Batumi's Hidden Gem: Hotel u Murtaza - Unforgettable Georgian Escape
Batumi's Hidden Gem: Hotel u Murtaza - A Whirlwind of Georgian Delight (and a Few Quirks!)
Okay, buckle up, because I'm about to spill the beans on Hotel u Murtaza in Batumi. Forget those perfectly curated Instagram feeds, because this review is raw, real, and very opinionated. I'm talking the kind of review you'd want from a slightly sleep-deprived, but utterly honest friend.
First Impressions: The Good, The Maybe, and the "Whoa, That's Interesting"
Landing in Batumi felt like stepping onto a postcard – vibrant, buzzing, and utterly unlike anywhere else I'd been. Finding Hotel u Murtaza nestled in amongst the bustling city was a little adventure in itself. Let’s just say, Google Maps wasn’t always my best friend. But hey, that’s part of the charm, right?
Accessibility – A Mixed Bag (But With Heart!)
- Wheelchair Accessible: Hmmm, let's call this mostly accessible. The front entrance was manageable, and the elevator was a HUGE win. However, some corridors were a tad narrow. They’re trying – and the staff, bless their hearts, were genuinely helpful and eager to assist where they could.
- Facilities for disabled guests: In this area, there's definitely room for improvement.
The Digital Life & Beyond: Staying Connected & Feeling Pampered
- Internet Access (and the Free Wi-Fi Gods!): Thank the Georgian gods for that glorious free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Seriously, it was a lifesaver for planning my daily adventures and posting all those drool-worthy food pics (more on that later!). The Wi-Fi in public areas was decent enough, but sometimes you had to hunt for the sweet spot.
- Internet [LAN]: Yes, that’s a thing! For those needing a wired connection, they've got it. (Old school, but effective!)
- Internet Services: All the usual suspects – nothing groundbreaking, but perfectly functional.
- Things to do, Ways to Relax - Spa, Sauna, and Bliss!
Here's where things get truly interesting. I'm a sucker for a good spa, and the Hotel u Murtaza’s offerings were… let's say… memorable.
- The Spa: The spa itself was clean and the therapists were super skilled. I treated myself to a massage – it was like my muscles were finally allowed to breathe again after a day of exploring!
- Sauna & Steamroom: Both available, and both perfectly functional for sweating out all the delicious Georgian food I was shoveling in.
- Pool with View, Swimming Pool, Swimming Pool [outdoor]: While I didn't swim due to the weather, the outdoor pool looked inviting. I have no doubt that a dip with a view would be the key to relaxation.
- Body Scrub, Body Wrap: I didn't try these specifically, but the spa menu looked tempting!
Cleanliness and Safety – They're Taking It Seriously! (And That's Reassuring)
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment: MAJOR points for this! They're clearly prioritizing safety, which, in the current climate, is HUGE. I felt genuinely safe and comfortable.
- Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Safe dining setup, Shared stationery removed: More great signs of thoughtful safety protocols.
- Hand sanitizer, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit: All the essentials taken care of.
- Cashless payment service: A nice added convenience.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – My Stomach's Happy Place!
Okay, let's talk food. This, my friends, is where Hotel u Murtaza shines. Forget bland hotel fare; this place is a culinary adventure.
- Restaurants: Plural! They've got a few options, and each one offered something unique.
- Breakfast [buffet]: The buffet was a feast. Cheeses, pastries, local delicacies – I could have (and probably did) spend a whole morning just sampling everything.
- A la carte in restaurant: You can supplement the buffet or have something different, it's your choice.
- Asian cuisine in restaurant: Yes, you read that right. An unexpected but delicious addition.
- Western cuisine in restaurant: The classics are here too, for those less adventurous.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop: Essential for my caffeine addiction!
- Poolside bar: Perfect for a pre-dinner cocktail.
- Bar: The perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring.
- Snack bar: Great for a quick bite.
- Happy hour: Yes, please!
- Room service [24-hour]: Ideal for those late-night Georgian food cravings (yes, I had them!).
