Escape to Tbilisi: Mako's Charming Old City Apartment Awaits!
Escape to Tbilisi: Mako's Charming Old City Apartment… Or Did We Just Fall in Love With the City Itself? (A Very Unfiltered Review)
Okay, so "Escape to Tbilisi: Mako's Charming Old City Apartment Awaits!" That's the headline, right? Well, the "escape" part? Nailed it. The "charming apartment"? Let's dive in, because this review isn't just about a place to stay; it's about the experience of Tbilisi itself. And honestly? I'm still reeling.
First Impressions (and a Deep Dive into Accessibility, Because It Matters):
Stepping out of the airport, Tbilisi hit me – literally, with a blast of warm air scented with… something. Spice? History? Okay, maybe I'm getting ahead of myself. Mako's apartment, nestled in the Old City, was a short, chaotic taxi ride away. Accessibility? Yeah, this is where things got real, real quick. The reviews mentioned an elevator. Thank God. Otherwise, hauling luggage up narrow, cobbled streets would've been a workout I didn’t sign up for (and considering my pastry consumption? I should have signed up). Inside the building, the elevator was…well, it worked. That's a win in a city built before elevators were even a glint in an engineer's eye. Public areas, blessedly, had Wi-Fi (free access).
Here's the thing: Tbilisi isn't designed for perfect accessibility. The sidewalks? Cobblestones, dips, and an occasional rogue paving stone conspiring to trip you. If you require wheelchair accessibility, I'd suggest contacting the host directly to clarify the apartment's specifics. The reviews weren't super clear on this. The focus was definitely more on charm.
The Apartment Itself: More Charm Than Practicality? (Just Kidding…Mostly)
Let's talk location, location, location! Mako's place was smack-dab in the heart of the Old City. That means immediate access to…well, everything. Things to do? You’re tripping over them. Ancient churches, sulfur bathhouses (smells amazing!), quirky art galleries, restaurants spilling out onto the streets… It's a sensory overload in the best possible way.
Cleanliness and Safety: The Essentials (and a Few Extra Touches):
Okay, the apartment! It was…compact. But charming, like promised. Cleanliness was a huge plus. Considering the general chaos of the city, it was a relief. Anti-viral cleaning products? Bingo! And the little things? They got the details right. Hand sanitizer readily available. The professionally-grade sanitizing services – yep, that was reassuring. Daily disinfection in common areas – appreciated! Hygiene certification – not sure what that entailed but it sounded impressive. The rooms sanitized between stays? Absolute peace of mind! Safe dining setup? The restaurant was great. Staff trained in safety protocol? They were super friendly and informative, and made me feel safe. Honestly, feeling safe and comfortable made me feel super relaxed!
The Amenities (or, The Things That Made Me Feel Like a Queen, Especially the Sauna):
The kitchen was functional (essential condiments were on offer!), the bathroom was… well, a bathroom. But the free Wi-Fi in all rooms?! Glorious. Needed that to document every single photo I took. Air conditioning in public areas? A lifesaver in the Tbilisi heat. The place also offered an airport transfer, which was a godsend after my chaotic taxi ride! Then there was the sauna! It was the perfect place to relax after a long, exhausting, but amazing day of sightseeing. I may have lost track of time in there, but no regrets! The pool with a view was amazing and the perfect place to see the city from a different angle!
Food, Glorious Food (and Maybe a Little Too Much of It):
Tbilisi is a foodie paradise. Forget diets. Just… embrace the khachapuri. The apartment itself offered a breakfast takeaway service to enjoy breakfast in your room, and there was a coffee shop nearby that I ended up in practically every morning. Restaurants? Oh, the restaurants. From traditional Georgian fare at the a la carte restaurant to international cuisine, my taste buds were in heaven. Asian cuisine in restaurants was also available if you're into it, but Georgian food is where it's at! The poolside bar – yes, please! Desserts in the restaurant? Don't even get me started. Let's just say I sampled a few too many. They also offered a vegetarian option, which was awesome.
The "Could Be Better" Bits (Because No Place is Perfect):
While the apartment itself was lovely, a couple of things could be improved. The soundproofing wasn't perfect. Tbilisi is alive at all hours, and the sounds of the city seeped in. Consider earplugs if you’re a light sleeper. (And trust me, you'll need sleep to keep up with the pace of the city!) Also, while the staff were super helpful, sometimes it felt like there was a slight language barrier. A few more English speakers around wouldn't hurt.
