Sheraton Batumi Hotel, Republic of Georgia [Master Thread]
Oct 17, 2010, 10:51 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: On the road, 24/7/365
Posts: 3,467
Sheraton Batumi Hotel, Republic of Georgia [Master Thread]
Eighty percent of the way through a five-day stay.
Arrival: On one of the main streets of Batumi, near the beach and along the park strand. Fairly standard looking facility, with a casino in the back. Can't say anything about parking other than what is visible is limited. Presumably more parking somewhere else, but I have no car. Ten lari cab fare for the 6km ride from the airport. 20 floors in a tapered set up - more rooms on lower floors.
Check In: Smooth. Recognized platinum status verbally, with welcome gift (ameinty), letter and FANTASTIC suite upgrade, my first in years. Corner suite with great view of city, harbor and beach. I had my concerns about this new hotel, but front desk staff made no mistakes and everything was just as it should be. When asked for information and map of local area, received a wonderful presentation by a proud Georgian who had his facts at-hand and was prepared to answer questions. All of this took place in solid English.
Room: Great. Lots of lighting, and a functioning HVAC, albeit without air conditioning for the winter season. Temps were a bit warm, so AC would have been useful. But we survived. Overhead/rainfall showerhead with copious volume and good temperature control. Full bathroom in berdoom area and a half bath in the non-bedroom section of the suite. Also in the suite section, couch and dining table. Two phones, but no alarm clock...or any clock at all, for that matter. All wake-up calls came on-time. Quiet.
Breakfast: Come hungry. Even if you're a vegan, you'll be well fed and well taken care of by servers. Coffee is good. Omlettes to order. (Obviously, as a vegan, I didn't sample, but they looked good, with lots of vegetable add-ins). Nice setting, with windows looking out on beach/park. Light and inviting, even in rain.
Fitness and Spa: Amazing spa facilities, including several saunas, pool, various treatment areas, aerobics studio (no classes). Fitness center is adequate, with new Life Fitness equipment. Two bikes, two ellipticals, treadmills, weights, balls, stretching area. Spa and pool areas are 0700 - 2330, while fitness is 24 hours.
Public areas: Nice, but smoking is permitted and commonly practiced. Lounge area (drinks and snacks) off lobby. Four internet terminals in lobby; all worked well during my stay. Printer. Business newspapers.
Club Lounge: Closed during my stay, but looked fine through window, FWIW.
Overall: Top marks. Likely to be my "Starwood Property of the Year".
On Batumi: Vast portions under construction/re-construction. Roads and sidewalks are good in some places, and non-existent in others. Same goes for street lighting. Light and watershow on beach, about 2km south of hotel was worth more than the price of admission (free).
PM me, if you're going in the near future.
Arrival: On one of the main streets of Batumi, near the beach and along the park strand. Fairly standard looking facility, with a casino in the back. Can't say anything about parking other than what is visible is limited. Presumably more parking somewhere else, but I have no car. Ten lari cab fare for the 6km ride from the airport. 20 floors in a tapered set up - more rooms on lower floors.
Check In: Smooth. Recognized platinum status verbally, with welcome gift (ameinty), letter and FANTASTIC suite upgrade, my first in years. Corner suite with great view of city, harbor and beach. I had my concerns about this new hotel, but front desk staff made no mistakes and everything was just as it should be. When asked for information and map of local area, received a wonderful presentation by a proud Georgian who had his facts at-hand and was prepared to answer questions. All of this took place in solid English.
Room: Great. Lots of lighting, and a functioning HVAC, albeit without air conditioning for the winter season. Temps were a bit warm, so AC would have been useful. But we survived. Overhead/rainfall showerhead with copious volume and good temperature control. Full bathroom in berdoom area and a half bath in the non-bedroom section of the suite. Also in the suite section, couch and dining table. Two phones, but no alarm clock...or any clock at all, for that matter. All wake-up calls came on-time. Quiet.
Breakfast: Come hungry. Even if you're a vegan, you'll be well fed and well taken care of by servers. Coffee is good. Omlettes to order. (Obviously, as a vegan, I didn't sample, but they looked good, with lots of vegetable add-ins). Nice setting, with windows looking out on beach/park. Light and inviting, even in rain.
Fitness and Spa: Amazing spa facilities, including several saunas, pool, various treatment areas, aerobics studio (no classes). Fitness center is adequate, with new Life Fitness equipment. Two bikes, two ellipticals, treadmills, weights, balls, stretching area. Spa and pool areas are 0700 - 2330, while fitness is 24 hours.
Public areas: Nice, but smoking is permitted and commonly practiced. Lounge area (drinks and snacks) off lobby. Four internet terminals in lobby; all worked well during my stay. Printer. Business newspapers.
