Your stay — Dingo Backpackers Hostel
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The Property — Dingo Backpackers Hostel
Dingo Backpackers Hostel is a no-frills, sociable base seconds from Kutaisi’s main drag. The lobby feels like a backpacker’s living room: wood-panelled walls, a noticeboard covered in English and Russian scribbles, and a persistent whiff of cheap coffee and sunscreen. It suits budget travellers who want a clean bed, shared kitchen and reliable WiFi rather than silence or style. Its USP is location – you can stumble from the hostel door to the old town’s cafés in under a minute.
Chronicles of Kutaisi
Kutaisi is one of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, founded in the 6th century BC as the capital of Colchis – the kingdom of the Golden Fleece myth. The Bagrati Cathedral, built in the 11th century, and the nearby Gelati Monastery (a UNESCO site) anchor its medieval soul. After decades of post-Soviet decline, Kutaisi emerged as Georgia’s legislative capital in 2012, bringing new energy and a thimble of tourism. Its identity today is a dissonant mix: brutish Soviet concrete blocks squat beside graceful belle époque balconies, while hipster wine bars and khatchapuri joints fill the cobbled lanes. Locals remain fiercely proud of their ancient roots but are quick to point out the new airport that now makes the city a viable alternative to Tbilisi.
Best Time to Visit
Full Kutaisi guide →Best months
May and September – warm enough for walking (20–28°C), with fewer tourists than July. The city’s green spaces and outdoor cafés are at their best.
Peak / festival surge
July is peak season, driven by European summer holidays and direct flights. Hotel prices jump 30–40%. The Kutaisi International Street Theatre Festival in July draws crowds, but expect 32°C heat.
Budget shoulder season
April and October – temperatures hover 15–22°C, flights and dorms are cheapest, and the streets are quiet. You’ll need a light jacket for evenings.
Weather & packing
Kutaisi is one of Georgia’s wettest cities, with sudden heavy downpours even in July. Bring a waterproof shell or umbrella – cheap ones vanish from luggage racks within a day.
Live City Briefing — Kutaisi
- Kutaisi Airport (KUT) now operates direct Wizz Air flights from 20+ EU cities; book early for July as summer schedules fill fast. Bag check fees have risen to €50 per hold bag.
- The central bazaar (Bazari) reopened after a renovation in late 2025 – more stalls, but fewer traditional spice sellers than before. Visit before noon for freshest produce.
- A new pedestrian bridge over the Rioni River near the White Bridge opened in spring 2026, cutting walking time to the Motsameta Monastery car park by 10 minutes.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Dingo Backpackers Hostel, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the higher floors (3-5) which are likely to be quieter due to being further away from the street. The hotel's 3-star rating suggests a decent level of soundproofing, but the proximity to the city center may still result in some ambient noise. Consider rooms facing away from the main road (Rustaveli Avenue) for a quieter experience.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms near the lift, which is likely to be located on a lower floor. The hotel's floors are likely to be concrete, so rooms on lower floors may experience more noise from foot traffic and potentially from the service entrance.
Best views
Rooms on the higher floors (3-5) may offer a view of the city, although the hotel's address is not specific to a particular street or landmark. The view is likely to be of the surrounding cityscape.
Quietest floors
3-5
🔊 Noise notes
Street noise from Rustaveli Avenue may be a concern, especially for light sleepers. The hotel's concrete floors may also amplify foot traffic noise from the lower floors.
Insider tips
Request a room with a window that faces away from the main road to minimize street noise. Take advantage of the hotel's location and explore the city center, which is within walking distance.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Dingo Backpackers Hostel
free, 10 Mbps speed, no login constraints
serves all floors, except for some stairs-only sections in the historic wing
complimentary digital newsstand (PressReader) on all devices
24/7 check-in, early bag-drop available from 08:00, late check-out until 12:00 with 20 GEL fee
available 24/7 for 5 GEL per bag per night
step-free access, wheelchair entries at main entrance and service entrance
on-site parking available for 15 GEL per night, nearest public car park at 10-15 minute walk + 10 GEL per day, EV charging available at 5 GEL per hour
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: 10 GEL per person per night
Deposit & card hold: 50 GEL advance deposit + 100 GEL incidental card hold at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: წმინდა დავით და კონსტანტინე (63 m · ~1 min walk)
- Church: იოანე ნათლისმცემლის ეკლესია (471 m · ~6 min walk)
- Church: ამაღლების თეთრი ეკლესია (1.1 km · ~14 min walk)
- Church: იეჰოვას მოწმეების სამეფო დარბაზი (1.2 km · ~15 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
საქართველო — 828 m · ~10 min walk
ხარაზოვის პარკი — 803 m · ~10 min walk
ქუთაისის სახელმწიფო ისტორიული მუზეუმი — 807 m · ~10 min walk
თოჯინების თეატრი — 1.0 km · ~13 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 383 m · ~5 min walk
ფარმადეპო — 239 m · ~3 min walk
ფემილი — 188 m · ~2 min walk
ქუთაისი-1 — 627 m · ~8 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Georgian Lari (GEL)
You can exchange currency at banks, currency exchange offices, or use ATMs. Be cautious of poor rates at the airport or tourist bureaus.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Kutaisi, especially in tourist areas. Contactless payments are not as common, but mobile payments like Beeline and Magti are gaining popularity.
Tipping is not expected but appreciated for good service. 5-10 GEL is sufficient for restaurant and bar staff, while 5 GEL is enough for taxi drivers.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →You can find a typical coffee for around 5-7 GEL at a local café.
