Kobuleti Residence

A lovely place.

Once the season is over, the area feels empty and a bit unsettling. Groups of stray dogs roam around, and hardly anyone is out on the streets in the evening. A higher-floor window view can make it feel a little less bleak. During peak season, though, the beach nearby is uncrowded, the promenade is lovely, and the places with loud music are about a 15-minute walk away.

I gave it four stars because some apartments in the building have mold, so take care when renting or buying. There are lots of apartments on the market, too. The seasonal change is striking: shops, pharmacies, bars, restaurants, and bike rentals are plentiful from around mid-June, but in spring and winter things shut down and the area feels deserted. The pharmacies and shops close, leaving downtown as the only place to go. The setting itself is great, with pine trees, a playground, bars, and a soccer field across the street, then the promenade and a wide beach. You can rent umbrellas and loungers on the beach, and bikes and small children's rides along the promenade.

The sea is just a three-minute walk away. The apartment is decent, with a bathroom, kitchen, refrigerator, and washing machine.