Club Lounge: Closed during my stay, but looked fine through window, FWIW.
Overall: Top marks. Likely to be my "Starwood Property of the Year".
On Batumi: Vast portions under construction/re-construction. Roads and sidewalks are good in some places, and non-existent in others. Same goes for street lighting. Light and watershow on beach, about 2km south of hotel was worth more than the price of admission (free).
PM me, if you're going in the near future.
Jan 30, 2013, 11:42 pm
#3
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: JFK
Programs: UA Gold (Million Miler), FI Gold, Bonvoy Titanium
Posts: 1,075
I stayed here last week. Still a very nice hotel with very good staff. The gym and pool is stunning. It's a bit curious to me though why the gym itself is so small when there is more than enough space available to make it bigger - instead there are multiple relaxation areas. Also I couldn't figure out how to get the hot tub in the hammam room to work, but the one next to the pool was good enough!
As it's low season, the hotel was at very low occupancy. This created a bit of a problem because on my first night, no drinks or hot snacks were served in the lounge during "happy hour" even though I was told at reception that there would be. I complained about this, mainly because I paid for club lounge access in my rate (it was not a status upgrade). At first the reception staff didn't really know how to handle my complaint, but when I returned to the hotel after dinner I found a lovely gift in my room and hand-written apology. It was quite touching. The next evening all was well in the lounge and staff all knew my name!
Breakfast was also wonderful and there were no reductions in quality or variety due to the low occupancy. The coffee was very good.
One curious thing to mention is that the reception agent apologised for allocating me a city rather than sea view room. Once I saw the room, I found no reason for apology. The city view is really amazing, even from my 14th floor room. The sea is just the sea, but Batumi city is a fascinating view with all its building works and unique new blend of architecture. I hope to be back in summer to see the place at full swing.
As it's low season, the hotel was at very low occupancy. This created a bit of a problem because on my first night, no drinks or hot snacks were served in the lounge during "happy hour" even though I was told at reception that there would be. I complained about this, mainly because I paid for club lounge access in my rate (it was not a status upgrade). At first the reception staff didn't really know how to handle my complaint, but when I returned to the hotel after dinner I found a lovely gift in my room and hand-written apology. It was quite touching. The next evening all was well in the lounge and staff all knew my name!
Breakfast was also wonderful and there were no reductions in quality or variety due to the low occupancy. The coffee was very good.
One curious thing to mention is that the reception agent apologised for allocating me a city rather than sea view room. Once I saw the room, I found no reason for apology. The city view is really amazing, even from my 14th floor room. The sea is just the sea, but Batumi city is a fascinating view with all its building works and unique new blend of architecture. I hope to be back in summer to see the place at full swing.
Sep 7, 2013, 10:34 am
#5
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Miami, FL
Programs: UA 1MM, AA Plat, Marriott LT Titanium, Hyatt Glob, IHG ♢ Amb, Hilton ♢, Hertz Pres
Posts: 6,017
So here is my review (also posted on SPG). btw, I disagree about veggies/vegans being taken care of. I found the club lounge to be very lacking in this regard. And the restaurant too. Review below:
I didn't know what to expect - but this hotel exceeded my expectations.
Service:
I'll start with the service because it was exceptional. Everyone greets you with smile and chats with you and cares. It truly makes the experience special when you feel like a desired customer. Kudos!
Rooms:
I was upgraded to a very large suite and it was simply gorgeous. The rooms look over the Black Sea and the city. There is a huge living room with separate bedroom. The bed is comfy, the pillows were perfect. There are plenty of free outlets and the lighting is nice.
Bathroom: The bathroom has a rain shower head and is very nice. The have a shaving mirror but it's nailed to the wall in a poor location. Should be moved.
Property:
They have a gorgeous pool with lots of seating. The pool is a must as the beach is all rocks (no sand). Not sure how anyone uses it. They have a pool restaurant but they won't allow you to eat by the pool, you must get up and sit at the restaurant. Silly that, since they have tables next to the lounges.
Platinum Recognition:
1- Upgraded to super large suite with wonderful views.
2- Late check out, no problem.
3- Free fast wifi.
4- Access to club lounge with beautiful balcony and yummy desserts and fresh fruit. They offer yummy snacks, but they are not vegetarian friendly. Some night only meat - others meat and fish. Beer and wine is on offer too.
5- Breakfast option for Platinums is not great. Continental breakfast or 500 points. Would be great if Platinums received full buffet breakfast as a matter of course.
Laundry:
I used their laundry services but they didn't get my clothes cleaned. My clothes came back with the same stains I gave them in with (which came out at the next Starwood I went to). That's not acceptable when you're paying very hefty hotel cleaning charges. Further, at checkout, they overcharged me for the cleaning - although they stated they are going to credit me for the overcharge.
