Uncover Tbilisi's Hidden Gems: Mercure Old Town's Secret Revealed!
Uncover Tbilisi’s Hidden Gems: Mercure Old Town – My Messy, Honest, and Totally Unfiltered Take!
Okay, so everyone's been banging on about Tbilisi. "Charming!" "Historic!" "Amazing food!" And honestly, I was starting to roll my eyes. Another city hyped to death? But then… Mercure Old Town. And let me tell you, this wasn't just another tourist trap. This was something… different.
(Disclaimer: I’m not getting paid for this. Just a travel-obsessed weirdo with a laptop and a serious coffee addiction. So, you know, grain of salt and all that.)
First Impressions (and the Struggle with the Luggage Elevator):
Right, so accessibility. Here’s the deal: Mercure Old Town claims to be accessible. And on paper, they're pretty good. Elevator? Check (though, in true, slightly chaotic Georgian style, I may or may not have waited a few minutes for it to arrive - it seemed to be in high demand, especially with all the luggage!). They’ve got facilities for disabled guests, which is great to see. They also have the elevator, which is, well, something.
Now, I’m not in a wheelchair, so I can’t fully vouch for everything. But the front desk is 24-hour, thank goodness, because I spent a good ten minutes staring at the door, convinced I’d locked myself out (I hadn't). They were super helpful and friendly, even though I was probably bordering on the annoying-tourist-level of frazzled.
Internet, Glorious Internet! And the Bed… Oh, the Bed!
Let's be honest. In the modern age, Wi-Fi is a MUST. Mercure gets this. Free Wi-Fi everywhere. And I mean, everywhere. In your room, in those lovely public areas, even in the elevator (just kidding… mostly). Which is crucial, because Tbilisi is a feast for the eyes, and you’re gonna be sending photos. Lots and lots of photos. I’m thinking Insta-worthy shots, because I did, and my story blew up.
Right, the rooms. My room (a non-smoking one, by the way – very important for a non-smoker like myself) was… a sanctuary. Air conditioning that actually worked. Blackout curtains (essential for sleeping in, especially after you've sampled the local wine). A coffee/tea maker (vital). But the bed… the bed was like sinking into a cloud. With extra long beds, I found myself lounging as if I owned the place. And honestly, for a few golden hours, I did.
Food, Glorious Food! (And My Love/Hate Relationship with the Buffet):
Breakfast. Ah, breakfast. The most important meal of the day… for most people. For me, a coffee addict, it's the fuel that makes or breaks a day. And the buffet… the buffet was a mixed bag of joy and near-meltdown.
Mercure offers a breakfast buffet, and it's pretty extensive. They do an Asian breakfast, a Western breakfast, and a buffet. A la carte options are available, too. Coffee shop; you're covered. And they've got a Vegetarian restaurant!
The fruit was gorgeous… But the scrambled eggs… oh, the scrambled eggs. I swear, someone in the kitchen had a personal vendetta against fluffy eggs. They were… dense. But the local pastries? Divine. And the coffee? Strong enough to wake the dead. It's a daily gamble, whether you get a good day for food or not.
There are restaurants! Oh, and the international cuisine is pretty damn good. The staff is super accommodating for alternative meal arrangements. The room service? 24-hour. Bless them. I order a snack in the middle of the night and they provide it, even if it's just a soup!
Things to Do (and Ways to Relax, Because Tbilisi Can Be Intense!):
Okay, so you’re in Tbilisi. You’re going to explore. But you also need to relax, right? Mercure actually has a decent spa/sauna setup! I didn't get around to the Body scrubs or the Body wraps, but I did take a dip in the outdoor pool (a Pool with a View! Very important). The sauna was seriously relaxing. You can choose the steamroom, instead.
They also have a fitness center, which I, ahem, glanced at, but mostly used the pool.
But the "Things to do" itself, well, it's the location that wins this. Mercure Old Town is right in the thick of it. You can explore the area easily! I'm sure the hotel also is ready for events – seminars, meetings, you name it. So, for any business folks out there, it's great.
