There are numerous hotels to choose from in the winemaking region of Kakheti. Sensing you might be tempted to escape the urban environs this upcoming weekend, we’ve picked out some less well-known hotels for you to try. Relax, enjoy, drink wine!
HOTEL EREKLE II
This boutique hotel, a small converted 19th-century château, sits in the historic heart of Telavi, enveloped by ancient brick walls. Remodeled with Persian, Arabic, and Georgian design elements, the building used to be home to King Erekle’s 24 children. A walled garden, shielding the porch from curious passers-by, opens up an idyllic view of the Caucasus Mountains and the Alazani Valley.
The guest area unites the hotel’s lounge, dining-room, and bar, all part of what we would call a playful journey of the senses. Seven spacious rooms on the second floor of the building are surrounded with private and shared balconies which extend into the inner courtyard.
WHERE: Near Erekle II Statue, Telavi
TEL 596 37 73 77
TWINS WINE HOUSE
Twins offers 12 rooms: 6 double, 2 triple and 4 deluxe. Each room comes equipped with modern central heating and free Wi-Fi. Don’t miss out on their unique Qvevri collection and Qvevri Wine Museum. The hotel is cozy and decorated with old household items, juxta-positioning the modern standards. Sit and imagine yourself lord or lady for the day- looking out over the vineyards towards the Caucasus Mountains.
The hotel offers various activity packages. The best includes a visit to the Qvevris, the museum, wine cellars and vodka distillery, tastings of wine and chacha, baking Georgian bread in a Tone oven, lunch, and making churchkhela. Note: minimum 10 people required for this tour.
WHERE: Napareuli village, Telavi
TEL 599 33 38 84
AKHASHENI WINE RESORT
Boasting free bikes and a restaurant, Akhasheni Wine Resort is a 4-star resort offering a 24-hour front desk. Guests can chill out in the outdoor swimming pool and wake up to a continental or buffet breakfast. Akhasheni Wine Resort offers a barbecue. Cycling is among the activities that guests can enjoy near the accommodation.
WHERE: Gurjaani
TEL 595 80 70 50, 220 00 11
SAVANETI HOTEL
Set on the foothills of the Tsiv-Gombori Mountain Range, this hotel is 7 km from Telavi’s historic Old Town. Decorated in neutral colors, the stylish rooms at Savaneti Hotel feature modern furniture and rich fabrics. Georgian dishes are served daily at Savaneti’s inviting restaurant. Breakfast is provided each morning, and guests can relax in the Zavod Vodka room or in the rustic-style wine cellar. Visitors can explore a variety of medieval buildings in Telavi, such as the Ikalto Academy (3 km) and Alaverdi Monastery (12 km).
WHERE: Ikalto, Telavi
TEL 577 05 60 04
SHALOSHVILI’S WINE CELLAR HOTEL
Located in Shilda, 5 km from Nekresi Monastery, Shaloshvili's Cellar Hotel has a number of amenities including a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, a garden, a bar and free Wi-Fi. Featuring a 24-hour front desk, this property also provides guests with a restaurant. Staff on site can arrange airport transfers. A Full English/Irish breakfast is available daily at Shaloshvili's Cellar Hotel.
WHERE: Shilda, Kvareli
TEL 577 40 90 41
WALD HOTEL LAGODEKHI
Wald Hotel Lagodekhi features a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, garden, a bar and shared lounge. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk and valet parking, along with free Wi-Fi. The accommodation provides airport transfers. A bicycle rental service is also available.
WHERE: 197 Vashlovani Str., Lagodekhi
TEL 593 83 99 83