If you expect to land in a 21st century spa then Tskaltubo Spa Resort isn’t for you. It is a bit worn and torn with weird Soviet-style breakfast service. However, it is the only (partially) renovated spa hotel in Tskaltubo, Stalin’s favourite destination that hosted 25+ bathhouses in its heyday. We went there to experience the grandeur that once was and that’s exactly what we got.

The pool was fantastic. We loved looking at the Soviet theatre and the gardens were also lovely. We especially liked the glasshouse gallery/ walkway between the hotel and restaurant. We really liked the woodland setting and proximity to the park.

I have an allergy to gluten in wheat. The breakfasts were good but I was not sure what was safe for me to eat. But there was lots of things to choose from. The dinner we did not enjoy so much. The other thing that surprised us was there was only one Georgian wine available and the lobby bar was not open for drinks before dinner.

We loved the unique experience of staying a few days in an old majestic Sovjet sanatorium. The building looks really great and we loved the tour around the building that we got. The staff was also very helpful with supporting us planning our next stops on our travel. Also the room was very spacious and great breakfast.

Even though we loved our stay here, we do understand that a few people gave less good ratings since the website, photos, and videos can give a different expectation. Don't expect a luxurious spa resort. But then again, is it realistic to get that at this price level?

This is a former sanatorium of the Soviet Armed Forces I understood, only a part of which has been modernised and is now used as a hotel. The rest stands as pretty untouched in time from the end of the 1980s, and it is worth visiting just to get a flavour of that and walk around its buildings and grounds. Most visitors to Tsalktubo are there to look around the ruins of the Soviet time in Georgia, and this hotel is a very good place to start.

As only part of the sanatorium has been modernised, facilities are a bit limited, with no cafe for instance open when the restaurant is closed.

I really enjoyed this hotel. It's a throwback to a previous era. I loved the retro furniture, the grand architecture, the expansive grounds around the hotel. Lots of the guests are Georgian. It strikes me as the kind of place where you should stay to experience Tskaltubo. I think some other reviews have expected a 5 star experience - it's not and doesn't claim to be. Enjoy it for what it is. Similarly, the food is nice enough, not amazing, but I viewed it as part of the overall experience. The pool area is really nice, and while it was popular it never felt busy. While the buildings collectively are quite large, I don't think all are available, so the number of people makes it feel like a fairly small hotel, just in massive grounds. Staff at reception were friendly and helpful.

Some smaller issues. Bed could have been a bit more comfortable. Kettle was broken (but they found another one no issue). Bedside lamp didn't have a lightbulb.

The property is a charming partially-refurbished building with oodles of character, set in extensive grounds. We loved the little architectural details (the statuettes on the roof, the frieze over the main entrance), the glasshouse corridor brimming with plants and featuring a bright blue upright piano, and the hammocks in the gardens. The staff were incredibly helpful, and there is a delightful bar with quirky décor.

The in-house dining options aren't extensive, but there are alternatives in Tskaltubo Park a short walk away.

A wonderful, atmospheric hotel. So very, very peaceful. Properly relaxing. A real experience - if you have been visiting Tskaltubo's old and abandoned sanitoria, it is great to stay in a fully functioning one afterwards!

Difficult to find - the location on Booking.com is incorrect, there are no obvious signs outside the hotel which sits a long way back from the road. The hotel is quite old and tired - part of its charm for me, but don't expect a hyper modern, boutique-style experience. The beds are quite hard and the sheets a bit scratchy. Breakfast wasn't great - no proper coffee - only Nescafe.

The negative reviews for this place are unfair. We almost didn’t come and I’m so glad we did because they have truly achieved something special. The atmosphere is fantastic, staff were friendly and rooms spacious and comfortable. The lobby bar very pleasant and if you’re a history buff this is a truly unique place.

The bedding is admittedly pretty awful. And the cleaning standards need to be higher. Breakfast quality was dismal.

Comfortable, interesting from a historical perspective, unique place with a lovely pool and helpful staff. Found the tour of the Stalin rooms particularly interesting! Overall a lovely stay. The best place to stay for exploring Tskaltubo.

The breakfast was plentiful but unappealing. We were also assaulted by stray dogs who chased us to breakfast and around the pool area! Usually we don’t mind the stray dogs but these were very boisterous and invasive.

Old style stay in a beautifully refurbished old Soviet Sanatorium creates a great nostalgic vibe. Comfortable and large rooms. Awesome old buildings to explore. Top place for history tragics and urbanexers.

Nothing much.