Batumi is without a doubt one of the funkiest cities one will ever see. Some call it the "Las Vegas" of the Black Sea as it is a regional attraction for gambling and other "what happens there, stays there" activities. It is a small city of less than 200,000 on the Republic of Georgia's Black Sea close to the border with Turkey. It is beautifully nestled between the sea and the mountains rising behind it.
In Batumi, one will find their famous rotating Ali and Nino Monument (figures of an armless man and women rotating around each other) and the strangest mishmash of architecture. The architecture is a combination of Soviet architecture, old 1800s architecture, modern architecture, futuristic space-age architecture, antiquity Roman and Greek architecture, and stuff that looks like it's out of a Walt Disney theme park.
About The Funky City of Batumi
Batumi is stunningly situated being at the foot of the lush and dramatic southern Caucasus Mountains. While its pebbled beach leaves much to be desired it makes up for it in many other ways.
- Visa: Georgia Is One Year Visa Free For Western Passport Holders
Holidaymakers from across the former Soviet Union flood into this city to relax in its idyllic setting - famously one of the best in the former USSR. And then there are scores of Turks and others from the Middle East who come to enjoy its liberal and progressive setting and enjoy gambling and other activities.
- Holiday Destination: Batumi Is A Renowned Holiday Destination of The Former USSR
Navigating Batumi is very easy. It is only a small city and has a developed public transportation network (although the names of destinations are often written in the Georgian script with foreigners unable to read them).
The easiest way (by far) to get around is by taxi. The best taxi-hailing app is Yandex Taxi and no taxi ride in the city will cost much more than a couple of dollars.
Tip: Download Yandex Taxi Hailing App
The city also has a small international airport. There are flights to Istanbul and some other destinations. The largest airport in the country is in the capital of Tbilisi. There is also a third airport at Kutaisi in the middle of the country with cheap flights to some European countries
- Airport: There Is A Small International Airport In Batumi
Where to Stay
One has two main choices of eras to stay in Batumi. One can stay in the old city center. Here one is in the middle of everything and everything is funky. One will be a short walk from the large and impressive promenade, the casinos, the old cobbled streets, the many restaurants, about a million exchange booths, as well as the ubiquitous Thai massage parlors.
- Old City: Here The Hotels Are Often Older And Smaller It is The Heart of Batumi
One can also stay just down the coast. This is a much newer part of the city where one will find more high-rise apartment blocks and hotels. If one would like a more modern setting then consider staying in this region - but it is a short taxi ride or a 30-minute walk from the old town.
In between the old town and the new apartment/hotels are some of the world's leading hotel brands. One can find the Mariott, the Hilton, and the Sheraton here. Cost to these hotels one will find the world's funkiest space-age McDonald's restaurant.
Examples of Modern Apartment Hotel Accommodation
Examples of new modern high-rise accommodations are:
Heaven's Palace: Heaven's Palace has been open since 2019 and enjoys a stunning 9.9 out of 10 rating on Booking.com. They are located just 150 meters from Batumi Beach and have balconies.
Each of their units comes with a fully equipped kitchen, a living room, a washing machine, and all the other basic features of an apartment. It is particularly highly rated for solo stays.
- Swimming Pool: Heaven's Palace Comes With a Swimming Pool
- Located: 150 Meters From The Beach (Around 2.5 Kilometers From the Old Town)
Aparthotel In Orbi Complex Sea Side: Another similar accommodation is Aparthotel In Orbi Complex Sea Side. They also have brand new hotel towers and are also situated only 150 meters from the beach (only opened in 2020). They are also located a little closer to the old town but still a decent walk or short taxi ride away.
All of their units are fully self-contained with a fully equipped kitchen, a TV, a fridge, a washing machine, etc. They also serve continental breakfasts.
- Rating: They Have a 9.7 Rating Out of 10 On Booking.com (with A Low Count of Reviews)
- Located: 150 Meters From The Beach (Around 2 Kilometers From the Old Town)