Review by Mate Foldi
As a child the words “Marco Polo” were always associated with fun. Indeed, it was a game. When swimming in the pool or sea with a group of friends, one person would be “it” and, having forced to close those eyes, say “Marco”, while the rest of us would reply “Polo”, leaving the sightless chosen-one to rely solely on their hearing to find and catch someone. Nowadays, it has been well over a decade since I have played this game, though recently the name Marco Polo did reenter my life: I found bliss in the Caucasus mountains at the Marco Polo Hotel.
The Marco Polo Hotel, situated in the ski resort of Gudauri, is a lovely luxurious establishment perched at the foot of the slopes. I remember how before I’d set off on my journey, my friends had lavished praise on the hotel saying “Oh wow, lucky you! It’s one of the best hotels in Georgia.” It certainly lived up to expectations. Despite arriving an hour and a half before the agreed check-in time, my room was ready within minutes of my arrival.
The room itself was exquisite. The bed was the biggest and most comfortable that I had slept on in the past half-year — indeed, it was so vast that, having made the trip alone, at times I caught myself feeling like a ship-wrecked sailor surrounded by a sea of white. The rest of the room was nice and spacious, comfortably furnished, with a balcony attached where one could enjoy the breathtaking mountain views, and a bathroom with a double-shower and heated floors. God bless whoever invented the latter. Lest I forgot this last precious detail: in a Santa Claus-esque manner, there was also a plate of cookies waiting for me in the room, with the words “Welcome to Marco Polo” written in chocolate sauce.
With à la carte options available throughout the day, in addition to the possibility of indulging in all-you-can-eat buffets for both breakfast and dinner, in terms of food, guests are well on their way to being spoiled rotten. Breakfast is your standard hotel experience, with the added benefit of having fresh pancakes prepared on demand. The dishes from their menu are high-quality samplings of authentic Georgian cuisine.
Within the confines of the hotel itself, to cap off the relaxing and blissful experience, guests are provided with a variety of entertainment, health, and recreation possibilities. These include a 24/7 fitness room; a spa offering a variety of massages, a sauna, a jacuzzi, and a swimming pool; an entertainment room with video games, a bowing alley, billiard tables, indoor tennis courts, and a kids’ club.
As far as outdoor winter activities go, the hotel rents ski and snowboard equipment to guests, ensuring they don’t miss out on the possibility to simply ski and snowboard, go freeriding, and for the adrenaline junkies that can afford it, heliskiing too. Tours to neighboring sites like Kazbegi are also offered.
The Marco Polo Hotel provides for a must-have experience in Gudauri, for even if you don’t come to ski or to partake in any of the summertime outdoor activities, everything on offer within the hotel itself will ensure that establishment will live up to its slogan and indeed become your favorite destination hotel at the heart of the Caucasus Mountains.