Right in the middle of Tbilisi's busy business and shopping area, just a short walk from the charming Old Town, is the stylish Radisson Blu Hotel Tbilisi. With its clean and modern design, this hotel has a super fancy 1,600-square-meter Anne Semonin spa, which is a great place to relax and recharge. And the lively Rustaveli Metro Station and the Tbilisi Opera and Ballet Theatre are just a five-minute stroll away!

The rooms at the Radisson Blu Iveria Hotel are all modern and comfy, with free WiFi, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, and coffee and tea-making facilities. The carpets make the rooms feel cozy, and you can control the temperature and there's a mini-bar too. The bathrooms have either a bathtub or a shower, plus free toiletries and a handy hairdryer.

In the morning, you can start your day with a tasty buffet breakfast at the hotel. For food, you've got a few options. Umami serves a mix of Asian flavors, while Filini has Italian dishes. The Sky Bar on the 18th floor has amazing views of the city.

On the rooftop of the hotel, there's a modern fitness center with everything you need for a workout, and a sauna where you can relax and unwind. If you want to treat yourself, you can book a massage or visit the casino. There are also indoor and outdoor pools, and a business center with faxing, photocopying, and printing services.

The Radisson Blu Hotel Tbilisi is close to a lot of great places. Freedom Square is about a kilometer away, and the Art Museum of Georgia and Tbilisi City Hall are even closer. The Tbilisi Train Station is just a seven-minute drive away, and Tbilisi International Airport is only 17 kilometers away.

The Radisson Blue Hotel Tbilisi Background

The year 1967 marked the beginning of the trend of constructing high-rise structures in the Soviet Union. During this period, a high-rise building known as "Intourist" appeared in Pitsunda. The "Iveria" hotel built in Tbilisi, became the city's first high-rise structure. Unlike modern buildings with glass facades, "Iveria" had a simpler design with balconies. It symbolized modernity and was a significant landmark in the city center.

However, the outbreak of war in Abkhazia in 1992 brought about a drastic change. Hundreds of thousands of refugees sought shelter in Georgia, and the government, facing a lack of funds, resorted to using abandoned hotels and sanatoriums to accommodate them. "Iveria" was transformed into a hostel for refugees. The facades were covered with linen, giving the building a gypsy-like appearance. "Iveria," once a symbol of progress, became a poignant representation of war and the refugee crisis in the heart of Tbilisi.

In 2004, the Georgian government underwent a change, ushering in an era of reform. An investor agreed to provide compensation of $7,000 to each refugee to facilitate their resettlement. However, the refugees expressed dissatisfaction. Despite the intimidating appearance of the building, it remained a high-rise situated in the city center. People took to streets of Tbilisi, but protest rallies proved unsuccessful that year. Ultimately, the government officials resettled refugees. The building underwent a comprehensive transformation, with everything except the main frame being demolished. The facade was enhanced with glass walls, altering the original brick shape into a more intricate design. Innovative corner glass rooms were also introduced. The grand opening of the new hotel took place on October 23, 2009.