Restaurant:
As with everything else, I loved the service at the restaurant. And the views are gorgeous. But I found the food to just be average, so I only ate there one night.
I highly enjoyed my stay at this property, but you be aware in the summer Batumi has beach clubs that blast very loud music from 11:30pm to 5am. And ear plugs do not help. So if you're coming to Batumi for peace and quiet, you may want to reconsider. Outside of this issue, I loved my stay here and in Batumi.
I didn't know what to expect - but this hotel exceeded my expectations.
Service:
I'll start with the service because it was exceptional. Everyone greets you with smile and chats with you and cares. It truly makes the experience special when you feel like a desired customer. Kudos!
Rooms:
I was upgraded to a very large suite and it was simply gorgeous. The rooms look over the Black Sea and the city. There is a huge living room with separate bedroom. The bed is comfy, the pillows were perfect. There are plenty of free outlets and the lighting is nice.
Bathroom: The bathroom has a rain shower head and is very nice. The have a shaving mirror but it's nailed to the wall in a poor location. Should be moved.
Property:
They have a gorgeous pool with lots of seating. The pool is a must as the beach is all rocks (no sand). Not sure how anyone uses it. They have a pool restaurant but they won't allow you to eat by the pool, you must get up and sit at the restaurant. Silly that, since they have tables next to the lounges.
Platinum Recognition:
1- Upgraded to super large suite with wonderful views.
2- Late check out, no problem.
3- Free fast wifi.
4- Access to club lounge with beautiful balcony and yummy desserts and fresh fruit. They offer yummy snacks, but they are not vegetarian friendly. Some night only meat - others meat and fish. Beer and wine is on offer too.
5- Breakfast option for Platinums is not great. Continental breakfast or 500 points. Would be great if Platinums received full buffet breakfast as a matter of course.
Laundry:
I used their laundry services but they didn't get my clothes cleaned. My clothes came back with the same stains I gave them in with (which came out at the next Starwood I went to). That's not acceptable when you're paying very hefty hotel cleaning charges. Further, at checkout, they overcharged me for the cleaning - although they stated they are going to credit me for the overcharge.
Restaurant:
As with everything else, I loved the service at the restaurant. And the views are gorgeous. But I found the food to just be average, so I only ate there one night.
I highly enjoyed my stay at this property, but you be aware in the summer Batumi has beach clubs that blast very loud music from 11:30pm to 5am. And ear plugs do not help. So if you're coming to Batumi for peace and quiet, you may want to reconsider. Outside of this issue, I loved my stay here and in Batumi.
Sep 29, 2021, 11:04 am
#6
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: DFW
Programs: AA Plat/6MM, Marriott Titanium, IHG Diamond
Posts: 3,240
I figured an update might be in order after eight years:
I used SNAs and got a nice, spacious suite. Great western views of shoreline/city. Newish 4k LG TVs. Bed was definitely not "heavenly" but adequate -- just a mattress on a low pedestal, with industrial-grade linens -- like something you'd get at your neighborhood ibis.
The lounge (and staff) was terrific. On my weekend stay there were five hot dishes on offer in the evening (beef/fish/chicken and two veggies) and the usual slate of cold veggies/salads, breads and deserts. (The hot items were excellent.) Six wines and eight liquors/spirits. Listed hours are 1800-2000 ("Happy Hour") and 1800-2100 ("Cocktails") although all foods/drinks were still available when I retired near 2100.
The lounge has a large patio with excellent views over the city from the 14th floor.
I also had breakfast in the lounge. I believe I was offered the option of dining in the restaurant, but I needed only juice/coffee in the morning and the lounge is comfortable and quiet.
And, really off-topic here, but I'll mention it only because I didn't find it on the usual online travel websites: the Metromoney public transit card I purchased in Tbilisi works just fine in Batumi public transit (no need to purchase the Batumi Card). Bus #10 will take you from the "Univeristy" (sic - Google Maps) bus stop (about one block from the hotel) to the train station or airport (20 minutes) for ~ US$0.24.
I used SNAs and got a nice, spacious suite. Great western views of shoreline/city. Newish 4k LG TVs. Bed was definitely not "heavenly" but adequate -- just a mattress on a low pedestal, with industrial-grade linens -- like something you'd get at your neighborhood ibis.
The lounge (and staff) was terrific. On my weekend stay there were five hot dishes on offer in the evening (beef/fish/chicken and two veggies) and the usual slate of cold veggies/salads, breads and deserts. (The hot items were excellent.) Six wines and eight liquors/spirits. Listed hours are 1800-2000 ("Happy Hour") and 1800-2100 ("Cocktails") although all foods/drinks were still available when I retired near 2100.
