5 Cheap(ish) Places to Stay in Tbilisi, Georgia (For 5 Kinds of Travelers)

If you’re heading to Tbilisi, Georgia (Sakartvelo), first of all, excellent decision. The city is a delicious mess of old balconies, modern art, Soviet leftovers, and enough khinkali to fill your dreams for weeks (and yeah, we’re still dreaming about them). It also happens to be one of Europe’s last truly affordable destinations, where a glass of wine costs less than your morning coffee back home, and boutique hotels don’t require saving for months.

Tbilisi might be easy on your wallet, but figuring out where to stay is weirdly tricky. The internet’s overflowing with the same tired hotel lists — some overpriced, some underwhelming, and most of them written like you’re booking a business conference.

After spending six months in Georgia, we learned a lot — so we put together something better: a short, no-fluff list of five cheap places to stay in Tbilisi, each one matched to a different kind of traveler. Whether you’re budgeting hard or just prefer value over velvet ropes, these are some of the best cheap places to stay in Tbilisi that still deliver on comfort and vibe.

5 Cheap(ish) Places to Stay in Tbilisi

This isn’t a ranking or some influencer-approved rooftop roundup. It’s more like the list you’d get from a friend who knows the city and knows your vibe, someone who’d say, “Don’t book that place, the Wi-Fi’s trash and the window doesn’t open,” then point you somewhere way better.

Georgia’s cuisine shines with rich, hearty dishes featuring buttery wheat breads, cheesy delights, and comforting flavors for heavy-food lovers (like us)!

If you want to be near the good stuff (and let’s be honest, you do), look for a place along the Kura River between Metekhi Bridge and Nikoloz Baratashvili Bridge. That stretch hits the sweet spot close to the Old Town, full of local character, and walkable to just about everything you’ll want to see.

If You’re Thinking Marriott… Think Again (Maybe) 🤔

Now, there are some big-name hotels that plenty of travelers choose, like:

  • Marriott: Classic, dependable, and feels the same whether you’re in Tbilisi or Toledo.
  • Radisson Blu: Slick and business-friendly, with a rooftop bar and views that outshine the vibe.
  • Stamba Hotel: Bold design and brutalist cool — like sleeping inside a high-concept magazine spread.

They’ve got all the usual perks: predictable comfort, polished lobbies, and a certain kind of safety in sameness. And hey, if that’s your style, go for it.

But you WON’T find them on our list, and here’s why: Tbilisi is one of the most eclectic, soulful cities in Europe, part Silk Road, part Soviet, part full-on fever dream. Staying somewhere unique doesn’t just fit the vibe, it completes the package.

If you’re up for exploring beyond the usual tourist spots, staying near a metro station is a smart move. It makes hopping around the city a breeze and lets you check out the real Tbilisi life in neighborhoods off the beaten path.

Plus, when you’re ready to call it a day, taxis through BOLT are ridiculously cheap, so getting around feels like a steal.

1. For the Backpacker Who Wants a Story

🛌 Alcatraz Jail-Hostel

Alcatraz Jail-Hostel

Yes, it’s really jail-themed but without the bad food or existential dread. Alcatraz offers cozy “cells” (aka dorm beds and private rooms) in a friendly, social hostel just minutes from the Old Town. It’s affordable, safe, and weird in the best way.

🏨 Alcatraz Jail-Hostel ➡️ Check Availability

Why stay here? You want budget digs with a twist and maybe some people to split a bottle of Saperavi (Georgian wine) with.

2. For the Solo Traveler Who Craves Calm (But Not Isolation)

🛌 Elia Boutique Hostel & Apart-Hotel

Elia Boutique Hostel

Up the hill in the low-key Elia neighborhood, this mostly hostel setup hits the rare sweet spot between social and serene. Most of the space is made up of clean, modern bunkbed dorms — but there are also a few private rooms with bathrooms, plus a stylish three-bedroom apartment if you’re rolling deep. Guests regularly call it the best (and nicest) hostel they’ve ever stayed in, and between the rooftop views and minimalist design, it’s not hard to see why.

🏨 Elia Boutique Hostel & Apart-Hotel ➡️ Check Availability

Why stay here? You like your mornings quiet, your walks interesting, your neighbors friendly but not clingy, and your space spotless.

3. For the Culture-Loving Couple

🛌 3 Heritage Rooms

3 Heritage Rooms

Yes, it’s called 3 Heritage Rooms. Yes, there are literally three rooms. And yes, it’s number three on our list — funny how things work out. Set in a gorgeously restored building that whispers stories from the 19th century, this place nails the boutique vibe without the boutique prices. The decor leans classy rather than kitschy, and you’re walking distance to wine cellars, art galleries, and the riverfront.

🏨 3 Heritage Rooms ➡️ Check Availability

Why stay here? You want charm, walkability, and a little architectural soul.

How to Actually Get to Your Hotel After Landing ✈️➡️🏨

The metro doesn’t connect to the airport, so it might be worth planning a transfer ahead of time with a service like GetTransfer to get you from the airport straight to your accommodation. Otherwise, if you take public transportation, you’re looking at multiple buses or a bus to the metro plus a walk, which can be a headache, especially after a long day of traveling.

Or, if you’d rather use BOLT when you land, just know that most drivers prefer cash—even though some do accept cards, it’s not guaranteed. We found that out the hard way when no one would take our ride request until we changed our payment method to cash.

It also helps to set yourself up with an eSIM or physical SIM before you land, so you’re not stuck trying to summon a ride without signal or data when airport Wi-Fi decides not to show up, which does happen.


4. For the Tourist Who Wants It All (Except the Price Tag)

🛌 Silver 39 Corner Hotel

Silver 39 Corner Hotel

Bright, modern, and steps away from the action — Silver 39 is the kind of place that balances comfort and convenience without blowing your daily lari allowance. The rooms are clean and cheerful, and the neighborhood is packed with restaurants, shops, and easy access to Tbilisi’s major sights.

🏨 Silver 39 Corner Hotel ➡️ Check Availability

Why stay here? You want to be in the middle of everything, but you’d rather spend your money on experiences (or khachapuri).

5. For the Art-Lover Who Treats Hotels Like Museums

🛌 Vintage Art Rooms

Vintage Art Rooms

Every room in this boutique stay is like stepping into a gallery — bold colors, quirky furniture, and art on every surface. It’s the kind of place that inspires you to journal even if you haven’t done that since high school. Located just off the well-worn path, it’s both central and offbeat.

🏨 Vintage Art Rooms ➡️ Check Availability

Why stay here? You want your accommodation to be as creatively charged as your Instagram captions.

Affordable Doesn’t Mean Boring

There are a lot of cheap places to stay in Tbilisi, but not all of them feel like they belong in a city this colorful; these five absolutely do. From jail-themed hostels to art gallery hotels, each of these cheap places to stay in Tbilisi offers more than just a budget bed, they offer stories worth taking home.

The best part? You won’t need to remortgage your future for it. Just promise us one thing: get that first khinkali while it’s still too hot to bite into, and don’t blame us when you immediately order twelve more.

We Need Your Help

Did you find this article helpful? If so, bookmark it and when you’re planning your next vacation, click on any of the links below before finalizing reservations. You’ll get the best price, we’ll earn a small commission, and you’ll help support future articles.

Thank you!

BEST TRAVEL SEARCH ENGINES

🏘️ Book Accommodation

We use Tripadvisor to compare prices and reviews in advance and check availability

🏨 TripAdvisor

✈️ Book Your Flight

To find the cheapest flight options, use Skyscanner to find the most suitable choice for you

🌎 Skyscanner

🚗 Reserve Rental Car

Use Discover Cars to compare prices and view the largest selection of vehicles

🚙 Discover Cars

Similar Posts