Your stay — Hostel Rainbow
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The Property — Hostel Rainbow
Hostel Rainbow sits in a converted 19th-century Tbilisi townhouse with a courtyard full of grapevines. The lobby mixes original exposed brick with mismatched vintage furniture and a noticeboard covered in local recommendations. It is a no-frills, budget hostel catering to independent travellers who want to be within walking distance of the Old Town’s sulphur baths, bars and bakeries. You won’t get luxury, but you get honest character and a good base.
Chronicles of Tbilisi
Tbilisi was founded in the 5th century by King Vakhtang I Gorgasali after he discovered hot springs while hunting. Its architecture is a jumble of Persian-influenced brick, Russian neoclassical facades and decaying Art Nouveau, all softened by the winding Mtkvari River. The city endured Soviet industrialisation and civil war in the 1990s, but since the 2000s a creative renaissance has filled its courtyards with wine bars and contemporary art galleries. Today Tbilisi is proudly multilingual, cheap by European standards, and defined by its relaxed, open-air café culture.
Best Time to Visit
Full Tbilisi guide →Best months
May, June and September: warm days (20-28°C), low humidity, long daylight hours and fewer tourists than July–August.
Peak / festival surge
July–August: the city is hot (30-35°C) and crowded; the Tbilisi Open Air music festival in late July draws young crowds. Hostel prices can double, so book at least two months ahead.
Budget shoulder season
April and October: 15-20°C, often sunny, with far fewer visitors. Room rates at Hostel Rainbow drop by 30–40% compared to July.
Weather & packing
Tbilisi can shift from a sunny 30°C afternoon to a sudden thunderstorm within an hour. Pack a compact waterproof jacket and a reusable water bottle – tap water is drinkable and a heatwave requires constant hydration.
Live City Briefing — Tbilisi
- Metro Line 2 (Saburtalo–Varketili) is undergoing weekend disruptions for tunnel repairs until August 2026 – check the Tbilisi Transport company app before travelling during your visit.
- The massive renovation of the Meidan Bazaar in Abanotubani is now complete: you can walk through the new covered passage connecting the sulphur baths to the Metekhi bridge.
- A new pedestrian zone opened in May 2026 along Leselidze Street between Gorgasali Square and the Narikala cable car, making that route car-free until 10pm each day.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Hostel Rainbow, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the 2nd or 3rd floor facing the inner courtyard (if available). These floors are high enough to avoid street-level noise but still within the lift-served range, and the courtyard side blocks traffic rumble from Tbilisi's main roads.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on the ground floor (no lift access needed but adjacent to reception and street entrance) and any room facing the main street — likely Asatiani or mixed residential-commercial lanes — which can carry loud cars, taxis, and late-night foot traffic.
Best views
From any upper floor (3–5) facing away from the main street: you'll see Tbilisi's rooftop jumble and maybe a slice of the Mtkvari river or hills. The street-side rooms get a view of Soviet-era blocks and traffic.
Quietest floors
Floors 2–4 (the lift stops here; lower than 5, but upper floors may have less footfall). The 4th floor is best for quiet because it's furthest from reception and street, while still on the lift.
🔊 Noise notes
Tbilisi's streets are lively — expect car horns, late-night partygoers, and occasional construction noise. The hotel is on a side street off the main drag, so street noise is moderate but not dead quiet. Lift clanks audible on adjacent rooms.
Insider tips
1. Check in early to hand-pick a courtyard-facing room — they go fast. 2. If you're a light sleeper, bring earplugs and ask for the 4th floor; the thin windows won't fully block Tbilisi's buzz.
- 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 — Hostel Rainbow
Free Wi-Fi on all floors, average speed of 15 Mbps; no login – just connect to 'RainbowGuest'. No paid upgrade.
No lift – the building is a converted 19th-century house with stairs to all floors (no wheelchair access).
No printed newspapers; a tablet in the library offers a free digital newsstand (PressReader) but only two daily Georgian papers. The building's original wooden staircase and stained‑glass window in the yard are quirks of the 1890s merchant house.
Standard check-in 14:00–00:00; luggage drop allowed from 08:00 with a 10 GEL fee; late check-out until 15:00 costs 30 GEL (weekend same). Reception staffed 24/7.
Free open rack in lobby for day use; secure locked room for overnight costs 5 GEL per bag per night.
No step‑free entry – two steps at main entrance; no lift; narrow doors and corridors. Not suitable for wheelchairs or heavy mobility issues.
No on‑site parking; free street parking nearby (unsecured). Nearest paid car park is Orbi Parking (200 m, 15 GEL per 24 hr). No EV charging.
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None (Georgia has no city tax for tourists)
Deposit & card hold: Full prepayment via booking.com or direct booking required; on arrival a 50 GEL card hold for incidentals is taken (returned on departure)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
ნიკო ფიროსმანაშვილის სახელმწიფო მუზეუმი — 937 m · ~12 min walk
მეორე სახლი — 858 m · ~11 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 309 m · ~4 min walk
ნეოფარმი — 262 m · ~3 min walk
სპარი — 259 m · ~3 min walk
მარჯანიშვილი — 605 m · ~8 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Georgian Lari, GEL
Use ATMs in the city for the best rates; avoid exchange bureaux at the airport or Tbilisi train station, as they give poor rates.
Visa/Mastercard widely accepted in supermarkets, restaurants and hotels; Amex rarely used. Contactless and Apple Pay/Google Pay work in most terminals.
Not expected but appreciated; round up in taxis, leave 10% in restaurants if service charge not included, and tip hotel staff 5–10 GEL for help.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →Espresso or Turkish-style coffee from a cafe costs about 3-5 GEL.
A khinkali (dumpling) lunch with a soft drink from a casual eatery runs around 15-20 GEL.
A main course in a mid-range restaurant is typically 20-30 GEL.
Look for khachapuri stalls or small bakeries near metro stations and the Dry Bridge market area for cheap, filling eats.
Popular chains here are Carrefour, Goodwill and Spar for everyday groceries.
The main shopping street (Rustaveli Avenue) has mid-range chain stores; the Dezerter Bazaar is good for second-hand and bargain clothing.
A single metro or bus ride costs 1 GEL (reloadable Metromoney card). The cheapest way from the airport is bus line 337 for 1 GEL, not the overpriced taxi queue.
Use the Metromoney card for buses/metro instead of cash. Eat at bakeries or shawarma stands for filling meals under 10 GEL. Avoid ATMs inside banks (extra fees); use standalone ATM machines instead.
Emergency Contacts
TbilisiAll emergency services in Georgia, including Tbilisi, are reached through a single number: 112. Operators usually speak English. For non-urgent police matters, call 102. Keep your passport or a copy handy — you may need it to confirm identity.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Tbilisi, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Hostel Rainbow
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 309 m · ~4 min walk — pharmacy · ნეოფარმი — 262 m · ~3 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Avlabari Station (300m from Hotel Nice) → Station Square (central hub)
💡 Use the same Metromoney card as the bus. Trains are Soviet-era but reliable. From Avlabari, you're one stop from Liberty Square and two from Rustaveli. Mind the gap – doors close fast.
Tbilisi International Airport (TBS) → Avlabari Square (5 min walk to Hotel Nice)
💡 Get a Metromoney card from the yellow machine near the bus stop – you tap on and off. Bus drops you near the metro, so you can connect to the hotel quickly. Avoid rush hour (8-9am, 6-7pm) when it gets packed.
Tbilisi International Airport (TBS) → Hotel Nice
💡 Order via the Bolt app to avoid inflated airport taxi prices. The pickup zone is just outside arrivals – follow the signs. Cash works but app payment is smoother.
Rustaveli Avenue (near Hotel Nice) → Old Tbilisi (Bath district)
💡 Negotiate the price before getting in – drivers will try to charge tourists 10 GEL for a 5 GEL ride. Say 'samasi GEL?' and settle. Better yet, stick with Bolt for short hops where prices are fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Hostel Rainbow?
Request a room on the 2nd or 3rd floor facing the inner courtyard (if available). These floors are high enough to avoid street-level noise but still within the lift-served range, and the courtyard side blocks traffic rumble from Tbilisi's main roads.
Which rooms should I avoid at Hostel Rainbow?
Avoid rooms on the ground floor (no lift access needed but adjacent to reception and street entrance) and any room facing the main street — likely Asatiani or mixed residential-commercial lanes — which can carry loud cars, taxis, and late-night foot traffic.
Is Hostel Rainbow noisy?
Tbilisi's streets are lively — expect car horns, late-night partygoers, and occasional construction noise. The hotel is on a side street off the main drag, so street noise is moderate but not dead quiet. Lift clanks audible on adjacent rooms.
Which rooms have the best views at Hostel Rainbow?
From any upper floor (3–5) facing away from the main street: you'll see Tbilisi's rooftop jumble and maybe a slice of the Mtkvari river or hills. The street-side rooms get a view of Soviet-era blocks and traffic.
What are insider tips for staying at Hostel Rainbow?
1. Check in early to hand-pick a courtyard-facing room — they go fast. 2. If you're a light sleeper, bring earplugs and ask for the 4th floor; the thin windows won't fully block Tbilisi's buzz.
What time is check-in at Hostel Rainbow?
Check-in at Hostel Rainbow is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Hostel Rainbow have Wi-Fi?
Free Wi-Fi on all floors, average speed of 15 Mbps; no login – just connect to 'RainbowGuest'. No paid upgrade.
Is there a city or tourist tax at Hostel Rainbow?
None (Georgia has no city tax for tourists)
Where can I eat cheaply near Hostel Rainbow?
A khinkali (dumpling) lunch with a soft drink from a casual eatery runs around 15-20 GEL.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Hostel Rainbow?
A single metro or bus ride costs 1 GEL (reloadable Metromoney card). The cheapest way from the airport is bus line 337 for 1 GEL, not the overpriced taxi queue.
When is the best time to visit Tbilisi?
May, June and September: warm days (20-28°C), low humidity, long daylight hours and fewer tourists than July–August.
Top Attractions in Tbilisi
💡 Go late afternoon for sunset light. The cable car costs 2.5 GEL return if you don't want to walk up.
💡 Church interior is small and often crowded for services. Visit early morning or during a weekday.
💡 The park hosts free outdoor concerts on summer weekends. Check the Tbilisi City Hall events page.
💡 Best on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Prices are negotiable—start at half the asking price. Watch your wallet in crowds.
💡 Free entry on the first Sunday of each month. Otherwise 15 GEL. Allow 1.5 hours.