Sometimes you want a holiday that’s relaxing; white sandy beaches, coconuts, crystal clear waters and butler service at the push of button. Other, braver times, you want a challenging vacation; language barriers, hidden gems that only you’ve discovered, with the occasional dramatic event to tell all your friends back home. But occasionally, you want a little bit of luxury amidst all that madness too. The Radisson Blu Iveria Hotel, Tbilisi is just that.

The towering hotel is one of the tallest buildings in town and while its Soviet-era concrete facade on Rose Revolution Square can seem quite daunting from the outside, the spectacularly revamped interior soothes the mind even after experiencing a frenzied 40-minute drive from the airport. 

Cosmopolitan living
The whirling glass doors in the lobby lead you into a glass-enclosed space with stylish lounge chairs and excellent views of the city. Guests are welcomed with a broad smile; a coffee station at the entrance warms business travellers heading off for early morning meetings and bellboys ferry guests’ luggage to and fro. You’d be forgiven for thinking you were in the heart of New York City rather than in Georgia.

The rooms, reached via glass elevators, are the star of the show here. Their contemporary style and futuristic decor are in stark contrast to the city’s stunning Old World architecture. Glass walls with pretty etchings separate the bed headboards with the bathroom. Deep soaking tubs survey the exterior windows as do the glass shower stalls. Along the wall of glass is a complete cushioned sitting area allowing guests to take in the river views in total splendour.

Surrounding sights
The hotel is perched along Rustaveli Avenue, Tbilisi’s main artery. You can’t visit Tbilisi without exploring Rustaveli Avenue and the hotel’s location makes it the ideal base. Named after the 12th century Georgian poet, Shota Rustaveli, Rustaveli Avenue is home to many of the city’s main landmarks and attractions, including the Parliament of Georgia, Liberty Square and the Museum of Georgia. Culture lovers can enjoy watching performances at the Rustaveli State Academic Theatre or at Georgia’s oldest opera house, the Tbilisi Opera and Ballet Theatre. Head downhill and you’ll also reach Tbilisi’s other famous spots such as Narikala Fortress and the rest of the charming Old Town area. And, while English is rarely understood, a taxi back to ‘Rad-e-sson’ is a request all taxi drivers recognise.

Should a full day of exploring leave you tired, head back to the hotel and hop to the spa for a little pampering, or simply gorge in Filini, the hotel’s Italian restaurant. It may seem like a bit of cop out to eat Italian food when there’s exceptional Georgian cuisine in the city, but you’ll not be disappointed with your lazier self. The signature pizzas, live risotto stations and superb service create a wonderful experience emphasising Georgia’s kind and friendly hospitality.