Cleanliness and Safety (Because, You Know, Pandemic Life):
They seem to care. Honestly, this is the thing that impressed me the most. I'm not sure if they're using anti-viral cleaning products, but they are doing daily disinfection in common areas. They also have Hand sanitizer, even though it’s a slight annoyance.
The Little Things That Make a Difference:
- The Terrace: Perfect for sipping coffee (or something stronger!) and watching the world go by.
- Daily Housekeeping: My room was spotless every day.
- The Staff: Seriously, they were the best. Friendly, helpful, patient with my terrible Georgian. They also have a Doctor/nurse on call!
The Quirks… and My Final Verdict:
Look, the Mercure Old Town isn't perfect. There were a few tiny things that weren't up to my usual standards (the scrambled eggs, aforementioned, and the occasional noise from the street).
But that's Tbilisi, isn’t it? A place of beauty, chaos, and a whole lot of heart. And Mercure Old Town somehow captures that perfectly. It’s not stuffy or impersonal. It's a place that manages to be both comfortable and… real.
My absolutely Unsolicited Offer (Because You Deserve One):
Ready to Discover Tbilisi’s Hidden Gems?
Book your stay at Mercure Old Town NOW and get:
- Exclusive offer! (Contact the hotel for more information, or maybe it’s on their website - I didn't check - I like to be surprised!)
- A chance to experience a hotel that is more than just place to sleep.
- A chance to explore the magic of Tbilisi from a super convenient starting point.
- A chance for a good night's rest!
Don't wait! Tbilisi is calling… and Mercure Old Town is waiting to reveal its secrets. (And maybe even teach you how to make a halfway decent scrambled egg. I hope!)
Escape to Paradise: Unbelievable Highland Resort Lonavala Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's travel itinerary. We're diving headfirst into Tbilisi, Georgia, and I'm calling the shots (mostly). This is going to be less "perfectly planned adventure" and more "slightly chaotic, gloriously messy, and probably involves me accidentally eating something I can't pronounce."
Mercure Tbilisi Old Town – My Temporary Georgian Fortress: A Pre-Trip Rant (and a Little Hope)
Okay, first things first: the hotel. The Mercure Tbilisi Old Town. I'm hoping it's as charming as the pictures because after a 12-hour flight, I need a place to collapse that doesn't smell faintly of stale cigarettes and despair. I need a fluffy bed. I need a functioning shower. And, judging by the current state of my pre-trip anxiety, I need a bottomless supply of good Georgian wine.
Day 1: Tbilisi – The Arrival & The "Oh God, What Have I Gotten Myself Into?" Feeling
- Morning (or, Let's Be Honest, Mid-Afternoon): Fly in. Land. Navigate the passport control line, which is usually where my carefully constructed travel plans unravel into a pile of crumpled documents and existential dread. Get through it, somehow. Breathe. Find the taxi (or, if I'm feeling brave, the Metro). I'm praying the driver doesn't try to murder me with his driving.
- Afternoon: Check into the Mercure, assuming the concierge doesn't look at me and go, "Oh, you again?" Hopefully, the room is as advertised – maybe even better. Settle in, unpack (or, more likely, dump everything on the bed), and survey my surroundings.
- Anecdote Alert: Last time I tried to "unpack," I ended up with one shoe in the closet, the other under the bed, and a half-eaten bag of gummy bears in my handbag. Let's aim for slightly more organized this time.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Wandering through the Old Town. This is where the real magic happens. I want to get properly lost. I expect it to be all cobblestone streets and ancient churches and maybe some hidden courtyards. I'm fantasizing about stumbling on a little wine bar and just hanging out…maybe even making friends.
- Quirky Observation: Buildings that look like they're leaning on each other for support. This is beautiful.
- Evening: Dinner somewhere with traditional Georgian food. Khinkali (soup dumplings) are a MUST-TRY. And I will find the perfect wine, the one that makes me forget all my worries (at least for a little while).
- Emotional Reaction: Okay, I'm starting to get a little excited. I'm going to love this food. I just know it.
Day 2: Tbilisi – The Sulfur Baths, the Art, and the Possible Hangover
- Morning: Okay, hydration is key after potentially overindulging yesterday. Big breakfast: coffee, eggs – something to get my body going. Before I can truly embrace the day I need to check for any damage after yesterday's wine drinking.
