Hotel and Inn Review: Envoy Tours Hostel (Tbilisi, Republic of Georgia)

Date of Stay: November 25 - December 4, 2014

RATING (Scale of 1 to 10)

Location: *********

Rooms: ******

Condition and Cleanliness: *********

Staff Performance: ********

Room Comfort: *******

Food and Beverage: *****

Other Amenities: ******

Value for Money: *******

Envoy Hostel

This lovely hostel, situated within just 5 minutes’ walk of the Narikala Fortress, is a good base camp in exploring the historic and stunning Old Town district.  

It offers basic facilities but everything here is really clean. Envoy Hostel offers a range of private (double room, a twin room, standard triple room, family room) and shared rooms (4-bed, 6-bed and 8-bed dormitories).  

Hostel entrance

All rooms are equipped with individual lockers and feature air conditioning (during the hot summer) and central heating (during winter, the time of my visit).  Free bed linen and towels are provided for all types of rooms but bathroom facilities are shared.  

4-bed dormitory with individual lockers.  Beds have individual lights, charging station and shelves

All shared rooms are equipped with bunk beds, designed specifically for adults that were comfortable.  All beds had shelves, charging stations and lights.  The top bunks don't have spaces on the side for things to fall through if you're on the top.

Room rates include free daily continental breakfast which is served between 8-10 AM (8:30-10:30 AM in winter) in the common room. The shared kitchen comes complete with a stove, tea/coffee facilities and a refrigerator. 

Their breakfast is not luxurious and consisted only of white bread, jam, handmade pancakes, fruits, vegetables and cheese. 

Shared kitchen

Breakfast can be enjoyed on the rooftop terrace which is quite big and is equipped with lounge furniture.  Here, you can bond with other tourists and enjoy the amazing views of Tbilisi's major tourist attractions.

The staff at its 24-hour Front Desk was very friendly, extremely helpful and kind and took good care of their guests. 

They also organize walking tours for guests. Free Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the hostel, with a PC terminal for use by guests, but is spotty.  On-site parking is provided. They also offer luggage storage, airport shuttle (additional charge), laundry service and tours.

Hostel terrace

Overall this hostel is a home away from home. There are restaurants and cafes nearby. 

Narikala Fortress as seen from hostel terrace

Note that the road on which the hostel is located is very steep and narrow (you will have to walk to the main street) and may pose a challenge for some people (including me) if you are lugging a lot of luggage. Only small vehicles can take you up to the door of the hostel.

Hallway

Shared bathroom

Envoy Hostel, 2 minutes on foot to the Metekhi Bridge and a 10-minute drive away from Tbilisi Central Station, is located 300 m. from Metekhi Church and Sioni Cathedral; 400 m. from the Bridge of Peace; 600 m. from National Botanical Garden of Georgia (a 5-minute walk away), 700 m. from Avlabari Metro Station (a 10-min. walk away); 800 m. from the Presidential Palace and Pushkin Park; 1.1 km. from Sameba Cathedral; 1.5 km. from Rustaveli Theater; 1.7 km. from Tbilisi Opera and Ballet Theater; 2.2 kms. from the Georgian National Academy of Sciences; 2.8 kms. from Tbilisi Concert Hall; 3.4 kms. from Tbilisi Circus; 3.5 kms. from Heroes Square; 3.7 kms. from TbilisiZoo; 4.2 kms. from Tbilisi Sports Palace; 5.6 kms. from Medical University Metro Station and 13.1 kms. from Tbilisi International Airport. The Sulphur Baths are a 5 mins. walk away.

View of Tbilisi from hostel terrace

Envoy Tours Hostel: 45 Betlemi Street (on Junction to Orbiri St. leading up to the Narikala Fortress), 0105 Tbilisi City, Georgia. Tel: +995-322-920-111.  Website: www.envoyhostel.com.