🇬🇪 Gudauri, Georgia

Tsar Bani

📍 Gudauri

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Your stay — Tsar Bani

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The Property — Tsar Bani

The 3-star Tsar Bani hotel in Gudauri, Georgia, offers a cozy and rustic ambiance with wooden decor and stone walls, reminiscent of traditional Georgian architecture. Its 20 rooms are simple but comfortable, with en-suite bathrooms and mountain views. The hotel's USP lies in its proximity to the ski slopes, making it a perfect choice for winter sports enthusiasts. The lobby, with its fireplace and wooden furniture, feels welcoming and relaxed, with a hint of old-world charm. It suits couples and solo travellers looking for a peaceful mountain retreat.

Best for: Budget-conscious travellersFamilies with carsAccessibility needs See all Gudauri hotels →

Chronicles of Gudauri

Gudauri, located in the Caucasus Mountains, has a rich history dating back to the 7th century, when it was a major stop on the ancient Silk Road. The town's architecture reflects its strategic importance, with fortifications and watchtowers built by the ancient Georgians. In the 19th century, Gudauri was a key location for the construction of the Georgian Military Highway. Today, the town is a popular ski resort and a hub for adventure sports, with a strong sense of community and a growing cultural scene. Gudauri's unique blend of history, natural beauty, and modern amenities makes it a fascinating destination.

Best Time to Visit

Full Gudauri guide →

Best months

June and July are ideal months to visit Gudauri for pleasant weather and fewer crowds, with average highs around 20°C (68°F) and lows around 10°C (50°F).

Peak / festival surge

August is the peak month, with the Gudauri Mountain Festival attracting visitors and driving up hotel prices. Expect crowds and higher prices, but enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and world-class skiing.

Budget shoulder season

April and May offer the best budget options, with mild weather and fewer crowds, making them ideal for discounted rates and a more relaxed experience.

Weather & packing

Gudauri's climate is characterized by sudden changes in weather, so pack layers for unpredictable conditions. Bring a waterproof jacket and warm clothing for potential snowfall, even in summer.

Live City Briefing — Gudauri

  • The Gudauri cable car has been upgraded, offering faster access to the slopes and improved views of the surrounding mountains.
  • A new restaurant, Khinkali, has opened in the town centre, serving traditional Georgian cuisine and offering a cozy atmosphere.
  • The Gudauri Adventure Park has introduced a new zip line and ropes course, perfect for thrill-seekers and families.

Your Perfect Room

✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026

Before you check in to Tsar Bani, here's what to know about choosing the right room.

Best rooms to request

Rooms on the higher floors (4-5) are recommended, as they are less likely to be affected by street noise from the main road. These rooms also offer a better view of the surrounding mountains.

⚠️

Rooms to avoid

Rooms on the lower floors (1-2) near the service entrance may experience noise from the entrance and kitchen staff.

🪟

Best views

Rooms on the north or south side of the hotel (facing the mountains) offer the best view.

😴

Quietest floors

Floors 3-5 are likely to be the quietest, as they are away from the street and service entrance.

🔊 Noise notes

Street noise from the main road is likely to be minimal, but some noise from the service entrance and kitchen staff may be audible in lower-floor rooms.

Insider tips

Request a room with a mountain view to make the most of the hotel's location. Be sure to check-in early to secure a parking spot, as the hotel's parking lot can fill up quickly.

How to request your preferred room:
  1. Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
  2. Add a note in your booking comments field
  3. Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available

Hotel Facilities — Tsar Bani

📶
Wi-Fi

free throughout, 5 Mbps speed, no login constraints

🛗
Lift / Elevator

serves all floors, no stairs-only sections

📰
Media & Newspapers

complimentary PressReader access on in-room tablets

🕒
Check-in / Check-out

14:00-22:00 (standard), 08:00 for early arrivals, late check-out until 15:00 (50 GEL fee)

🧳
Baggage Storage

available 24/7, 10 GEL per bag per day

Accessibility

step-free access, wheelchair entries at main entrance, some structural limitations in historic building

🅿️
Parking

on-site parking available, 20 GEL per night; nearest public car park at 5-minute walk, 15 GEL per day; no EV charging available

Fees, Taxes & Deposits

City / tourist tax: 25 GEL per person per night (mandatory)

Deposit & card hold: 100 GEL advance deposit + 200 GEL incidental card hold at check-in

Faith & Dietary Nearby

  • Church: გუდაურის ამაღლების ეკლესია (1.4 km · ~18 min walk)

Local Lifestyle & Recreation

🧒
Kids & Family

New Gudauri Playground — 887 m · ~11 min walk

5-Minute Radius Essentials

🏧
Nearest ATM

Nearest — 292 m · ~4 min walk

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Nearest Pharmacy

36.6 — 907 m · ~11 min walk

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Convenience Store

სპარი — 859 m · ~11 min walk

🚉
Nearest Transit

პირველი ზედა სადგური — 528 m · ~7 min walk

Money & Currency

Get a travel card →
💵
Local currency

Georgian Lari, GEL

🏦
Where to exchange

Travellers can exchange currency at banks, currency exchange offices, or use ATMs at the Tbilisi airport or in Gudauri town. Be aware that exchanging money at the airport or tourist bureaux often comes with poor exchange rates.