The Unexpected Delights (Where I Started to Really Fall in Love):
This is where Tbilisi itself won me over. Sure, the apartment was comfortable, but it was the vibe of the city that stole my heart. The conversations with locals (even in broken English/Georgian), the hidden courtyards bursting with flowers, the impromptu music sessions… It was magic.
For the Kids?
I'm traveling solo, but I saw families everywhere. The place is family-friendly!
Value for Money and Overall Impression:
Was Mako's apartment perfect? No. But was it a great base from which to explore one of the most captivating cities I've ever visited? Absolutely. This is what I'm saying. The apartment was an excellent value for money and the whole experience? Five out of five stars! I'd go back in a heartbeat. In fact, I'm already planning my return. Just… maybe I'll attempt to climb the Narikala Fortress without eating a whole khachapuri beforehand this time.
Uncover Turpan's Hidden Gem: Ji Hotel's Oasis of Luxury!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this itinerary isn't your cookie-cutter, perfectly-packaged travel pamphlet. This is life in Tbilisi, baby, unfiltered and probably slightly caffeinated. We're talking chaos, charm, and potentially a whole lot of khachapuri.
The Base of Operations: Mako's Apt. in the Heart of Old Tbilisi (aka, Paradise Found…hopefully)
Let's be honest, the idea of basing yourself in the heart of Old Tbilisi is already romantic. Cobblestone streets? Balconies overflowing with flowers? Wine practically flowing from the tap? Sign me up. I booked Mako's place (fingers crossed it's as charming as the photos). My itinerary isn't some rigid plan, it's more…suggestions. A loose thread to pull on, letting the city unravel itself and lead me.
Day 1: Arrival & Overwhelm (and Possibly, Misunderstanding)
- Morning (Err… Late Morning?): Flight lands. Tbilisi Airport. Okay, first hurdle: navigating the chaos. I'm terrible at airport logistics. Pray I don't get lost in a duty-free zone for three hours. Taxi to Mako's. Pray the driver doesn't try to haggle me to oblivion (it's happened before, let's just say I'm not good at it).
- Afternoon: Unpack. Marvel (or possibly grumble slightly) at the quirks of the apartment. Old buildings… they have character, right? Hopefully, “character” translates as “charming view” and not “leaky pipes” or “dodgy wifi.” Then, the truly important question: where's the nearest churchkhela (that amazing Georgian candy)? Serious research required.
- Late Afternoon / Early Evening: The tsiskari (warm, fuzzy feeling of welcome and discovery). Wandering. Just wandering. Let the streets guide me. Imagine, getting lost in the maze of Old Tbilisi. I'm picturing myself stumble upon a hidden courtyard, with a tiny restaurant, filled with locals, laughing, and drinking copious glasses of wine (because, when in Georgia…).
- Evening: Dinner. Okay, this is where the real fun/panic begins. Trying to order food. Georgian cuisine… a delicious mystery. I'll probably point at random things on the menu (accompanied by frantic hand gestures), hoping for something edible. Maybe I'll accidentally order an entire roasted pig. It's happened before, in my defense, I don’t speak Georgian.
- Honest Moment: I fully expect to feel utterly lost and bewildered. That's part of the adventure, right? Hopefully, I don’t accidentally wander into a secret government meeting.
Day 2: Sulfur Baths & the Soul of Tbilisi
- Morning: Holy moly, the Sulfur Baths! This is the thing, the Tbilisi experience, the cleansing of body and mind. I'm envisioning something serene. A pristine marble oasis. Reality will probably involve a bit more… steam. And maybe some awkwardness. I’m very self-conscious about my lack of a tan.
- Honest Moment: I'm also slightly terrified. The thought of getting naked with strangers is a bit… much. But I’m going to do it. For the culture? Yes. For the Instagram-worthy photos? Also yes.
- Afternoon: After that intense experience, a calming activity is a must. A stroll through the charming Shardeni Quarter, filled with cafes, art galleries, and the very tourist-y feel I both love and secretly judge. I’ll probably end up in a café with a view, nursing a latte, trying (and failing) to resist buying all the souvenirs.
