Tbilisi probably doesn’t spring to mind when one thinks of a classic Christmas getaway, but that’s exactly why I picked it. I wanted something a little different, something off the usual snow globe itinerary. With Tokyo, Paris, and even Vienna heaving with tourists over the holidays, Tbilisi offered just the right mix of festive cheer, fewer crowds, and that unique East-meets-West charm. It was my first Christmas in the Caucasus, and the Sheraton Grand Tbilisi Metechi Palace became my base for four crisp, wintry nights. As a Platinum Bonvoy member, I was hoping for a suite upgrade using my Nightly Upgrade Awards, and I was pleased when that request cleared a couple of days before check-in. A little Christmas miracle, if you will.
The Sheraton sits slightly away from the historic heart of Tbilisi, in an elevated location that’s not exactly central, but offers some serious city views. The approach is modest—almost forgettable—but once inside, things get better fast. The lobby is bright and polished, with white marble floors and warm wood finishes that strike a balance between corporate efficiency and understated elegance. It felt calm, even during the holiday season, which I appreciated. A tall Christmas tree stood proudly in the middle of the atrium, brushing the top of the soaring ceiling. It was tastefully decorated in gold and silver, with soft white lights and traditional Georgian ornaments nestled in between. The effect was surprisingly moving—it gave the space a festive warmth without screaming holiday theme park.
The check-in process was efficient and friendly, and my suite was ready even though I’d arrived early from a red-eye flight out of Istanbul.
The suite was modern and spacious with clean lines and a neutral palette—think beige tones, soft greys, and warm lighting. Floor-to-ceiling windows stretched across the entire room, giving me a commanding view over the old city and the golden dome of the Holy Trinity Cathedral gleaming under a winter sky. Inside, it was warm, almost cocoon-like, with thick curtains, a plush king bed, and a small sitting area that was perfect for warming up with a cup of Georgian tea after long walks through Tbilisi’s cobbled streets. A complimentary bottle of Georgian red wine, some chocolates, and a handwritten welcome card sat on the coffee table. Small gesture, big impression.
The bathroom was equally well designed, with a separate bathtub, a powerful rain shower, and double sinks—something I always appreciate, even when traveling solo. Amenities were Sheraton-branded and fairly basic, but the towels were thick, and everything was spotlessly clean. Water pressure and temperature were reliable throughout the stay, which seems like a minor thing until you’ve experienced the alternative.
While I did enjoy the Club Sheraton Lounge in the evening, I must admit that breakfast was my favorite part of the day. I preferred having it in the main restaurant downstairs. There, I found a wide variety of options, from fresh fruit and cereals to more substantial fare like warm khachapuri, eggs, and sausages. The standout for me was the live omelet station, where a chef would prepare your omelet exactly how you like it, fresh and hot.
The buffet also had local specialties like tangy matsoni yogurt and walnut-stuffed eggplant rolls, which gave the experience a nice Georgian touch. They had seasonal offerings too, like freshly baked cinnamon rolls and citrus fruits—perfect for warming up on chilly mornings. The restaurant was always quiet, and the service was consistently friendly, making it a relaxing way to start the day.
Another standout experience was the spa, which became something of a daily ritual. The holiday rush can get overwhelming, even in a city like Tbilisi, and this space offered a quiet retreat. The heated indoor pool was pristine, surrounded by loungers and large windows overlooking the city. One afternoon, I booked a full-body massage as a gift to myself, and it was excellent. The spa staff, though not overly chatty, were professional and skilled. The massage room was dimly lit and smelled faintly of pine and eucalyptus—whether that was intentional for the season or not, it worked.
The sauna and steam room were well-maintained and genuinely hot (not always a given in hotel spas). I especially liked that they were never crowded—on two of the nights, I had the entire wellness area to myself. It felt indulgent and grounding at the same time, which is the balance you hope for during a short winter escape.
The fitness center, while not a focus for me on this trip, was impressively kitted out. Modern equipment, free weights, and a mirrored yoga/stretching area gave it a real gym feel rather than the token setup so many hotels slap together. For those who do like to work off the excess khinkali and wine, it’s a proper space.
Service across the board was genuinely warm, in that low-key, effortless Georgian way. The concierge team was helpful with restaurant bookings—especially during the holidays when a few places were closing early—and gave me great tips on local events. One of them even printed out a flyer for a classical concert at the Holy Trinity Cathedral and called ahead to check if tourists were allowed in. Housekeeping was consistent and discreet, always resetting the room in the early afternoon while I was out exploring.
Getting around was easy thanks to Tbilisi’s affordable ride-share apps. While the Sheraton is about 10–15 minutes away from the heart of Old Town by car, I never paid more than $2–3 per ride, even late at night. The location itself grew on me after a few days—it gave me a break from the noise and pace of the city center without making me feel disconnected. And the views were consistently stunning, whether in the morning light or as the city lights flickered on at dusk.
One evening, I walked into the city center to see the festive lights strung along Rustaveli Avenue and the glowing tree at Freedom Square. It was cold—colder than I expected—but the city looked beautiful. Crowds were smaller than in most European cities, and there was a genuine, local warmth to the celebrations. Street stalls sold mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, and something that looked suspiciously like a gingerbread churchkhela hybrid. It felt festive, but in a grounded, uncommercial way—like a city doing its own thing for its own people.
A few things worth mentioning: the elevators were surprisingly fast, especially considering how quiet the hotel was during our stay. I never had to wait long, and they were always prompt in taking us to our floor, even during the busiest moments in the morning.
The lobby bar looks sleek, but service was hit-or-miss—on one occasion I waited ten minutes before flagging someone down for a drink, and on another the bar staff couldn’t make a basic hot toddy. Not deal-breaking, but something to note if you’re planning to unwind there after a day out.
In the end, the Sheraton Grand Tbilisi Metechi Palace was exactly what I needed: a comfortable, welcoming base for a quiet Christmas in a new city. The suite upgrade made a huge difference, and between the spa, the views, and the restaurant breakfast, it felt more like a low-key retreat than a standard city hotel. The location isn’t for everyone, especially if you prefer walking to and from every major sight, but I found it added a layer of calm that made the city’s vibrancy easier to enjoy. Would I stay again? Absolutely—though next time, I might bring gloves.
