Outside of Tbilisi, finding somewhere to sleep can often be a problem. Many of the old, state-run hotels were used to accommodate the overflow of Georgian refugees from Abkhazia, many of whom have now settled in for the duration as they pay just GEL30 per month. However, some have moved on and a small number of state hotels now have a few rooms available to the traveler. However, the demise of the old, Soviet-style state hotel has given individual families the chance to expand the fledgling Georgian hospitality industry on a small-scale basis, with many family homes opening as guesthouses. Many of these new facilities, particularly those on the Black Sea coast, in resorts such as Kobuleti, are more or less up to European standards, while those in more remote – yet more scenic – areas such as Svaneti and Tusheti are more basic.

There are plenty of hotels in Tbilisi, but these tend to have evolved as up market destinations for business people and official visitors. Some are in fact quite luxurious, and most are amazingly pricey, especially in a country where the standard of living is so low.

The biggest problem faced by the independent traveler is simply finding out what's available, as in most regions there is a complete absence of any tourist information system. One strategy is to simply ask a taxi-driver if he knows anyone who has a room to let; in villages you'll almost always be able to find lodging as Georgian hospitality is renowned, and liberal amounts of food and alcohol are often included in the cost of a home-stay. Although hotel beds can be absurdly soft, in homes they're usually clean, and rooms come with washing facilities . The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) plans to provide training for guesthouse owners in Borjomi, Poti and Tusheti, as part of a broad strategy for developing guesthouses that meet a generally accepted international standard , while other NGOs such as Orizonti have similar projects in the works.

A Value Added Tax of 20% is added to the bill at the more expensive hotels, while the smaller ones either don't pay it or include it in their quoted rates.

For any additional help, information, or to make reservations in any region of the country, please feel free to contact Caucasus Travel Ltd. Office at #44 Leselidze St. Tel: +995 32 987400, +995 32 931175, +995 32 931692, Fax: +995 32 987399. E-mail: welcome@caucasustravel.com