Fabrika is the budget pick and one of the places that defines the new Tbilisi. The utilitarian concrete building on Ninoshvili Street was once a Soviet-era textile factory, and it has been reborn as a hostel and suites above a buzzing courtyard where small cafes, bars, design shops and studios occupy the old workshops. The result feels less like a hostel than a creative hub: locals come for coffee and drinks in the courtyard, guests from around the world share stories in the lobby and yard, and the whole place is busy in every season. Accommodation ranges from mixed and female dorms of three to twelve beds to private double and twin rooms, some with shared bathrooms, a private bunk room and suites, so it works for solo backpackers and couples on a budget alike. Facilities include a rooftop terrace, laundry, a cafe and bar and a coworking space. Expedia gives it an excellent guest rating of 8.8.
Location and getting around: Fabrika is at 8 Ninoshvili Street in Chughureti, on the left bank of the Mtkvari near the Marjanishvili area, a neighbourhood of old houses, street art and new cafes on the up. Marjanishvili Theatre is within a fifteen-minute walk, Rustaveli Avenue is about twenty minutes on foot across the river, and the National Museum, Freedom Square and the old town are a few minutes by taxi. The central railway station is around twenty minutes on foot, and the airport is about half an hour by car.
Rooms: dorms are simple and clean with bunk beds and lockers, and the private rooms are minimalist, with concrete, wood and good beds; the suites add space for longer stays.
Who it suits: solo travellers, budget-minded couples and digital nomads who like to be where the action is. Light sleepers should ask for a room away from the courtyard, which can be lively at night.
Good to know: breakfast is available for a fee in the morning, the hotel can arrange an airport shuttle for a fee, and staff are generous with local tips and routes.
Why stay here
- ✓Private rooms and dorms
- ✓Courtyard cafes and bars
- ✓Rooftop terrace
- ✓Coworking space
- ✓Laundry facilities
- ✓Breakfast available
- ✓Airport shuttle on request
- ✓Free WiFi
Good questions
Does Fabrika have private rooms?+
Yes, as well as dorms of three to twelve beds it has private double and twin rooms, some with shared bathrooms, and suites. That makes it a good budget option for couples too.
What was Fabrika before it was a hostel?+
The building was a Soviet-era textile factory. Today its courtyard is full of cafes, bars, shops and studios.
Is Fabrika noisy at night?+
The courtyard bars can be lively in the evenings, especially at weekends. Light sleepers should ask for a room away from the courtyard.