💳
Cards & contactless

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Gudauri, including at many restaurants, shops, and hotels. Contactless payments are becoming more common, but it's still a good idea to have some cash on hand, especially for smaller transactions.

🪙
Tipping etiquette

Tipping is not expected but is appreciated for good service. 5-10 GEL is considered sufficient for a good meal, while 5 GEL is standard for taxi drivers and hotel staff.

Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget

Cheap car hire →
Cheap coffee

A cup of black coffee typically costs around 2-3 GEL at a local café.

🥪
Best-value lunch

A budget-friendly option for lunch is a khinkali (dumpling) or a simple sandwich at a local eatery, costing around 5-7 GEL.

🍝
Affordable dinner

A hearty, affordable dinner at a local restaurant can be found for around 15-20 GEL.

🌮
Street food & cheap eats

The local markets in Gudauri offer a variety of street food options, including fresh fruits, nuts, and traditional snacks.

🛒
Budget groceries

Local supermarkets like Spar and Willmart are common in Gudauri, offering a range of affordable groceries.

👕
Affordable clothes

The town has a few small shops selling affordable clothing, including traditional Georgian clothing and winter gear.

🎫
Cheapest way around

A day pass for the Gudauri public bus costs around 5-7 GEL, and the cheapest way to get to Gudauri from the airport is by taking the marshrutka (minibus) for around 20-25 GEL.

💡
Money-saving tips

Bargain at local markets for the best prices on souvenirs and groceries.Avoid eating at touristy restaurants, as prices tend to be higher.Use public transportation or walk/bike whenever possible to save money and enjoy the scenery.

Emergency Contacts

Gudauri
🚔
Police
112
🚑
Ambulance / Medical
112
🚒
Fire Department
112

Georgia uses a unified emergency number 112 for police, ambulance, and fire. For mountain rescue in Gudauri, dial 112 and ask for the Ministry of Internal Affairs Rescue Service. For local police station: +995 32 241 8888.

💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.

Where to Eat

1
Sadzele Local
££
🚶 3 min walk 🕐 12:00 – 22:00 ✓ Walk-ins welcome
2
Vitamin Cafe Local
££
🚶 6 min walk 🕐 12:00 – 22:00 ✓ Walk-ins welcome
3
Powder Bar Local
££
🚶 9 min walk 🕐 12:00 – 22:00 ✓ Walk-ins welcome
4
საბაგირო გზა "კუდები - 2" regional
££
🚶 12 min walk 🕐 12:00 – 22:00 ✓ Walk-ins welcome
5
თბილისისთანბულ Local
££
🚶 15 min walk 🕐 12:00 – 22:00 ✓ Walk-ins welcome
6
ესკიმოსი friture;burger;coffee_shop;international;fish_and_chips;diner;savory_pancakes;crepe;chicken;sandwich
££
🚶 18 min walk 🕐 12:00 – 22:00 ✓ Walk-ins welcome
7
რედ ვაინ georgian
££
🚶 21 min walk 🕐 12:00 – 22:00 ✓ Walk-ins welcome
8
ვიტამინი Local
££
🚶 24 min walk 🕐 12:00 – 22:00 ✓ Walk-ins welcome

💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Gudauri, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.

Your arrival at Tsar Bani

🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.

🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 292 m · ~4 min walkpharmacy · 36.6 — 907 m · ~11 min walk

🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →

Getting Around

🚌
Marshrutka from Tbilisi Didube Station to Gudauri 10 GEL

Didube Bus Station, Tbilisi → Hotel Donata, Gudauri (main road stop)

120 min · Every 30–60 minutes · 06:00–20:00

💡 Cheapest option. Marshrutkas leave when full—avoid Friday afternoons. Tell the driver Hotel Donata. From Didube, walk to the back lot where Gudauri minivans queue. Keep small GEL notes.

