As a local who’s stayed at Rooms Hotel Kazbegi twice—once during a snow-draped winter and once in the soft greenery of spring—I can confidently say this place shines when the temperature drops and the mountains are wrapped in white. This review is my full, no-fluff take on everything this iconic mountain hotel has to offer (and where it underdelivers), based entirely on real, local experience—not PR gloss.
Whether you’re planning a romantic escape, a chill weekend with friends, or a soul-soothing solo trip, you’ll find this brutally honest review especially helpful.
👉 Spoiler alert: Go in winter. Book a mountain-view room. Skip the suite. Thank me later.
Location & First Impressions
Rooms Hotel Kazbegi sits in the heart of Stepantsminda, just under 150 km from Tbilisi—a roughly 3-hour drive via the Georgian Military Highway. The moment you arrive, especially in winter, it hits you: a sweeping modernist lodge perched above a valley, facing directly toward the mighty Mount Kazbek.
The contrast of minimalist wood-and-glass architecture against the snowy backdrop is unforgettable. In winter, the whole scene feels cinematic. In spring? Still beautiful—but not as emotionally striking. The mountains aren’t snow-capped, the lighting is harsher, and the hotel’s rustic charm feels slightly out of season.
Accommodation: Normal Room vs Suite (And Why I’d Never Book the Suite Again)
Winter Stay – Mountain View Normal Room
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Standard room, mountain-facing.
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Stunning direct view of Mount Kazbek.
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Bright natural light, warm and cozy ambiance.
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Peaceful—no disturbing noises.
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Felt surprisingly luxurious despite being a “basic” room.
This was my first stay, and honestly, I was blown away. Waking up to Kazbek catching the first rays of sun was magical. The mountain-view rooms get full daylight, feel more open, and are quiet—everything you want in a relaxing mountain escape.
Spring Stay – Forest View Suite
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Larger room with a forest-facing view.
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No door on the bathroom. Yes, you read that right.
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My suite was on the 1st floor—terrible generator noise at night.
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Room was dark and colder due to limited sunlight.
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Overall, less comfortable and far more expensive.
Despite the suite’s size, the lack of a bathroom door was an odd and uncomfortable design choice. For a couple or friends who value privacy, this is a big issue. On top of that, the generator noise on the first floor was loud enough to affect sleep quality. I’d absolutely recommend avoiding the forest-view suites, especially on lower floors.
Local Tip: Always go for the mountain-view rooms—standard or deluxe. Avoid 1st-floor forest-view suites unless you enjoy white noise in the form of industrial hums.
Restaurants & Dining – The Real Star of the Hotel
Here’s where Rooms Hotel Kazbegi absolutely nails it. The food and drink scene is easily one of the best parts of staying here, and I don’t say that lightly.
Breakfast (09:00–11:00)
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Massive buffet spread: fresh bread, cheese varieties, fruit, meats, cakes.
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Eggs made to order – I recommend the cheese and tomato omelet.
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Cold Americano is excellent—and free with breakfast.
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Arrive before 10:30 to avoid the crowd.
Their breakfast is rich, satisfying, and deeply comforting—especially on a snowy morning with Mount Kazbek peeking through the windows. But come late and you’ll face crowds and potentially lukewarm dishes.
Local Tip: Skip the buffet pastries and go straight for the eggs made on request. They’ll prepare them however you like—and they’re far better than the generic buffet eggs.
Lunch & Dinner
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Rooms Burger: Juicy, flavorful, always hits the spot.
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Basque Cheesecake: Genuinely from another galaxy—don’t leave without trying it.
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Seasonal soups, khachapuri, grilled meats—all delicious.
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Wide wine selection (local and imported).
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Reasonably priced for a high-end hotel, except the minibar.
They switch the menu seasonally, but the core favorites remain. I’ve tried a lot of hotel burgers across Georgia—this one is still my go-to. Also, the staff are always happy to make adjustments (vegetarian swaps, extra spicy, etc.).
Bar & Room Service
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Bar remains open past the restaurant’s 23:00 closing time.
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Cozy setting for a nightcap or cocktails with friends.
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Room service available after 23:00—great if hunger strikes late.
⚠️ Minibar Warning
Whatever you do, don’t touch the minibar unless you’re okay paying 23 GEL for a single pack of jelly. Yes, really.
Spa, Pool & Wellness
Pool with a View
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Indoor pool faces Mount Kazbek through floor-to-ceiling windows.
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Best experienced in the morning when the mountain is clear.
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Relaxing vibe, not too crowded even on weekends.
Finnish Sauna & Gym
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Sauna: Unfortunately, not hot enough to be called a true Finnish sauna.
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Gym: Functional but small—more for quick workouts than full sessions.
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Spa treatments: Available on request, but not standout.
Overall, it’s the view that elevates the spa from average to memorable. Don’t expect luxury-level wellness offerings. Come for the scenery, not the massage.
Onsite Activities (or Lack Thereof)
Unlike other destination resorts like Ambassadori Kachreti, Rooms Hotel Kazbegi doesn’t try to entertain you with dozens of activities. Its whole point is calm, quiet, and chill.
What You Can Do:
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Pool table
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Board games: Monopoly, Uno, Mafia
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Chess and backgammon
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Occasional movie screenings in the lounge
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Walks around Stepantsminda and nearby trails
If you’re expecting ATV tours, skiing, or high-energy activities onsite, you’ll be disappointed. But if you’re here to sip wine, stare at mountains, read, and play a game or two—this is paradise.
Local Tip: Bring your own favorite board game or a book and plan to unwind. This is not the place for nightclubs or adrenaline sports.
Pros & Cons (Local Verdict)
✅ Pros:
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Unmatched winter scenery—especially from mountain-view rooms.
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Incredible breakfast with custom egg station and quality coffee.
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Exceptional staff—attentive, professional, never flustered even when full.
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Warm interior design with rustic-modern aesthetic.
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Bar & Restaurant quality is top-notch.
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Cozy, atmospheric common areas ideal for downtime.
❌ Cons:
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Forest-view suites on 1st floor = avoid. Noisy, dark, and not worth the price.
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No bathroom door in suites—design over practicality.
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Minibar prices are outrageous.
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Wellness area feels basic—not a luxury-level spa.
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Limited activities, especially if you’re traveling with kids or want more action.
Final Verdict: Visit in Winter. Choose Mountain View. Skip the Suite.
After experiencing this hotel during two completely different seasons, I can say with confidence: Rooms Hotel Kazbegi is a winter destination. That’s when the atmosphere, design, views, and comfort all align to deliver a magical Georgian mountain experience.
If you’re booking:
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Go in winter
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Choose a mountain view room (even a basic one)
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Avoid suites unless you’re booking upper floors with a mountain view
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Don’t rely on activities—come to relax
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Enjoy the food—especially the Basque Cheesecake and the Rooms Burger
There’s a lot of hype around this hotel, and not all of it is justified. But if you come in the right season, pick the right room, and know what to expect, you’re in for a truly unforgettable retreat.
Final Thought from a Local
This review isn’t sponsored. It’s just the honest result of two personal trips and a local’s perspective. I hope it helps you decide whether Rooms Hotel Kazbegi is the right fit for your trip. One thing’s for sure—you won’t find this kind of honesty on a travel agency website.