Ortachala Palace

We chose this hotel because it was near the bus station, but our room wasn't ready when we arrived. After waiting, we were offered a room with one fewer bed than we had booked. They later said our room was available, and when we checked in again it did have four beds, but it was smoky and very old. The linens were wrinkled and dirty, the walls were peeling, and some electrical outlets were missing. It didn't look like the hotel photo at all. Instead of relaxing after the trip, we took the kids somewhere else.

The rooms we reserved weren't provided as requested. I had booked two rooms, including one with two beds, but both had a single large bed and they couldn't change them. The recent renovations did mean the rooms I stayed in were clean, though they were missing things like a wardrobe, toilet brush, and mirror. The price could be lower. The travel site photos and details are misleading and incomplete. The name is now HOTEL GEZİ, not Ortachala Palace, and the sign has changed too, so even with the location information it's hard to find. It's inside the Tbilisi Bus Station, with windows facing the intercity bus terminal and buses.

We picked this place for how close it was to Ortachala bus station, and were surprised to find it right inside the station building. The room was huge, with a bed, armchairs, sofa, coffee table, minibar, and wardrobe. It had a large balcony facing the road, plus air conditioning that we used for heat. We asked for an extra blanket and kettle and got both. Hot water was steady, and everything was clean and had no smell. The woman at reception was very friendly. We didn't try breakfast. The furniture was old but functional. There's no elevator, which is awkward when arriving with luggage, and room Wi-Fi is absent; it only works on the ground floor near the entrance. Nearby, there was a Turkish cafe, currency exchange, and grocery store, with a very good Georgian restaurant across the street. Buses and taxis to the city center were inexpensive. A good spot if you're arriving at or leaving from Ortachala.