Marani Hotel

We had planned to stay eight nights but left after four because we were so uncomfortable and unhappy with the place. The location is a long way from Batumi's lively area, and there was noise from the backyard most mornings, including loading trucks. A loud machine also kept running continuously. In the room, the bed was uncomfortable, the sheets and walls were damp, and paint came off the walls onto our clothes when they touched them. Service was poor too. The staff were unfriendly, often absent from the desk and sitting on a sofa looking at their phones. When we greeted them, we were usually ignored or just stared at. Our room wasn't cleaned for four days straight. We sent clothes to the laundry and got them back wet. Even after asking for them to be dried, some were still damp. The lobby and cafe weren't comfortable places to spend time. Staff watched videos or made loud video calls there while smoking constantly, and they shouted to each other across the hotel. I wouldn't recommend staying here, even for free.

The wine might be really good, though I didn't try it. The rest of our stay was uncomfortable enough that we left three days early, and I wouldn't recommend the hotel. The staff made us feel unwelcome. They didn't greet us or smile, and when we came into reception they often stayed on their phones in an armchair, looking bored, without even looking up. They shouted across the hotel while dealing with requests. The lobby wasn't pleasant either, with staff smoking and having loud video calls, then scowling at us as we walked past. Our room was very humid, so towels and other things didn't dry properly. A loud machine nearby hummed through the night. A note said rooms were cleaned every three days, but ours wasn't; we had to ask. They cleaned it the next day, without an apology. We also got our laundry back wet in a bag the following day. They dried it after we asked, but seemed unhappy about doing so. When we checked out early, nobody asked why or how the stay had been. They just said “bye.”

I liked having a roomy room and a large shower cabin, and the restaurant has a great view over the city and mountains. The food was tasty too, especially the phali plate, which was my favorite. There's a rooftop terrace, and they hold wine tastings every evening. I went once and had a great time. Room cleaning is on request, which I appreciate since I don't want someone coming in every morning for no reason. Breakfast is basic, but even as someone who eats plant-based, I was fine with it. The area feels safe and stays quiet at night. It's a little way from the very center, but the main avenue is an easy 3-4 minute walk and the old city takes 10-15 minutes. You can also book a taxi on an app for under 5 lari.

There's a restaurant on the sixth floor with delicious food, and I especially recommend the cheese plate. They also have a wine tasting every evening at 7 pm, which I sadly missed. The hotel is close enough to the city center but away from the Batumi bustle, so it feels safe. My room was tidy and spacious, and worked well. Breakfast was fine, though a coffee machine would be a nice addition. They do have instant coffee to help you wake up, which is why I'd give it four stars rather than five. Cross the street and walk north for five minutes to reach the Adjaria museum. Along with historical artifacts, it has an amazing collection of stuffed animals.