Hotel Elite House

Marina looked after me with so much care and respect, and the Svan breakfast she made every morning was something I was glad I’d added to my stay. I came in the off season at the end of November, and on one day Mestia lost power across the whole town. Marina, the hotel manager, made sure I was comfortable, bringing me a large thermos of boiled water and everything I needed for tea. The hotel is downtown, within walking distance of the History & Ethnography Museum, St.George Church, and the hiking trails. It’s a family-run place in an old Svan house, and the current restaurant used to be the animal barn. There’s also a lovely terrace on the third floor where you can have tea and watch the stars on a clear winter night. I can’t recommend it highly enough and would stay there again if I return to Svaneti.

That breakfast was enormous, with plenty of variety, and everything I tried was delicious. The room was very clean, the bed was comfortable, and the en suite bathroom worked well, with lots of hot water for a shower. I’ve been in Georgia for almost a month, and this is my favorite hotel so far. The woman at reception took my experience personally. She was there for my early 8:00 a.m. breakfast with a big “Good morning!” and a warm smile. A few families staying the night before were very noisy. I’m sure she did what she could, and things quieted down quickly. She acknowledged it right away, which reassured me that she cared. Really good customer care.

We loved having a dining room where we could play board games, and it meant a lot that our dog could stay with us and was treated well. For New Year’s, there were amazing dishes and a cozy fireplace, along with delicious breakfasts, warm rooms, and great views. The hostess was incredibly kind and welcoming, and the staff made the stay one of our best memories. We’d originally booked somewhere else, but had such a poor experience that we left that same day. We were very lucky to find this place late on December 30th. Our stay last winter was magical. Many thanks to everyone for making it so special.

We really enjoyed the roof terrace views while sharing a jug of their homemade wine, which cost 25 laris. The hotel is tidy, the rooms are comfortable, and shops, the Etnography museum, and lots of restaurants are just a short walk away. There’s also the local movie