Vintage Hostel Stepantsminda

Victor's guesthouse is in the quiet village of Gergeti, close to the hike up to the Trinity Church and just 10 minutes from Stepantsminda. Victor is so welcoming, and the cozy room has everything you need, including comfy beds and stunning views. I highly recommend his place!

The food is delicious, and the host goes well out of her way to look after you, even though she doesn't speak English. The rooms are simple and sparse, but clean. It's only minutes from the Gergeti Church trailhead and a 15-20 minute walk from the town square.

Staying in Gergeti means you're already two kilometers up the route to Sameba church or the glacier. The woman who hosted us didn't speak English, but called someone to translate by phone. We had reserved a room with a private bathroom, and getting the right room was a bit of a hassle, though we did eventually get it. The beds were very uncomfortable, lumpy and too soft, made up of several thin “mattresses,” something we later found is common in Georgia. Noise from the other room came through, the garden light shone into our eyes, and the thin curtains didn't block it. One morning there was no hot water, and it was fixed only when we had to leave. A shower curtain and some hooks for clothes would have helped. There's a line for laundry in the garden, but it was so humid that things didn't dry well. Places for dinner or drinks are quite far away, mostly in Kasbegi village.

Victor is one of the best hosts. It's a perfect place to stay for a few days, with excellent mountain views from the yard.