minutes’ walk from the Colchis Fountain, Bao Hostel offers cosy, dorm-style twin and double rooms with ensuite bathrooms. The shared lounge, kitchen and terrace are tastefully decorated and very homely.

Check prices & availability on Booking.com

Hostel Kutaisi by Kote (⭐ 9.3)

This family run hostel is more like a budget-friendly guesthouse, with a big communal dining space where home-cooked meals are served. There are several different room configurations including triples and mixed dorms, plus a detached bungalow with three beds.

The owners are constantly praised for their hospitality, and from the looks of the well-endowed cellar, homemade wine is part of the experience.

The location on Ukimerioni Hill near Bagrati affords excellent views from the sun-kissed balcony.

Check prices & availability on Booking.com

Aloft House (⭐ 9.0)

Located on Mtsvanekvavili Street, a 15-minute walk from the Colchis Fountain, Aloft House overlooks the Rioni River and forest and feels very peaceful and secluded as a result.

The large property has family rooms that sleep up to five people, making this a good choice for groups travelling on a budget. There are also twin and double rooms for solo travellers and couples.

Check prices & availability on Booking.com

Hostel Forrest (⭐ 9.5)

This pretty house with a garden in Sapichkhia has 4-bed dorms and family rooms, all with shared bathrooms. Rooms are basic, but there is lots of natural light and room for onsite parking in the driveway.

Check prices & availability on Booking.com

Best guesthouses in Kutaisi

Top choice: Giorgi’s Homestay (⭐ 9.6)

Located on the hill close to Bagrati Cathedral, this popular homestay is known for its hospitality. Every second person who comes to visit me in Kutaisi seems to be staying here. I have been to the house a few times: Rooms are private, and there is a big shared balcony overlooking the garden.

Check prices & availability on Booking.com

Kutaisi Best Guest House (⭐ 9.0)

The self-proclaimed best guest house in Kutaisi, this property is footsteps from the Colchis Fountain and features tidy rooms. The underground wine cellar and big sun terrace set it apart from other guesthouses in the area. Owner Petre is a very generous host.

Check prices & availability on Booking.com

Guest House Friendly (⭐ 9.5)

This hillside guesthouse gets great reviews for its hospitality. Rooms vary from doubles to family suites that sleep up to 5 people.

Check prices & availability on Booking.com

Holiday House (⭐ 9.3)

Located alongside the Botanical Garden, 2 km from the Colchis Fountain, this guesthouse has a lovely garden. Rooms are sparse but comfortable, and breakfast comes included in the rate.

Check prices & availability on Booking.com

Best mid-range Kutaisi hotels

Top choice: Newport Hotel (⭐ 9.1)

Nestled inside one of the most beautiful buildings in Kutaisi, the former courthouse, the baby blue Newport Hotel is a fine choice for central, boutique-style accommodation. You’ll find it right behind the Colchis Fountain at the cusp of the old Jewish and French quarters.

The property pays homage to the building’s 100-year-old history but doesn’t skimp on the mod-cons, with beautifully appointed Deco-style rooms, bright bathrooms, and a rooftop terrace.

Breakfast is served in the bar-restaurant downstairs, Cafe Newport, which is great for European-style food and also happens to serve the best cocktails in town.

I recently stayed here for a little treat on my birthday and was very impressed by the quality of the rooms and especially by the service.

Check prices & availability on Booking.com

Hotel 1887 (⭐ 9.2)

10 minutes’ walk from the fountain on Tsereteli Street, Hotel 1887 is set in a gorgeous vintage house. Rooms combine original wood panelling, parquetry and exposed brick with modern, minimal Scandi-style furnishings.

There is a courtyard with fruit trees, and some rooms have balconies. Look out for the datestone in the garden.

Check prices & availability on Booking.com

Boutique Apartment – Signature (⭐ 9.2)

This well-priced, boutique-style hotel is smack bang in the centre of Kutaisi, with an unbeatable location for those who want to be right in the thick of it.

Vintage-style rooms with wainscotting and black-and-white tiles are thoughtfully designed and full of charm. I especially like the pink bathroom sink!

Choose from a private apartment with a balcony and ensuite, or triple/double rooms.

Check prices & availability on Booking.com

Hotel Green Town (⭐ 9.1)

Perched atop the hill footsteps from Bagrati Cathedral, this hotel’s best asset is the commanding city views from the breakfast terrace.

Rooms are snug with modern bathrooms, and there is onsite car parking. A generous breakfast comes included.

I recently stayed here when the water was shut off at my apartment for two days (!). The hotel is extremely comfortable and the young staff are very friendly.