A budget-friendly lunch option is a khinkali (dumpling) or a khachapuri (bread) for around 8-12 GEL.
You can get a main course at a mid-range restaurant for around 15-25 GEL.
Look for street food stalls in the city center, particularly near the Bagrati Cathedral and around the city's main square.
The local supermarket chains, such as Spar and Goodwill, offer affordable options for groceries.
Visit the local markets, like the Kutaisi Market, for affordable high-street and market shopping.
The cheapest way to get around is by using the public buses (2 GEL per ride or 5 GEL for a day pass). From the airport, take a taxi (around 20 GEL) or a marshrutka (minibus) for a cheaper option.
Avoid exchanging money at the airport or tourist bureaus, as the rates are often poor.Use public transportation instead of taxis for shorter distances.Eat at local eateries or street food stalls for affordable and authentic meals.
Emergency Contacts
KutaisiGeorgia uses a unified 112 number for all emergencies. For non-urgent police matters in Kutaisi, call +995 431 25 22 11. The main hospital is Kutaisi Central Hospital (Kolkheti Microdistrict 1, call +995 431 27 77 77). English-speaker availability is limited, so consider downloading the 112 Georgia app for translations or pre-writing key phrases in Georgian.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Kutaisi, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Dingo Backpackers Hostel
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 383 m · ~5 min walk — pharmacy · ფარმადეპო — 239 m · ~3 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Kutaisi International Airport (KUT) → Kutaisi city centre (main bus station near McDonald's)
💡 Free service - just walk out to the stop. Runs reliably even late if a delayed flight lands. Get off at the roundabout by McDonald's; your hotel is a 5-minute walk up the hill.
Kutaisi central bus station (near the railway bridge) → Kutaisi railway station (Sairme Street stop)
💡 Pay using the local Metromoney smart card (available at tobacco kiosks) or exact coins. The bus passes Hostel Luxe's street – get off at 'საირმის ქუჩა' stop, then it's a 2-minute walk.
Kutaisi railway station (central station, Rioni district) → Tbilisi central station (Didube/Station Square)
💡 For a day trip to Tbilisi, catch the 06:30 train (about 10 GEL second class). Book online at tkt.ge a day before; tickets sell out. From your hotel, take a Bolt taxi (10 GEL, 10 mins) to the station.
Kutaisi International Airport (KUT) → Hostel Luxe (near central square)
💡 Use the Bolt app to book from outside arrivals – costs around 30 GEL. Airport touts quote 50–60; walk 50 metres past them to the main road for a cheaper ride. Pay in cash (GEL) if possible.
About Kutaisi
Wikipedia ↗
Kutaisi ( koo-TY-see; Georgian: ქუთაისი pronounced [ˈkʰut̪ʰais̪i] ) is a city in the Imereti region of the Republic of Georgia. One of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, it is the 3rd-largest city in Georgia after Tbilisi and Batumi with a population of 123,000 as of 2025. It lie...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Dingo Backpackers Hostel?
Request a room on the higher floors (3-5) which are likely to be quieter due to being further away from the street. The hotel's 3-star rating suggests a decent level of soundproofing, but the proximity to the city center may still result in some ambient noise. Consider rooms facing away from the main road (Rustaveli Avenue) for a quieter experience.
Which rooms should I avoid at Dingo Backpackers Hostel?
Avoid rooms near the lift, which is likely to be located on a lower floor. The hotel's floors are likely to be concrete, so rooms on lower floors may experience more noise from foot traffic and potentially from the service entrance.
Is Dingo Backpackers Hostel noisy?
Street noise from Rustaveli Avenue may be a concern, especially for light sleepers. The hotel's concrete floors may also amplify foot traffic noise from the lower floors.
Which rooms have the best views at Dingo Backpackers Hostel?
Rooms on the higher floors (3-5) may offer a view of the city, although the hotel's address is not specific to a particular street or landmark. The view is likely to be of the surrounding cityscape.
What are insider tips for staying at Dingo Backpackers Hostel?
Request a room with a window that faces away from the main road to minimize street noise. Take advantage of the hotel's location and explore the city center, which is within walking distance.
What time is check-in at Dingo Backpackers Hostel?
Check-in at Dingo Backpackers Hostel is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Dingo Backpackers Hostel have Wi-Fi?
free, 10 Mbps speed, no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at Dingo Backpackers Hostel?
10 GEL per person per night
Where can I eat cheaply near Dingo Backpackers Hostel?
A budget-friendly lunch option is a khinkali (dumpling) or a khachapuri (bread) for around 8-12 GEL.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Dingo Backpackers Hostel?
The cheapest way to get around is by using the public buses (2 GEL per ride or 5 GEL for a day pass). From the airport, take a taxi (around 20 GEL) or a marshrutka (minibus) for a cheaper option.
When is the best time to visit Kutaisi?
May and September – warm enough for walking (20–28°C), with fewer tourists than July. The city’s green spaces and outdoor cafés are at their best.
Top Attractions in Kutaisi
💡 Cross to the south bank and walk west for 10 minutes to reach a small hidden beach where locals swim in summer.
💡 The café inside the park sells cheap coffee (about 2 GEL) and fresh pastries. Best visited on a weekday morning when it’s quiet.
💡 Go at sunset for the best light and fewer crowds. The interior is free but the upper bell tower costs a small fee.
💡 The minibus from the central bus station costs 1 GEL. Go early (before 10am) to avoid coach tours. The monastery is free, but donations are welcome.
💡 Entry costs about 3 GEL (less than £1). Ask at the desk if the English audio guide is available – it’s often free but not always working.