- Mid-Morning: The Sulfur Baths. I signed up for one of the pricier ones, because why not? I'm imagining total relaxation, maybe some essential oils, and the feeling of being reborn.
- Rambling Thought: I'm also slightly terrified of nudity. I'm just going to own it. We are all just human here right?
- Lunch: Probably something quick and easy near the baths – maybe a street vendor.
- Afternoon: Exploring the art scene. I'm hoping to see some of the famous Georgian art. More wandering. People-watching. Buying a souvenir I'll probably regret later.
- Emotional Reaction: The art will be amazing. I feel it.
- Evening: Probably going to need a quiet night in after feeling so relaxed. Some more Georgian goodness. Maybe I'll try to learn a few Georgian phrases. Wish me luck.
Day 3: Mtskheta – A Day Trip & The Inevitable Tourist Traps
- Morning: Quick breakfast. A bus trip to Mtskheta, the ancient capital. This is supposed to be breathtaking, with ancient churches and stunning views.
- Opinionated Language: Tourist traps are inevitable. But I'm going to try to enjoy them anyway.
- Lunch: Something in Mtskheta. Hopefully authentic.
- Afternoon: Exploring the main sites. Praying I don't get trampled by a tour group.
- Messy Structure: Okay, so, I heard there's this one church. Supposedly, the coolest thing ever. Something about a robe? I'm going to have to consult a more reliable source on this.
- Evening: Back to Tbilisi. Maybe a rooftop bar with a view. Or, let's be honest, probably collapsing in my hotel room with a bag of chips and wondering if I remembered to mail that postcard.
Day 4: Tbilisi – The Wandering Continues & Farewell (For Now?)
- Morning: Hit up the Dry Bridge Market. I probably will buy nothing, but I want to look around. It's going to be hot, crowded, and full of strange and wonderful things.
- Stronger Emotional Reaction: I have always loved markets. I want to immerse myself in the chaos.
- Lunch: Somewhere new. Maybe I will try to finally try the food I can't pronounce.
- Afternoon: Last-minute souvenir shopping. Realizing I haven't bought any gifts. Panicking.
- Evening: Farewell dinner. Some of this food is just so good. Tears, laughs, and probably another bottle of wine.
- Night: Pack, probably poorly. Reflect on an incredible trip.
Day 5 - The Departure
- Morning: Squeeze in a final cup of coffee. Leave as many tips as possible. Stare forlornly at Tbilisi from the plane.
And that's it, folks! This is a rough sketch, a guideline. Life happens. Plans change. Maybe I'll love Tbilisi, maybe I'll be ready to go home after two days. But whatever happens, I know it'll be an experience. And it will be me.
Hilton Garden Inn Merrillville/Hobart: Your Perfect Indiana Getaway!
Uncover Tbilisi's Hidden Gems: Mercure Old Town's Secret Revealed! (Or, My Chaotic Weekend)
Okay, spill the tea! Is the Mercure Tbilisi Old Town *really* as good as the hype suggests? Like, are we talking Instagram-worthy sunsets and secret underground speakeasies type good?
Alright, alright, settle down, Instagrammers. Hype? Oh, it's DEFINITELY there. The Mercure? Yeah, it's pretty darn solid. But let's be real, no place is perfect. I went in with expectations sky-high – my friend, Maya, had been raving about it for MONTHS. "The BEST breakfast, you HAVE to try the..." Blah blah blah. Frankly, after the flight from Heathrow, I just wanted a clean bed.
The sunsets? Absolutely, from some rooms. Mine? Nope. But that's life, right? The speakeasy? Now, that's a good story. BUT, the key is finding them. I wandered for ages, feeling like Harry Potter trying to find Platform 9 3/4. Eventually, with (ahem) a little local assistance and after a couple of wrong turns (and a rather embarrassing conversation with a very patient cat owner), I found one. Let's just say the atmosphere was... intimate. So, yeah, good, but maybe manage your expectations a touch. Especially after a long flight!