Check prices & availability on Booking.com

Hotel History (⭐ 9.3)

Also in Ukimerioni, 10 minutes’ by foot from the Colchis Fountain, Hotel History has similarly magnificent views. Quad and family rooms are available along with doubles. Breakfast is included.

Check prices & availability on Booking.com

The Grand Piano Villa (⭐ 8.5)

Located 500 metres from the centre of the city, Grand Piano offers tidy, well-appointed rooms with modern private bathrooms. Single, double and family rooms are available.

The lounge and dining area has stunning decorations, including ceiling moulding and a Becker piano that gives the hotel its name.

Check prices & availability on Booking.com

Best boutique hotels in Kutaisi

Top choice: Communal Kutaisi (⭐ 9.7)

Launching in late 2023, Communal Kutaisi is the latest offering from one of my favourite hotel brands in Georgia (also check out their property in Telavi and two boutique hotels in Tbilisi).

The Kutaisi hotel might be their best work so far. Set inside a historic house on Tabidze Street, rooms are cosy and immaculately designed with Old Kutaisi flourishes and all the mod-cons you need for a comfortable stay. I was lucky enough to get a sneak peek at Communal ahead of the opening – check out my write-up and photos here.

The Communal Company is famed for its decadent buffets breakfasts, and the spread here in Kutaisi proves why! The property has an outdoor terrace, a pool, and an onsite restaurant, Doli.

Check prices & availability on Booking.com

A hotel bed at Communal Kutaisi boutique hotel in Georgia.
A clawfoot bath at the Kutaisi Communal hotel.

Hotel Memoire (⭐ 8.8)

A tribute to ‘old Kutaisi’, Memoire has dark and sultry rooms (some with private balconies) decorated with vintage wallpapers and cute antiques. The central location just a few doors down from Newport is perfect for sightseeing.

A full English breakfast comes included in the rate, and is served in the cosy dining room which doubles as a restaurant-wine bar.

Check prices & availability on Booking.com

Solomon (⭐ 8.6)

Set inside a classic Kutaisi-style brick house in Balakhvani, Solomon has sparse but tidy queen and double rooms with mountain views. I love the design of the restaurant and communal spaces – I only wish it carried through to the rooms themselves.

Solomon has conference facilities which makes it a popular choice for business trips and conferences. A continental breakfast is included in the rate.

Check prices & availability on Booking.com

Best brand hotels in Kutaisi

Top choice: Grand Opera Hotel (⭐ 8.8)

With a prime location on Kutaisi’s main street, directly behind the historic Opera Theatre, the Grand Opera Hotel offers spacious rooms with classy furnishings. The onsite restaurant-bar is spectacular, particularly the rooftop terrace. Next door, Piatto Cafe is an excellent spot for coffee, and the popular Tea House Foe-Foe is right across the road.

Check prices & availability on Booking.com

Best Western Kutaisi (⭐ 8.3)

The four-storey Best Western sits at the end of the White Bridge, walking distance from all of Kutaisi’s main attractions. It delivers on everything you would expect from a Best Western: Quality service, well-appointed rooms, and a generous buffet breakfast.

The rooftop bar-grill is great for a drink – and guests are welcome to sit upstairs and use the space as an office with a view.

Check prices & availability on Booking.com

Kutaisi Inn (⭐ 8.6)

Kutaisi’s first 5-star hotel opened with much celebration in 2022. It does seem to be having some teething problems, but most of the reviews so far are positive.

Sitting at the foot of the stairs in Balakhvani, right by the train station, the location is good enough, but not the best if your itinerary centres around the Old Town.

The common spaces are very flash, while rooms are more paired-back. The aesthetic is definitely not my style, but I can see how it would appeal to some people. The food does look very good, and breakfast comes included.

Check prices & availability on Booking.com

Bonus: Special accommodations near Kutaisi

If you have your own car, stay at a winery or cosy cabin outside the city centre. Here are a couple of my favourite accommodations near Kutaisi.

Legends Tskaltubo Spa Resort (20 mins from Kutaisi)

One of my favourite hotels in Georgia, this atmospheric, blast-from-the-past hotel literally allows you to step back in time to Tskaltubo’s heyday.

This is the only sanatorium that has been partially restored. Rooms are basic but comfortable and the breakfast is underwhelming – but it’s all about the location and the experience. Be sure to take a tour of the property to check out the old ballroom and ‘Stalin’s private quarters’.