- Late Afternoon: Narikala Fortress. Hike up (or take the cable car if my legs are screaming). The view from up there? Breathtaking (or at least, "breathing-requiring" after the climb). I'm picturing myself feeling like a total conqueror. Or, maybe I'll just trip and fall down a flight of stairs. Either way, it will be memorable.
- Evening: Wine, again. Duh. A wine tasting. I'm basically a wine novice, which is why I’m doing this, so I can become a wine connoisseur. I'm going to look like a total idiot, but I don't care. I'm embracing the awkwardness. It's part of the charm, right?
- Honest Moment: I'm expecting some serious FOMO. Tbilisi has a million things to offer, and I'll be trying to cram it all in. I'll probably get exhausted and grumpy. But, hey, at least I'll be grumpy in a beautiful location, surrounded by delicious food and wine.
Day 3: The David Gareja Monastery, (and the Epic Hitchhiking Adventure) / The Market
- Morning: Okay, here's where this itinerary goes rogue, and hopefully amazing. David Gareja Monastery in Kakheti region. This is on my list of adventure options. I'm imagining an epic day trip.
- Option A (The Easy Way): Organized tour. Boring, but safe.
- Option B (The Crazy Way): Hitchhike! I'm picturing myself, with a hopeful thumb, standing on the side of a road. (I've heard this is common and safe in Georgia…hopefully). I hope a friendly local picks me up, shares their life story, and gives me the best insider tips. The reality will probably involve a lot of awkward silence and me trying to remember all the Georgian phrases I attempted to memorize.
- Afternoon: THE MARKET. Food market. This is not optional. I want to be overwhelmed by color, by smells, by the sheer abundance of everything. I want to try everything and buy way too much of it (and eat it all). I’ll get lost. I will ask for directions. I will, very likely, look like a total goofball.
- Evening: Dinner. I'll have a giant feast. The Market, the Market, I will be the first to consume it. Maybe I will find a restaurant tucked away somewhere. Maybe I'll try to cook something myself (disaster, guaranteed).
Day 4: Randomness and Regrets (and maybe, the Perfect Moment)
- Morning: I'm leaving this one blank. Let's roll with the punches. Maybe I'll revisit something I loved. Maybe I'll try something completely random. Maybe I'll spend the entire morning lying in bed, staring at the ceiling, and regretting what I ate last night.
- Afternoon: Explore some alternative neighborhoods. Have a coffee. Browse the art. Attempt to converse with locals, even if my Georgian is nonexistent. Practice my terrible photography skills.
- Evening: The last dinner or a glass of wine. Reflect on my adventures. I’ll probably have forgotten half the things I did, but I'll be exhausted and happy and full of memories.
- Honest Moment: I'm fully prepared for the emotions of the last day. A mix of joy, sadness, elation, and the overwhelming feeling that I didn't do enough.
- Final Observation: I expect to leave Tbilisi a little haggard, a little heavier, and a whole lot more in love with life. Because, when life gives you a city like Tbilisi… you throw your hands up in the air and say, "Let's do this!"
Escape to Tbilisi: Mako's Charming Old City Apartment - (Plus My Rambling Thoughts)
Okay, so... "Charming Old City Apartment"? Is this code for "mold and questionable plumbing"?
Alright, let's address the elephant in the room. "Charming" often translates to "rustic" in travel-speak, right? And "Old City" can sometimes mean, well, really old. But fear not! Mako's place... it's actually pretty damn charming. Yes, it IS in the Old City. Yes, there's the inherent risk of occasionally hearing the faint drip of a pipe that’s seen better centuries (a constant companion, like a grumpy grandpa whispering in the walls). But the charm? Oh, the charm is REAL.
Think exposed brick, wonky floorboards that creak in a delightful sing-song, and a balcony that practically begs you to sip wine while you watch the world go by. The plumbing? Well, it’s Georgian plumbing – you might have to get friendly with the water pressure gods, but it works. Mostly. And hey, a little character never hurt anyone. Adds to the adventure, right? (Deep breaths… trying to stay optimistic about the water pressure…)
Where *exactly* is this place? Is it going to take me an hour to find it after I stumble out of the airport (probably jetlagged and slightly lost)?