The lounge has a large patio with excellent views over the city from the 14th floor.
I also had breakfast in the lounge. I believe I was offered the option of dining in the restaurant, but I needed only juice/coffee in the morning and the lounge is comfortable and quiet.
And, really off-topic here, but I'll mention it only because I didn't find it on the usual online travel websites: the Metromoney public transit card I purchased in Tbilisi works just fine in Batumi public transit (no need to purchase the Batumi Card). Bus #10 will take you from the "Univeristy" (sic - Google Maps) bus stop (about one block from the hotel) to the train station or airport (20 minutes) for ~ US$0.24.
Feb 11, 2022, 10:28 am
#7
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2002
Location: NC
Programs: AAConciergeKey/1MM, DL DM/2 MM, UA Gold,Hilton Diamond, IHG Plat, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 11,977
What a great update LRD, thank you. Glad to hear during Covid times that the lounge is still operating normally. I might choose to stay here instead of Le Meridien or Hilton. Is it within walking distance to area sights/attractions?
Feb 11, 2022, 12:24 pm
#8
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: DFW
Programs: AA Plat/6MM, Marriott Titanium, IHG Diamond
Posts: 3,240
Yes, the location is within walking distance to most sights. (But, I love to just walk, so "walking distance" to me is anything under 5km. YMMV.)
If you get tired of walking, there's a 'loop" bus that departs from the same bus stop I mentioned in my post, right outside the hotel, that will get you close to most attractions, for less than a US quarter-dollar.
ETA: I'd like to add that the "loop bus" I mentioned should not be confused with those "hop-on, hop-off" sightseeing buses found in many tourist destinations. It is just a circular routing of the citywide bus system, used everyday by locals. It may be useful for getting from tourist site A to B, but it certainly shouldn't be considered as a "tourist bus".
If you get tired of walking, there's a 'loop" bus that departs from the same bus stop I mentioned in my post, right outside the hotel, that will get you close to most attractions, for less than a US quarter-dollar.
ETA: I'd like to add that the "loop bus" I mentioned should not be confused with those "hop-on, hop-off" sightseeing buses found in many tourist destinations. It is just a circular routing of the citywide bus system, used everyday by locals. It may be useful for getting from tourist site A to B, but it certainly shouldn't be considered as a "tourist bus".
Last edited by LRD; Feb 11, 2022 at 1:11 pm Reason: Loop Bus
Feb 12, 2022, 9:27 am
#9
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2002
Location: NC
Programs: AAConciergeKey/1MM, DL DM/2 MM, UA Gold,Hilton Diamond, IHG Plat, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 11,977
The lounge (and staff) was terrific. On my weekend stay there were five hot dishes on offer in the evening (beef/fish/chicken and two veggies) and the usual slate of cold veggies/salads, breads and deserts. (The hot items were excellent.) Six wines and eight liquors/spirits. Listed hours are 1800-2000 ("Happy Hour") and 1800-2100 ("Cocktails") although all foods/drinks were still available when I retired near 2100.
The lounge has a large patio with excellent views over the city from the 14th floor.
The lounge has a large patio with excellent views over the city from the 14th floor.
Jul 10, 2023, 9:04 am
#10
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: HELsinki
Programs: BONVOY Lifetime Platinum , Ay Platinum, Hhonors Diamond
Posts: 152
Staying here at the Sheraton and after a quick stay in the Le meridien. There’s certainly some old world feeling in this one, but not necessarily in a bad way.
Excellent platinum recoqnition, upgraded to Exec Suite several days ago before a stay. Nice club lounge with outdoor seating on the 14th floor, bit crowded thought. Nice selection of Georgian wines and basic spirits along with good selection of hot&cold items, differing each day.
Very nice and big pool area eith decently priced pool bar, indoor pool also available.
Location good, bit further from ”main square” than LeM, but still right here in the centre.
There seems to be also a brand new Marriott finnishing (according to a taxi driver) this autumn 2 blocks away, and atleast the layout looks great.
Great city for a Bonvoy hotel hop with many good alternatives, even the Courtyard seems good
Excellent platinum recoqnition, upgraded to Exec Suite several days ago before a stay. Nice club lounge with outdoor seating on the 14th floor, bit crowded thought. Nice selection of Georgian wines and basic spirits along with good selection of hot&cold items, differing each day.
Very nice and big pool area eith decently priced pool bar, indoor pool also available.
Location good, bit further from ”main square” than LeM, but still right here in the centre.
There seems to be also a brand new Marriott finnishing (according to a taxi driver) this autumn 2 blocks away, and atleast the layout looks great.
Great city for a Bonvoy hotel hop with many good alternatives, even the Courtyard seems good