Legends Tskaltubo Spa Resort

The building itself is fascinating, and I understand why people want to see its Soviet history. I came hoping to experience that heritage and knew beforehand that it was old and rustic, and that Legends Spa and Resort wasn’t really offering a spa or resort experience at Legends. I also got a full refund for the problems, but that doesn’t erase how many serious issues were left undisclosed. The pool was drained and closed, and the grounds were covered with piles of trash, waste, pillows, comforters, and other things. Parts of the hotel were being renovated, right among my block of rooms, with varnish drying and tarps up. The workers seemed annoyed that I needed to reach my room. If guests can’t get through, they shouldn’t be assigned rooms there. My balcony door in bedroom 2224 came off its hinges and fell forward when opened. The room also had no hot water at all, not even lukewarm water. I ran the air conditioning for 2-3 hours and the room never cooled down. At the front desk, I heard another guest complain that someone had blown smoke in her child’s face in a non-smoking area. The response was that nothing could be done and the manager would be told in the morning. When I raised the lack of hot water, they said they knew and it might be fixed in an hour. I mentioned the air conditioning too, and the receptionist said she didn’t know, then stayed on her phone. After 10-15 minutes, another woman came out and asked what else was wrong since the water issue would be worked on. I said I’d take a refund and leave if fixing the problems was too much trouble. She spoke with the receptionist in Georgian, who shrugged, then told me there was nothing they could do because the town’s electricity wasn’t working properly. I asked for my money back because the room was hot and I couldn’t stay. After some more discussion, she apologized and refunded me. There were several guests bringing complaints to reception, but staff mostly made excuses and didn’t take responsibility. I suspect the air conditioning and much of the hotel are simply in disrepair, and they may lack the money or organization to fix things in order. Even another room might not have helped with the air conditioning. Is the property cool to look at? Yes. Is staying there worth it? A definite no. I’ve heard people can tour the grounds and hotel for 25 lari, which sounds like the better option. Don’t count on a spa or resort stay, or even a working room. If you can put up with all of that, go ahead, but it’s only slightly better than camping.

There weren’t even towels at the pool, and my room had no toothbrush, toothpaste, towel, or coffee. When I called reception, they said coffee wasn’t provided and I could buy some at the restaurant, but it had already shut at 7 pm. I was very disappointed with the service. This isn’t acceptable for a hotel.

Sleeping here is more of an experience than just booking a room. It’s the only Soviet sanatorium still operating in the city, and while it isn’t perfect, staying in such a historic place is pretty unique. The staff were extremely friendly and helpful. A special thanks to Omar for kindly showing us around the building.

The rooms are comfortable, with the original furniture and decorations giving them a real sanatorium feel. The owner is enthusiastic about the hotel’s history and may show you parts of the complex that are still in their original state. If you’re visiting Tskaltubo to see the former Soviet sanatoria, I’d say staying here is a must, since it’s the one place where that past feels alive again. Some people have left negative reviews, but don’t come expecting a Turkish Riviera all-inclusive buffet or the most luxurious hotel on the planet. That’s not what this place is for. The furniture dates from the Soviet era, and staying here is like sleeping in a time capsule.