Check prices & availability on Booking.com

Porto Gumati (15 mins from Kutaisi)

Just 15 minutes from the centre, this new complex of cabins and bungalows has a picturesque setting on the Rioni River. There is a swimming pool and a sauna, and you can utilise the lake.

The property has barbeque facilities, and breakfast comes included.

Check prices & availability on Booking.com

Karma Hostel Martvili (60 mins from Kutaisi)

This popular hostel is a great place to spend a few nights if you’re touring the caves and canyons around Martvili. I stayed here a few summers ago and loved the experience – especially the home-cooked meals prepared with garden veggies.

Check prices & availability on Booking.com

Sazano Wine Cellar & Hotel (50 mins from Kutaisi)

This lovely winery accommodation is located east of Kutaisi in one of Imereti’s wine regions. Choose from new, extremely comfortable hotel-style rooms (this is where I stayed for my anniversary) or a gorgeous old wooden oda house.

The wine and the food is very, very good. Sazano is especially nice in summer as the property has direct access to a little river stream.

Check prices & availability on Booking.com

Chateau Vartsikhe (30 mins from Kutaisi)

I haven’t had a chance to stay at this new winery hotel south of Kutaisi, but it has outstanding reviews. The design is on-point – freestanding baths overlooking the vines, for example – and the onsite restaurant is highly acclaimed.

For a private getaway, I would choose one of the freestanding oda-style chalets with the beautiful fretwork. 

Check prices & availability on Booking.com

Georgia essentials

Here are the websites and services I personally use and recommend for Georgia. Check out my full list of travel resources for more tips.

FLIGHTS: Search for affordable flights to Tbilisi, Batumi or Kutaisi on Skyscanner.

TRAVEL INSURANCE: Insure your trip with HeyMondo, my preferred provider for single-trip and annual travel insurance (get 5% off when you book with my link).

SIM CARD: Magti is my preferred provider, with prices starting from 9 GEL/week for unlimited data. See this guide for all the details about buying a Georgian SIM card.

AIRPORT TRANSFERS: Most flights into Georgia arrive in the early hours. For ease, pre-book a private transfer from Tbilisi Airport to your hotel (from $17) or from Kutaisi Airport to Tbilisi (from $90) with my partners at GoTrip.ge.

ACCOMMODATION: Booking.com is the most widely used platform in Georgia. Use it to find family guesthouses, private apartments, hostels and hotels around the country.

CAR HIRE: Find a great deal on a rental car in Georgia – use the Local Rent website to book through a local agent (prices start from $20/day).

DAY TRIPS & CITY TOURS: Use Viator or Get Your Guide to browse a range of day trips and city tours. For off-beat programs, I recommend Friendly.ge (use the promocode wanderlush for 10% off). For in-depth day trips to Georgia’s wine regions, I recommend Eat This! Tours (use the promo code wanderlush for 5% off).

PRIVATE TRANSFERS: GoTrip.ge is a terrific service for booking a private professional driver and car for the day. Use it for A-to-B transfers, a customised round-trip itinerary, or a multi-day trip. You can stop wherever you like for as long as you like without the fixed price going up.

NEED SOME HELP?: Need feedback on your itinerary or personalised travel tips? I offer a one-on-one consultation call service for Tbilisi and Georgia. More information and bookings here.

More Kutaisi travel resources

6 Comments

  1. Hi Emily– Your site is truly amazing and comprehensive.
    I am coming to stay in Kutaisi for 2.5 months (end of Aug-Oct) and want to use the town as a base. I am trying to locate a small high-end apartment in an area that is leafy and has amenities (coffee houses, restaurants, shops, etc) nearby. Would you have any leads or suggestions (outside of recommending Booking.com) ? Is BALAKHVANI the area of town I should be concentrating an apartment search? (or would it be better to just book week long stays at hotels?)…..
    Thanks in advance for your guidance

    Reply

    1. Hi Michael, Balakhvani is nice, and anywhere north of there towards the Colchis Fountain is going to be nice and central for you. I would recommend checking on Airbnb – you can often get a discount for a stay of that length. The long-term rental sites in Georgia are only for 6-12 month stays minimum.

      You could also join the ‘Foreigners in Kutaisi’ Facebook Group and see if any house sits etc. become available.

      Reply

  2. Hi this is all really useful but I can’t decide which area to stay in. Where would you recommend for a couple to stay for 3 days – we want fun and relaxation after a 4 day hike!

    Reply

  3. Hey! My partner and I are currently on a 4-day break in Kutaisi. I’ve used your blog for planning pretty much everything, from food to day trips. The kebabery in town was a highlight. Thank you for providing valuable tips! Your blog has been super helpful.

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *