Hotel Panoramic

Hotel Panoramic lives up to its name with views over Kutaisi, and it is a good pick for travellers who prefer a quieter location on the hill to a spot in the middle of the traffic. It is about a fifteen-minute walk from the centre, so the main square, the theatres and the Green Bazaar are reachable on foot, but evenings are peaceful. The hotel serves breakfast with a view of the city, runs a 24-hour airport shuttle and offers free wifi and toiletries. Guest scores are solid and the price level is modest, making it a sensible, comfortable base for a stay of a few nights.

Breakfast is the highlight of the day here. Served in a room or terrace with a view across the rooftops to the river and the hills, it turns a simple meal into a pleasant start, and the dishes usually include local cheese, bread, eggs and fresh fruit. On a clear morning the light is good for photographs, and it is a pleasant spot to plan the day’s route over coffee.

The 24-hour airport shuttle matters because of the flight schedules into Kutaisi, which often involve late arrivals and early departures. Let the hotel know your flight details in advance and confirm any charges. The same staff can organise taxis and tours, including trips to Gelati and Motsameta, Prometheus Cave, Martvili and Okatse or the Svaneti mountains, and they can recommend local restaurants for dinner.

The walk to the centre is mostly downhill on the way in and uphill on the way back, a point to consider if you have mobility issues or a lot of shopping. A taxi is inexpensive and easy to find. The hillside also puts you closer to the cathedral and the green areas than some central hotels, and the cooler air is welcome in midsummer. Rooms are simple, clean and quiet.

Hotel Panoramic is best for travellers who want views, peace and a lower price without losing access to the sights. It suits couples, solo travellers and small groups who plan to spend most days on excursions and want a calm place to return to. Reserve early for summer, ask for a room with a view when you book, and check the details of breakfast and the airport transfer.

Rooms facing the city cost slightly more but reward you at sunset, when the lights come on across the river. If you are travelling with older relatives, ask for a room close to the entrance, and plan taxi rides for the evenings when the climb from the centre feels steeper than it looks.