Stamba Hotel, Tbilisi

Standing on the Kostava Street, around the corner of Rustaveli Avenue, is the Stamba Hotel, a beautifully designed hotel within a former Soviet-era publishing house. Alongside the quirky interiors, the hotel is in a class of its own with a glass-bottomed rooftop pool, chic casino and mini amphitheatre. Be amazed by the leafy five-storey lobby, topped by the glass-bottomed pool. The grand café serves modern twists of classic Georgian dishes in an airy and light atmosphere, reflecting the traditional and modern vibes of the city. The other shared areas are just as impressive; the naughty Chocolaterie coffee shop, the only terraced Casino in Tbilisi and the full stocked library lounge area. The interiors are inspired by nature, seen through the many large plant motifs and the custom-designed botanical wallpapers by the city’s artist Maya Sumbadze. There are forty-two rooms in total (all double beds, no twins) which remind one of a lofty New York city studio apartment, minimalist and spacious with large windows allowing plenty of natural light in and views of the courtyard. The bathrooms are superb and feature free-standing brass bathtubs and showers. The courtyard and indoor parking are shared with the Rooms hotel, which is also accessible to guests.