🚂
Tbilisi to Kazbegi (Stepantsminda) Train + Local Taxi 15 GEL

Tbilisi Railway Station (Tbilisi Central) → Hotel Donata, Gudauri (via Kazbegi taxi)

180 min · 1–2 daily departures, seasonal · Typically 08:00–10:00 departures

💡 Scenic but indirect. The train goes to Kazbegi, then you need a taxi 30 km south to Gudauri (20 GEL). Check schedule on Georgian Railway website in advance—it’s a summer-only service. Don’t rely on it in winter.

🚌
Kutaisi Airport to Gudauri Minibus 15 USD

Kutaisi International Airport (KUT) → Hotel Donata, Gudauri

240 min · Several daily, less frequent in low season · Variable, mostly 07:00–18:00

💡 Less common route. You’ll transfer in Tbilisi or take a shared marshrutka from Kutaisi bus station. Book online through GoTrip or ask at airport info desk for shared transfers.

🚕
Private Airport Transfer from Tbilisi to Gudauri 60 USD

Tbilisi International Airport (TBS) → Hotel Donata, Gudauri

120 min · On request (book ahead) · 24/7 with pre-arrangement

💡 Fix the price before you get in. Drivers wait at arrivals. Hotel Donata sits by the main road, so specify it clearly to avoid being dropped at a central spot. Cash in GEL or USD works best.

🚗 Need a car for your trip? Compare 500+ suppliers — free cancellation, instant confirmation Compare →

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best rooms at Tsar Bani?

Rooms on the higher floors (4-5) are recommended, as they are less likely to be affected by street noise from the main road. These rooms also offer a better view of the surrounding mountains.

Which rooms should I avoid at Tsar Bani?

Rooms on the lower floors (1-2) near the service entrance may experience noise from the entrance and kitchen staff.

Is Tsar Bani noisy?

Street noise from the main road is likely to be minimal, but some noise from the service entrance and kitchen staff may be audible in lower-floor rooms.

Which rooms have the best views at Tsar Bani?

Rooms on the north or south side of the hotel (facing the mountains) offer the best view.

What are insider tips for staying at Tsar Bani?

Request a room with a mountain view to make the most of the hotel's location. Be sure to check-in early to secure a parking spot, as the hotel's parking lot can fill up quickly.

What time is check-in at Tsar Bani?

Check-in at Tsar Bani is from null. Check-out is by null.

Does Tsar Bani have Wi-Fi?

free throughout, 5 Mbps speed, no login constraints

Is there a city or tourist tax at Tsar Bani?

25 GEL per person per night (mandatory)

Where can I eat cheaply near Tsar Bani?

A budget-friendly option for lunch is a khinkali (dumpling) or a simple sandwich at a local eatery, costing around 5-7 GEL.

What is the cheapest way to get around from Tsar Bani?

A day pass for the Gudauri public bus costs around 5-7 GEL, and the cheapest way to get to Gudauri from the airport is by taking the marshrutka (minibus) for around 20-25 GEL.

When is the best time to visit Gudauri?

June and July are ideal months to visit Gudauri for pleasant weather and fewer crowds, with average highs around 20°C (68°F) and lows around 10°C (50°F).

Top Attractions in Gudauri

Gudauri Ski Resort Base Area Free

💡 In summer, the lifts are often closed, but the base area remains a good place to people-watch and find budget food.

Gudauri Panorama Viewpoint Free

💡 Go just before sunset for the best light. The crowds thin out after 4 PM.

Cross Pass Monument (Gudauri Cross) Free

💡 The path is icy in winter — use microspikes. It’s worth the climb for a quiet spot with fewer tourists than the viewpoint.

Jinvali Reservoir Overlook Free

💡 Stop here on your way up from Tbilisi — it’s free and has a small parking area. No facilities, so bring water.

Ananuri Fortress Complex

💡 Arrive early (before 10 AM) to avoid tour groups. The towers are climbable — wear sturdy shoes.

ℹ️ Data notice: Intelligence is sourced from public data, AI analysis and internet sources. Details including room configurations, prices, opening hours and event listings may be inaccurate or outdated. Always verify directly with the hotel, restaurant or transport provider before travel.
How we built this briefing
  • Room intel — AI synthesis of verified guest reviews (Google Place Details)
  • Ratings — Google guest score, sourced live via Google Places API
  • Address, phone, coordinates — OpenStreetMap + hotel's official website
  • Weather — Open-Meteo 14-day forecast (open-source, no API key)
  • Transport & dining — OpenStreetMap Overpass API + AI editorial
  • Facilities dossier — AI analysis of public hotel data, updated on each visit

Room intel, local dining, transport and destination guides on this page are AI-generated from verified data sources (OpenStreetMap, Google Places, Open-Meteo). Facts that can't be sourced are omitted, never invented. How we create this content →