- Bottle of water, Breakfast in room, Breakfast takeaway service, Alternative meal arrangement: All the little extras that make a difference.
Services and Conveniences – Pretty Darned Good!
- Elevator: Crucial for anyone with mobility issues.
- Concierge: The staff, in general, are super helpful, providing recommendations and generally making you feel welcome.
- Currency exchange: Super useful, especially if you’re like me and arrive with a pocket full of the wrong currency.
- Daily housekeeping: My room was always spotless (and frankly, a miracle after my messy unpacking!).
- Dry cleaning & Laundry service: Perfect for that one shirt you spill Khachapuri on (it happens!).
- Luggage storage: Handy for those early check-ins or late check-outs.
- Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site]: Plenty of parking options.
- Airport transfer, Taxi service: Getting around was a breeze.
For the Kids - Family Friendly (But No Kid's Club!)
- Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids meal: They cater well to families.
The Rooms – Comfortable, but Not Without Character!
My room? It was… well, it was a room! Nothing over-the-top luxurious, but clean, comfortable, and with all the essentials.
- Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Blackout curtains, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Linens, Mini bar, Non-smoking, Private bathroom, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Shower, Slippers, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens: Everything you need.
- Additional toilet, Bathtub, Carpeting, Extra long bed, High floor, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Mirror, On-demand movies, Reading light, Separate shower/bathtub, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Umbrella, Visual alarm: Various options and amenities to choose from.
Getting Around – Easy Peasy!
- Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking: Getting around was a breeze.
Safety & Security - Solid!
- Access, CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private], Couple's room, Exterior corridor, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Non-smoking rooms, Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms, Soundproof rooms: All the essentials for peace of mind.
The Quirks – Because No Place is Perfect!
Okay, here’s the juicy bit. Hotel u Murtaza isn’t flawless. Some things… well, they’re… characterful.
- The Elevator: As mentioned, it worked. But, it sometimes took a while. Embrace the pace of life in Georgia, and you'll be fine.
- The Decorations: Let's just say, the decor is eclectic. There are more traditional elements, but some elements have been added here and there.
- The Noise: Batumi is a lively city! While the soundproof rooms are good, light sleepers might want to pack earplugs, especially during festival season.
Overall: The Verdict – Go! (With Realistic Expectations)
Hotel u Murtaza is a fantastic base for exploring Batumi. Yes, it has its quirks, but that's part of its charm. The staff are wonderful, the food is incredible, and the location is excellent. I’d go back in a heartbeat.
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Bohol Pool Paradise: Your Dream Family Getaway Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your sterile, perfectly-planned itinerary. This is a messy, glorious, slightly-hungover recount of… well, me, at Hotel u Murtaza in Batumi, Georgia. Let's be honest, I'm still trying to figure out if I loved it or if the khachapuri just completely overruled my critical thinking.
Day 1: Arrival, Chaos, and the Persistent Smell of Cigarettes (and Hope?)
14:00: Arrived in Batumi. Jesus, the airport. Seriously, the airport. Tiny. Smelly. But hey, I made it. Found a sketchy taxi driver who looked like he'd seen a ghost and haggled him down to a price that almost felt fair.
15:00: Dragged my (slightly-overpacked, let’s be real) suitcase into Hotel u Murtaza. First impression? The lobby's wallpaper is… a statement. It's a lot of floral, and it's very Georgian, and it's maybe a little bit like being hugged by a bouquet of questionable decisions. But the staff? Delightfully confused and helpful, in equal measure. The receptionist, a woman with eyes that could melt glaciers, spent a good fifteen minutes trying to understand my awful attempt at Russian. Bless her heart.
15:30: Unpacked (badly) in my room. Small. Basic. And… a lingering scent of cigarettes. Seriously, it’s everywhere in Georgia. I swear, even the tap water probably smells faintly of smoke. But the view! The Black Sea stretched out before me, grey and moody and absolutely captivating. Instantly, I forgiven the smell.
