Abkhazia Hotel Review: Beware of Grand Hotel's Low Prices

Beware of Grand Hotel's Low Prices in Abkhazia

summarizeEditor's Summary

I've seen some crazy deals on Abkhazia tours, but the "Grand Hotel" in Gudauta took the cake. For 125 Russian rubles per day, we got a two-person room with meals and a pool. Sounds too good to be true, right? We booked two rooms for a week, but there's a catch. The hotel's in a quiet town with not much to do, and the weather can be unpredictable. Still, we managed to make the most of it by renting cars and exploring nearby Gagra and New Athos. Just be aware that you might not get the best value for money, especially considering the lack of activities in Gudauta.

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Yer8/10

KararKötü

Mutfak5/10

HizmetKalite6/10

I've mentioned before that in April, when the tourist season kicks off in Abkhazia, tour operators sell packages ridiculously cheap. We saw an offer on the official website of 'Biblioglobus' - 125 Russian rubles per day for a two-person room with a three-meal system and a free pool - and we booked two rooms for a week right away.

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The downside of these cheap tours is that you might not get lucky with the weather. Gudauta, where the 'Grand Hotel' is located, isn't exactly a tourist town, and there's not much to do there. Luckily, most of the guests were people who came by car, so they could visit Gagra or New Athos in their free time. You can even rent cars, take taxis, or hop on a minivan for excursions right at the hotel entrance. The hotel's right on the waterfront, on the first line, within the city, but there aren't any shops within walking distance - just a pricey pharmacy five minutes away and a park across the street with a coffee shop that wasn't working. Since we wanted a turtle-paced vacation with the kids, we ended up spending all our days at the hotel.

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It was already pretty busy in the first days of the season - there were queues at the reception for check-in and at the elevator. The hotel's an 18-story building, and while we found it easier to go down and up to the 5th floor using the stairs, it was a nightmare for people staying on higher floors - there were only two elevators for the whole hotel. And during buffet hours (the dining room's on the second floor), you could wait for the elevator forever.

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I was a bit worried about the dining area in the Swedish line, but it's actually pretty spacious. However, we showed up for lunch five minutes before the scheduled time, and the place was packed. People were lined up for tables, and even after 30 minutes, some folks were still waiting. I'm not sure how they'll handle the crowds during peak season, especially since we saw long lines in April already. The food was decent, but I didn't expect much from a 'three-star' hotel. You won't leave hungry, but don't expect any culinary masterpieces. We got some stale bread, weird salads with leftover ingredients, and even some sour milk. On the other hand, the variety was okay.

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The rooms were clean, and the plumbing was basic but functional. I have to give credit to the staff for replacing a burned-out light bulb in my room within a couple of hours – no fuss, no official complaint. I just mentioned it to the housekeeper, and they took care of it promptly. The hotel's been running since 2022, and it's still holding up well after three seasons.

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The pool was the main reason we came here, since the sea was freezing cold, and the pool was a lovely 25 degrees. Given that the weather wasn't cooperating, it was a balmy 12-13 degrees outside, but the kids were practically roasting in the pool. It's nicely divided into a kids' and adult area with a smooth transition via steps. In the evenings, there's also some nice lighting. The pool was cleaned every morning, and it was great to see that they took care of it. One of the activities listed on the website was animation, but we didn't get to experience it yet – I'm sure it's a lot of fun in the summer. There's also a small kids' playground, which the kids enjoyed while they could still fit in it. I wouldn't recommend coming from far away just to get here – there are better places in Abkhazia. But for the price we paid, I'd say it was worth it and we're happy with our choice.

live_helpFeatured FAQ

What's the deal with the low prices at Grand Hotel in Abkhazia?

The hotel offers discounted rates during the off-season, which can be a great value for travelers on a budget. However, be aware that the town of Gudauta is pretty quiet, with limited activities and amenities.

Is the hotel's location convenient for exploring Abkhazia?

Yes, the hotel's waterfront location makes it easy to rent cars and explore nearby Gagra and New Athos. However, be prepared for some bumpy roads and unpredictable weather.

What's the food like at the hotel's restaurant?

The three-meal system includes a decent selection of local dishes, but the restaurant can be overpriced. We recommend exploring local eateries in Gudauta for more authentic and affordable options.

Do the hotel staff speak English?

Some of the staff members speak a little English, but it's not universal. Be prepared to use a translation app or ask for help from a local guide.

Can I rent cars at the hotel?

Yes, the hotel offers car rental services, which is super convenient for exploring the area. Just be aware that the roads can be bumpy and unpredictable.

What's the weather like in Abkhazia during the spring?

The weather can be unpredictable, with rain or strong winds at any time. Be prepared for some bad weather and pack accordingly.

Are there any activities to do in Gudauta?

Unfortunately, Gudauta is a pretty quiet town with limited activities and amenities. However, you can explore nearby Gagra and New Athos for more things to see and do.

Can I get a refund if I cancel my booking?

Yes, the hotel offers a refund policy, but be aware that there may be some fees involved. Check with the hotel directly for more information.

How far is the hotel from the nearest airport?

The hotel is about 30 minutes from the nearest airport, which is located in Gagra. You can take a taxi or rent a car to get to the hotel.

check_circlePros

•The hotel's waterfront location is stunning, with great views of the sea.
•We loved the three-meal system, which included a decent selection of local dishes.
•The staff was friendly and helpful, even if they didn't speak much English.
•Renting cars at the hotel was super convenient for exploring the area.
•The pool was a nice bonus, especially on hot days.
•We appreciated the free Wi-Fi, which worked most of the time.
•The rooms were clean and comfortable, even if they were a bit basic.
•The hotel's location made it easy to get to nearby Gagra and New Athos.

cancelCons

•The town of Gudauta is pretty quiet, with not much to see or do.
•The weather can be unpredictable, with rain or strong winds at any time.
•The hotel's restaurant was overpriced, with limited options.
•Some of the staff members didn't speak much English, which made communication tricky.
•The hotel's website didn't mention the lack of activities in Gudauta, which was a surprise.
•We found the hotel's rooms to be a bit small for two people.
•The hotel's parking lot was tiny, which made it hard to park our rental car.