Location, location, location! Mako's apartment is nestled right in the heart of the Old Town. This is GREAT news… mostly. It did take me a bit to find it the first time, let me tell you! Jetlagged and armed with Google Maps (God bless Google Maps... mostly), I wandered around for, oh, a good twenty minutes, following a increasingly vague set of instructions, trying to decipher Georgian street signs (which, by the way, are beautiful, but... challenging when you're half-asleep).
It's close to the main touristy stuff (the sulfur baths, the quirky clock tower, etc.), which is fantastic for exploring, but also means there's… well, other tourists. And occasionally, a busker with a particularly enthusiastic accordion. (Again, charming, eventually... after a few glasses of wine.) But once you find it? Pure gold. Seriously. Totally worth the initial disorientation, I promise. And Mako gives excellent directions. Listen to them! I, obviously, did not. Learned my lesson. Sort of.
Is the apartment actually *clean*? I have a low threshold for grime. (And a high threshold for wanting a clean space).
Okay, okay, this is IMPORTANT. The cleanliness factor. I'm with you. I'm not exactly a germophobe, but nobody wants to spend vacation in a pigsty. I confess, I walked into the apartment the first time with a slightly raised eyebrow. Old buildings, you know? Could be anything.
The answer? It's clean. Really clean. Spotless? Maybe not. But CLEAN. It's clearly been tidied up, and the linens were fresh, and the bathroom, while small, was sparkling. Look, it's not a sterile, clinical environment (thank goodness). It has… character. But the important stuff? Absolutely covered. You can relax. You can exhale. You can comfortably put your suitcase down and actually ENJOY the place. Phew. Crisis averted.
What's the Wi-Fi situation? Because, you know, Instagram waits for no one. (And work emails... ugh).
Alright, let’s be honest. We need the internet. We NEED it. For Instagram, for Maps, for doomscrolling, for sending that one work email and then immediately regretting it… The Wi-Fi at Mako’s was… decent. Look, it's not going to win any speed records, but it worked. I could upload photos. I could Facetime with my family (much to their exhaustion, probably).
There were a few moments where it became a little… unreliable. Like, cutting out entirely JUST as I was about to win my online Scrabble game. (Rage). Or during a vitally important research video. But overall, it was functional. Acceptable. And considering the age of the building, I consider it a small miracle. (Seriously, old buildings and tech are not always the best of friends). So, manage expectations. But you'll survive, and you'll still get to share your beautiful Tbilisi photos.
The balcony! The listing raves about the balcony. Is it really as magical as it sounds? Because travel photos can be deceiving.
THE BALCONY. Oh, my sweet, sweet balcony. Yes. It is. It is *that* magical. Okay, pictures don't do it justice. Think small, wrought-iron, overlooking a cobbled street filled with cats (Tbilisi is practically overrun with adorable cats, by the way!), and the smells of cooking wafting up from the little family-run restaurants below.
I spent hours on that balcony. Drinking Georgian wine. Eating khachapuri (cheese bread… you HAVE to try it). Reading. Watching the world go by. Seriously. It's the best part of the apartment. Pure bliss. A slice of heaven. The perfect spot to contemplate life, the universe, and whether you should order another glass of Saperavi. (The answer is always yes, by the way).
Is the apartment noisy? I need my beauty sleep. Or at least SOME sleep.
NOISE. This is a real consideration for anyone heading to a lively city like Tbilisi. Being in the Old Town, well, you're signing up for potential noise. Especially during the evening and night hours! The apartment? Well, it's *mostly* quiet. Like, you can hear the occasional distant car horn. The muffled sounds of people chatting. The aforementioned enthusiastic accordion player. (He really gets into it.)
Now, I am a light sleeper - like, I can hear a pin drop from across the room, I'm THAT sensitive. But! The windows are pretty good, they block out a fair amount of the noise. Earplugs are your friend here, just in case. (Pack them! I swear! You'll thank me.) But overall, it’s definitely manageable. If you're hoping for total silence, maybe consider a monastery in the countryside. But if you like to be in the heart of things? You will be fine.
Anything else I should be prepared for? Any quirky little things that are, like, VERY specific to Mako's place?
Okay, here's where it gets a little... specific.Nomad Hotel Search