16:00: First wander. Batumi is… well, it’s a sensory overload. Neon lights battling the gothic architecture, palm trees inexplicably thriving, the constant hum of conversations I couldn't understand. I'm pretty sure I saw a guy riding a unicorn statue. Or maybe I was hallucinating from jet lag and the aforementioned cigarette fumes. Probably the latter.
19:00: Dinner at a recommended restaurant, "Porto Franko." Ordered way too much food - how could I resist the lure of the advertisement! The khachapuri (the cheesy bread boat of my dreams) was a religious experience. Seriously. I think I saw God. The rest of the food was fine, too. But man the khachapuri. The cheese. The egg. The… sigh. My only regret? Not ordering two.
21:00: Wandered along the Batumi Boulevard. Absolutely magical, especially at night, with the lights reflecting and the sea breeze. Met a group of Georgians playing a surprisingly competitive game of backgammon. Tried to join in (with ZERO backgammon skills) and was politely, but firmly, told I was terrible. Fair enough. I could tell I'd made a lot of friends. sigh.
23:00: Bedtime. Praying the cigarette smell doesn’t seep into my dreams. Also praying I don’t wake up with a sudden craving for more khachapuri.
Day 2: Beach Bummin', Boulevard Blunders, and a Catastrophe of a Meal.
- 09:00: Woke up. Smelling cigarettes, somehow. Also, my back. Seriously, I think someone replaced the mattress with concrete. Breakfast? Alright. Coffee, bread and butter, a weird kind of omelet that I swear tasted like socks. Georgian breakfast: Hit or miss.
- 10:00: Attempted to find the beach. The beach! This was the whole point. Except the beach was packed tighter than a sardine can. I'm talking, towels overlapping, people elbowing each other for space, a constant symphony of splashing and yelling. I lasted approximately 20 minutes before retreating back to the relative serenity of the hotel. The Black Sea is beautiful, but apparently, I needed personal space.
- 12:00: Wandered the boulevard, and then made a mistake. Decided to try my hand at a fancy restaurant. Mistake number one: I ordered (what I thought) was a salad full of local vegetables. Mistake number two: I didn't realize it had pickled everything imaginable. I’m talking, pickled zucchini, pickled beets, pickled… I don’t even know. I choked down maybe three bites before waving the white flag. The waiter, bless his heart, didn't seem surprised. Lesson learned: stick to khachapuri and the restaurants with the handwritten menus in Georgian.
- 14:00: More walking. Watched those dancing fountains. It was… fine. I'm starting to think I need a good map. 15:00: After the fountain show, I spotted a gelato place. Sweet relief.
- 18:00: Back to the hotel for a nap. Exhausted. It's not like I was doing that much, but Georgia is a lot. Emotionally, physically, gastronomically.
- 20:00: Dinner. Ah yes: The restaurant debacle. So, I went to a restaurant because I wanted to get some REAL Georgian food. I ordered something that I thought was a meat and vegetable stew. It arrived, and let's just say… it looked like something I'd scrape off my shoe after a muddy hike. Texture? Questionable. Taste? A symphony of herbs and spices that aggressively did not agree with me. I politely ate the vegetables and then decided to just order a loaf of bread. And then, I went to bed.
Day 3: Departure… and a lingering taste of cheese.
09:00: The last cup of coffee. Still smelling cigarettes. Packing.
10:00: Checked out. Said goodbye to the floral wallpaper, the helpful but ever-so-slightly-confused staff, and the persistent scent of smoke.
11:00: One last stroll along the boulevard. I saw more of the city. I just… didn't like it as much as the days before.
12:00: Goodbye, Batumi. You were weird. You were beautiful. You gave me a stomach ache. But you were also… memorable. And I will always, always remember the khachapuri.
13:00: On my way to the airport. Pretty sure I'll be craving cheese for weeks.
Final Thoughts:
Hotel u Murtaza? Charming, in a chaotic way. Batumi? A fascinating, sometimes frustrating, but undeniably vibrant city. Would I recommend it? Absolutely. But bring your allergy meds, your sense of adventure, and a healthy appetite for cheese. And maybe, just maybe, your own air freshener. You'll thank me later.
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