We review Stamba Hotel Tbilisi, Georgia: a 1950s publishing house turned design hotel

Set within a vast 1950s publishing house, Stamba Hotel Tbilisi is a bold and beautifully executed design hotel that has become a focal point of the city’s creative scene. With its industrial bones, soaring ceilings and carefully curated cultural spaces, Stamba feels more like a living arts complex than a traditional hotel. From speciality coffee and cocktails to exhibitions, events and one of the city’s most talked-about dining spots, it’s a place where guests and locals naturally mingle. I was excited to check in on my first visit to the Georgian capital.

While this stay was sponsored, all thoughts and opinions are our own.

Stamba Hotel Tbilisi review

Hotel snapshot

Hotel name: Stamba Hotel Tbilisi
Location: Vera neighbourhood, Tbilisi, Georgia
Address: 14 Merab Kostava Street, Tbilisi 0108, Georgia
Number of rooms and suites: 42 rooms and suites
Brand: Adjara Group Hospitality
Date opened: 2018
Design style: Industrial, Soviet-era brutalist meets contemporary design
Family amenities: Limited, but family rooms are available on request
Wellness facilities: No full spa; in-room bathtubs and access to sister property gym
Prices from: Approx. £180–£300 per night, depending on the room and season

Checking in

Arrival at Stamba is deliberately dramatic. The original concrete structure opens into a vast, light-filled lobby filled with sculptural furniture, greenery and the hum of café culture. The check-in area feels relaxed and informal, more like a creative studio than a hotel front desk, with staff welcoming guests warmly and efficiently. My first impression was a sense that something was always happening here, and if it weren’t for the long flight, I’d have happily joined the gang on the terrace. Alas, I needed to shower and get some rest.

Rooms and suites

Rooms at Stamba are generous in size and unapologetically industrial, with sky-high ceilings, large windows and a strong sense of place. Expect polished concrete, exposed brick and textures layered in through plush carpets, soft and mirrored furnishings and a focal book wall popped with local art. Bathrooms are a highlight, thanks to freestanding tubs and spacious walk-in showers. My Aviator Signature Room came with a 19th-century-style brass tub, carrying luxe amenities from Grown Alchemist. I appreciate that the maroon tiled bathroom floor is heated. Thick robes and slippers are provided behind a curtained closet.

My room also had a fully stocked mini bar with cocktail-making equipment, Georgian teas with a kettle, and a high-tech Miele espresso machine. Milk isn’t stocked in the fridge, and guests need to request a complimentary carton from room service unless they drink their brews black. A large bottle of water is provided daily, though I understood that tap water in Tbilisi is safe for consumption.

Despite the raw materials, my room felt deeply comfy, striking a balance between edgy design and genuine luxury.

Food and drink

Food and drink are central to the Stamba experience. The hotel is home to several of Tbilisi’s popular venues, though I only had the chance to visit Café Stamba, a café-by-day and restaurant/bar-by-night. This is where I had breakfast, which was à la carte. We loved the avocado toast, which I believe came with greens from the hotel’s farm, and the pastries were freshly made on-site. The cinnamon bun was quite addictive, so we had that every day. One thing to note is that breakfast begins quite late at 8 am. If you plan on setting out earlier, then you can request the team put together a sandwich-based breakfast box to go. We did that on departure day.

Some really cool hangouts

Aside from Cafe Stamba, the hotel offers a slew of communal spaces to enjoy. I found plenty of cosy nooks to catch up on some emails or, of course, read a book.

When I wanted to use the gym, it was within the vicinity, at the sister property. That too had some nice spaces for a drink.

In warmer months, guests can head outside to relax in the garden courtyard. Out here, there’s also an outdoor amphitheatre that hosts events, shows, workshops, talks, and concerts late into the night. Other notable outlets within the complex included a Photo Museum, a boutique, and a SpaceFarm, aka the city’s first vertical farm, supplying restaurants with fresh micro and leafy greens all year round.

Things to do

Stamba is located in the Vera neighbourhood, an area known for cultural institutions, cafés and leafy streets. Many key attractions are literally on your doorstep.

I always like to discover local food in a new area, so I booked a 15-tasting tour of the old and new city, with wine. It was a bargain at £35 per person on GetYourGuide and really worth it, not just for the off-piste eats but also learning about the history and culture of the city from a local. Did you know that Tbilisi is a couple of hours’ drive from Akhtala, Armenia? There are a ton of day tours you can do if you want to tick off another country.

Getting there

Direct flights from London Heathrow to Tbilisi International Airport are now available on British Airways. I recently discovered that booking a Heathrow Express in advance means a 15-minute journey from Paddington for just £10, cheaper than the Elizabeth Line (which I am furious with due to a lack of transparency with their Oyster pricing).

From Tbilisi International, it’s a 30-minute drive to Stamba Hotel, depending on traffic. Taxis and rideshare apps are affordable and widely used in the city, or you can even take the bus, which costs around 45p and accepts card payments. 

The hotel’s central location makes it easy to explore Tbilisi on foot or by car, with many top sights a short distance away.

Frequently asked questions: Stamba Hotel Tbilisi