City Star

City Star Overview

I checked into the City Star in Tbilisi, and let me tell you, the vibe there is a mix of comfort and that unmistakable Georgian warmth you only get when the locals are proud of their home. The lobby is this cozy rectangle with a huge, worn‑out rug that smells faintly of sandalwood – a scent you almost forget until you see the big window overlooking Merab Kostava Street. The staff greet you with a quick “Good morning, I hope you’re ready for a good day” and then, surprisingly, hand you a small card that lists the nearby bus stops, the best spots for a late‑night coffee, and the exact minute the next free parking spot opens up. That’s the kind of helpfulness that makes you feel like you’re not just another tourist but a friend who’s been here before.

The rooms on the 12th floor are a clever blend of old‑world charm and modern tech. The beds are plush, the sheets feel like they were dyed in a textile shop in Gori – you can’t help but pull them out and lie in them for a bit before checking the room number. I found a tiny notebook left on the desk, a hand‑written list of local eateries: “Shavi Lomi, Koche, and that new vegan place on Shota Rustaveli Street.” I followed that list after dinner, and let me say, the street‑food stalls on Rustaveli are pure magic. The scent of grilled khinkali and the sizzle from the pans are the soundtrack of the night, and you know you’re in the right spot when the vendor tosses a perfectly golden pastry and says, “Enjoy!” in that warm Georgian tone. The hotel has a small lounge with a view of the city lights; I spent a rainy evening there, sipping a mug of locally roasted coffee, listening to the distant church bells echoing from the Old Town.

Parking is a story in itself – not exactly “convenient,” but if you’re staying on the 12th floor, you’re already way above the chaos. There’s a small underground lot that takes about ten minutes to get to from the lobby, and the attendants will let you know the exact spot number. It’s a bit of a climb, but you end up in a spot that’s close enough that you can hop out and walk to the nearest metro stop in under a minute. Noise-wise, the hotel is fairly quiet. I was surprised that even on a bustling Saturday, the only sound that reached the room was the faint hum of the air conditioner and the occasional footstep from the hallway. The only time you really feel the city buzz is when you step out of the lobby and hear the chatter of people in the courtyard, the clink of glasses from the adjacent bar, and the distant call of a street vendor selling fresh apricots.

The check‑in experience was smooth. There’s a small desk with a friendly receptionist who will ask you if you want a key card or a magnetic strip card (they’re both fine, honestly). She points you to the elevator that takes you straight to the 12th floor, where you’ll find a small “welcome” note that says, “Enjoy your stay, and feel free to ask us anything.” I asked about the best time to visit Mtatsminda Park, and she suggested early morning, when the city is still a bit sleepy and the park’s funicular is less crowded. That little local tip made my day, because I got the park in all its glory before the crowds rolled in.

Honestly, I’d say the City Star is a solid four‑star spot in the heart of Saburtalo, with a rating that’s as high as 8.9 on Tripadvisor – and that feels like a nod from fellow travelers who know what they’re talking about. It’s not a flashy boutique hotel, but it’s got that personal touch you get when the staff think of you as a friend. If you’re looking for a place that feels like a home base with a dash of local flavor, this is it. The only thing I’d flag is that the Wi‑Fi is a bit slow during peak hours, but that’s a minor gripe in a city that’s still growing its infrastructure. Overall, it’s a place that makes you want to stay longer, because you keep discovering new corners of the city that you never knew existed.

City Star Accommodations

Reviews of City Star

• Exceptional – Omer from Israel – April 20, 2025 (10/10)

  I really enjoyed my stay, the apartment was clean, tidy and well equipped. The owner was very nice and available.

• Saburtalo Gem Apartment – Eduardo from Portugal – March 17, 2025 (9/10)

  Amazing location, apartment, and view! Has all the amenities you might need, including a clothes washer! Very close to metro too
  
  What could be improved: Shower head on top was broken, and some of the lights in the apartment flickered

• I highly recommend – Marita from Latvia – June 27, 2024 (10/10)

  Very good location, comfotrable flat, fantastic wiev from balcony, well equipped kitchen, washing machine. Very nice apartmens for 2 persons. The host was helpful. Shops and eateries nearby.

• Exceptional – Zura from Ireland – January 27, 2024 (10/10)

  The best!
  
  What could be improved: Everything super!
  Will be back for sure!

• Great apartment at a central location – Polina from Georgia – September 8, 2023 (10/10)

  I booked the apartment for a few days for my parents who were visiting. The apartment is very clean and neat. The space is thoughtfully organised. There’s everything you’ll need: towels and other essentials are provided. It’s an apartment at a central location and for a fair price. Metro, shops, etc are at a walking distance. Koba, the host, is great at communication and helpful.

• Good value for money, comfortable location – Darina from Georgia – July 10, 2023 (9/10)

  I liked the apartment itself, it’s spacious and clean, well equipped (everything you need you will have). The location is great, close to the center but still not noisy.
  
  What could be improved: I didn’t like the fact that I had to persuade the host about our checkout at 4pm, despite the fact that due to Force Majeure we checked in 1 day later, still paying for all days we initially booked. Not pleasant situation and host’s behavior. In Georgia now money goes first 😅, not decency.

• wonderful stay but AC in Living room & Not in Bedroom was. about surprise to me .. but May be that’s normal in Georg – Vijay from Qatar – September 12, 2022 (10/10)

  super clean & well organised
  
  What could be improved: no AC in Bedroom

• Good – Edjohn from Qatar – January 2, 2024 (7/10)

  Location is safe. The building is located behind the police station.
  Free public gated-parking, as long as not fully occupied.
  The wash room has a bidet.
  The host is very accommodating and responsive.
  
  What could be improved: Kitchen utensils not complete.
  Elevator slow.
  Door lock needs replacement.

• Замечательное место. – Марина from Russia – August 17, 2025 (10/10)

  Понравилось всё. Уютная, чистая квартира со всем необходимым для жизни. В реальности лучше, чем на фото. Декоративные мелочи создают дополнительный уют. Прекрасное постельное бельё. Удобная кровать. Стулья у барной стойки, вообще, шикарные!)) Хозяин позаботился даже о стиральном порошке. Любой вопрос решался быстро. Хозяин был всегда на связи.
  Такую квартиру смело могу рекомендовать своим друзьям.
  
  What could be improved: ——-

• Wonderful – Andrei from Russia – July 21, 2025 (9/10)

  Квартира просто шикарная, просторная, вид с балкона великолепен. Можно идти гулять как пешком в разные стороны города, так и на транспорте.
  Кровать в спальне отлично подходит для отдыха, а диван немного подуставший.
  
  What could be improved: Сложности с парковкой, но это скорее общегородская ситуация, не связанная с данной квартирой.
  Хозяин оказался немного душным. Мы приехали поздно и не было размена налички. Хозяин согласился, что я доплачу 4 лари из 214 на следующий день, при этом 210 я положил в сейф. А к обеду начал требовать полную сумму, когда мы гуляли и обвинять в несоблюдении правил. Но в итоге так и не забрал всю сумму пока мы не уехали
  В квартире не было туалетных принадлежностей (гель, шампунь), а на кухне средства для мытья посуды

Surroundings