What's the *deal* with the breakfast? Maya wouldn't shut up about it...
Okay, Maya, settle down! The breakfast IS fantastic. Honestly. The choice? Ridiculous. I have a *serious* weakness for fresh pastries (who doesn't?), and they were a glorious, buttery, flaky dream. I may have eaten, like, five. Don't judge me. The scrambled eggs? Fluffy. The local cheeses? Divine.
But here's the thing, the REAL charm is the chaos (I am a fan of chaos) – the bustling energy of the dining room in the morning. Not everyone's cup of tea, but I thought it was great! You're surrounded by people from all over the world, everyone grabbing for the best bits. You just *have* to try the Khachapuri (Georgian cheese bread). It's practically a religious experience. And honestly, after all that walking, you need the carbs.
Pro tip: Get there early. Otherwise, the good stuff (aka, the pastries) disappears faster than you can say "Gamarjoba" (hello in Georgian)! I made that mistake, and it wasn't pretty.
Hidden gems! Gimme some specifics. What did *you* find?
Alright, hold on to your hats, because I'm about to unleash a whirlwind of Tbilisi treasures! Forget the usual tourist traps, those are everywhere.
First, the speakeasy discovery. Like I said, it was a mission. It was called something (which I now forget), but it was hidden behind a door that looked like a bookstore (cliche, I know, but it worked). I will never forget the feeling of finally FINDING it after a day of frustration. Oh! The music, the cocktails... utterly worth the hunt!
Then there's the Sulphur Baths. Now, I'm not a spa-goer. My idea of relaxation is a good book and a bag of crisps. But trust me on this one. The thermal baths, the whole experience... it's unlike anything else. Just... be ready to get naked with strangers. It's a uniquely Georgian experience.
And the street art! Forget the guidebooks. Just wander. The street art is astonishing. I got lost for hours – in a good way! I stumbled across a tiny cafe run by a woman named Nana, who made the best Khinkali (Georgian dumplings) I’ve ever tasted. That, my friends, is a hidden gem.
Okay, so you loved it, right? Any downsides? Be honest.
Okay, honesty time. I wouldn't say I *loved* it. I absolutely *enjoyed* it. It's a great hotel, centrally located, friendly-ish staff. But it’s not without its quirks.
The elevators are slow! Seriously, prepare to channel your inner zen master while waiting. And sometimes, the hot water runs a little... temperamental. Fine, it ran cold for a day. And the view from my room wasn't amazing (I'm still bitter, maybe a little).
But the biggest thing? The sheer amount of walking. Tbilisi's hills are no joke! My legs felt like they'd run a marathon by the second day. Invest in good shoes, people! Seriously, you'll thank me. My feet are still recovering.
Best time to go? And what should I pack?
Best time? Honestly, spring or fall are probably ideal. The weather is lovely, and it's not TOO crowded. Summer can be scorching, and winter... well, I can only imagine!
Packing essentials, hmmm? Let's see:
- Good walking shoes: I cannot stress this enough. Seriously.
- Adaptor: If you're from, like, anywhere that's not Europe
- A sense of adventure: Be prepared to get lost, stumble, and have a few mishaps. It's all part of the fun!
- A reusable water bottle: Stay hydrated!
- A phrasebook: While a lot of people speak English, knowing a few basic Georgian phrases is always appreciated. Especially if you want to eat the local cheese bread!
- Comfy clothes: Tbilisi is pretty casual. Think comfy, but stylish-ish.
- Maybe a flashlight?: For finding those sneaky speakeasies. I got lost in the dark at one point. Don’t be like me.
Overall, is the Mercure Old Town worth it?
Look, judging by the amount of the stuff I have mentioned, I didn't dislike it. So... yes. Honestly, it's a great base for exploring Tbilisi. The location is excellent. The breakfast is *almost* worth the price of admission alone. The negatives were minor and I’d go again (maybe! I need to let my feet heal). I would not say this is my favourite hotel ever, but it will do nicely. But remember, it's about the *experience*, not just the hotel. Go, get lost, eat all the pastries, and embrace the chaos. You won't regret it. (Probably).
