Once upon in Old Tbilisi

Once upon in Old Tbilisi Overview

I walked down the narrow streets of Tbilisi, and the hotel popped out like a well‑hidden gem tucked between a vintage café and a tiny florist that sells saffron roses. Once upon in Old Tbilisi keeps its vibe authentic—no flashy signage, just a faded logo on a wooden door that creaks when you open it. Check‑in was surprisingly quick; the front desk staff (I think it was a young woman named Nino) smiled and handed me a key card with a note that said “Welcome, friend!”—no stiff formalities, just a warm, almost conspiratorial greeting. Inside, the lobby smelled faintly of coffee and baked bread, a reminder that the in‑house kitchen still uses the same old ovens locals swear by. It was a bit noisy after 9 p.m. when the street‑corner bar started to fill, but the hotel’s walls are thick enough that you can still hear your own breathing.

The room itself is a charming mix of old Georgian décor and modern conveniences. The bed is a bit narrow—just enough for a single person or a couple that doesn’t mind a little elbow room—but the hand‑stitched quilt on the mattress made up for it with a feeling of comfort that’s hard to find in a chain hotel. The window faces the back alley, where the sound of distant traffic mingles with the occasional shout of a hawker selling roasted chestnuts. I love that the room has a small balcony with a view of the cobbled street below; you can see the tiny church bells ringing every hour. The bathroom is tiny but spotless, and the shower has a real pressure that makes it feel like a mini spa. The only gripe I had was that the Wi‑Fi occasionally hiccups during peak hours, but honestly, it’s enough to keep me connected for sending photos back to family.

Wandering around the neighborhood, I discovered a quiet corner café called “Keto’s” on Mikhail Tsinamdgvrishvili Street, where the espresso tastes like a secret recipe passed down through generations. The bakery on Tsereteli Street is a must‑visit for fresh khachapuri—just take a seat at the counter and watch the dough rise. If you’re looking for a brief escape from the city buzz, the Gorgasali Square garden is a shaded oasis where locals relax and children play. Parking is a bit of a scramble; there’s a small municipal lot two blocks away, but it fills up fast on weekends. I found a stall near the metro entrance that offers short-term parking for a reasonable fee—just remember to keep an eye on your bag. The quiet hours are typically from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., so if you’re a light sleeper, you’ll appreciate the relative hush. All in all, Once upon in Old Tbilisi is not just a place to stay—it’s an invitation to live like a local for a few days, with all the sensory nuances and the warm, welcoming spirit that only a true Georgian neighborhood can provide.

Once upon in Old Tbilisi Accommodations

Reviews of Once upon in Old Tbilisi

• Cozy studio in hip neighborhood – Kawa'a from United States – October 21, 2024 (9/10)

  Very good value. Nice hosts. In a great local neighborhood close to city center but also has good local shops and bars nearby like Fabrika. Small but very private with own entrance from street. Three beds, but I only used one.
  
  What could be improved: You get what you pay for. Cheap accommodation was as it is. So I have no complaints !

• Wonderful – Pini from Israel – September 30, 2023 (9/10)

  The location of the apartment is excellent, there is a private entrance from the street which is very convenient, the room is quite spacious, it has all the basic tools for living and it was really great for us.
  The owner of the apartment is really nice and very available,
  warmly recommended.

• Wonderful host. Basic but clean and nice apartment. – Robert from Netherlands – August 13, 2024 (8/10)

  Miss Alexandra is a very welcoming, friendly and helpful host. Apartment is very basic but clean and all the amenities are there. The price is very good.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Excellent location for undemanding travellers at a modest price. – Litvinenko from United States – February 1, 2024 (7/10)

  Location was very important for me. So, I chose this apartment despite of the middle comfort.
  
  What could be improved: I did not like trouble with the hot water and wifi. Also, I did not like the door right to the street.

• Not professional – Nurlan from Italy – September 8, 2022 (7/10)

  Good location.
  
  What could be improved: We came at 8:00 pm, the door was closed, there was noone. They didn't answer phone for 1 hour. They called back when we were searching new place to stay. They can't speak english, and I told them only in russian hardly. Room is not good for long stay, We stayed only night.

• Exceptional – Mohammad from Jordan – October 24, 2023 (10/10)

  The location is very good and the renters are kindly persons 🌹

• Exceptional – Zolat from Georgia – September 12, 2022 (10/10)

  The place is very cosy and has a separate entrance. No bumping into neighbors!
  
  What could be improved: There is no washing machine.

• Very Good – Dmitrii from Armenia – March 31, 2024 (8/10)

  Отличное расположение, рядом много магазинов, метро и баня, хороший хозяин, который поможет во всем, отдельный вход с улицы, хорошая цена.
  
  What could be improved: Холодная вода на раковину кухни и на умывальник, горячая есть только в душе, слабый свет в квартире, стоило бы поставить несколько светильников с мощными лампами.

• Very Good – Aleksandr from Russia – March 18, 2024 (8/10)

  Удачное местоположение: до метро 5 минут пешком, тихая улица, рядом есть круглосуточный магазин. Апартаменты с отдельным входом в старом доме с высокими потолками. Есть возможность готовить самостоятельно. Очень атмосферно, подойдёт для непритязательных путешественников, желающих ощутить волшебную ауру Старого Тифлиса.
  
  What could be improved: Я бы кое что изменил в душевой, мощность нагревателя явно больше пропускной способности автомата питания, что становится иногда причиной отключения сети.

• Pleasant – Romanova from Germany – June 9, 2025 (6/10)

  Расположение отличное, в самом центре
  
  What could be improved: Туалет был не очень чистый

Surroundings