The Telegraph Hotel

The Telegraph Hotel stands as a prominent address in Tbilisi, Georgia, occupying the historic former post-office and telegraph building on Rustaveli Avenue. With 239 guestrooms and suites spread across nine accommodation categories, the property blends Soviet modernist architecture with contemporary luxury. Guests are offered a diverse culinary experience through multiple restaurants and bars, including a rooftop venue and a jazz club. The hotel is recognised by the MICHELIN Guide with Two Keys and maintains a strong guest reputation across major platforms. Its location places guests within easy reach of Tbilisi’s cultural landmarks, such as the Narikala fortress, while providing views of the city’s vibrant streetscape or the hotel’s elegant inner courtyard.

The Telegraph Hotel in Tbilisi is one of 777 houses in line for the stars. The case for its first star rests on an EMPTYJET Consensus of 94/100 and a domestic distinction — Best in Country, N°1 house in Georgia. With 239 rooms and a registered position in the guide's Shortlist, the property pairs a clear guest verdict with recognised culinary and hospitality credentials that advance its candidacy for future stars.

The Telegraph Hotel occupies a building with significant historical resonance in Tbilisi. Originally constructed in the 1970s, the structure was designed in the 1960s by Georgian architects Lado Alexi-Meskhishvili and Teimuraz Mikashavidze. Its initial function was as the central post and telegraph office of Tbilisi during the Soviet period, a role that shaped both its architectural form and its place in the city’s collective memory. The building was awarded the National State Award in 1983, further cementing its status as a landmark of Soviet modernist architecture. Today, the hotel’s restoration by design studio Neri & Hu has preserved these historical elements while adapting the space for contemporary hospitality.

The Telegraph Hotel is celebrated for its Soviet modernist architectural style, a legacy of its original design by Lado Alexi-Meskhishvili and Teimuraz Mikashavidze in 1964. The building’s distinctive façade features monumental cornices and double atriums, and it adapts thoughtfully to Tbilisi’s sloping terrain, creating seamless transitions between levels, streets, and city views. The restoration, led by design studio Neri & Hu, has maintained the integrity of the original structure while introducing contemporary luxury. The interiors reflect a careful balance between the building’s Soviet heritage and modern sensibilities, with grand cornices and a layout that integrates the property into the urban fabric of Rustaveli Avenue.

The Telegraph Hotel presents a diverse and ambitious dining programme, with multiple restaurants and bars catering to a range of tastes.

• Grand Café: This venue offers a blend of European elegance and Georgian tradition, featuring tableside flambé and creative desserts. The menu highlights both local and continental flavours, providing a refined yet approachable dining experience.

• Laan Thai: Under the direction of chef Rose Chalalai Singh, Laan Thai specialises in authentic Thai home cooking, utilising fresh Georgian ingredients. The restaurant is noted for its commitment to genuine Thai flavours and culinary technique.

• The Grill: A classic American steakhouse, The Grill is known for premium steaks and whole grilled lobster, catering to those seeking robust, straightforward fare.

• Philosophico: This Italian restaurant delivers a menu of Italian and European dishes, focusing on quality ingredients and traditional preparations.

• Tatuza Jazz Club: Offering a mixed cuisine menu, the Jazz Club combines live music with a relaxed dining atmosphere, making it a social hub within the hotel.

• Wine Library: This bar and restaurant highlights Georgian wines alongside a mixed menu, providing an opportunity to explore the region’s viticultural heritage.

• Rolling Stone Rooftop Bar: Guests can enjoy cocktails and panoramic city views from this rooftop venue, which is a focal point for evening gatherings.

• Courtyard Bar & Lounge and Bell & Gray Bar: These venues offer a selection of drinks and light fare in stylish settings, suitable for both informal meetings and leisurely relaxation.

The hotel’s dining variety encompasses rooftop cocktails, Thai street food, Italian flavours, and modern twists on Georgian cuisine, ensuring a comprehensive gastronomic offering.

The hotel’s Wellness Studio is equipped with a full gym, massage and recovery treatments, and a dedicated Pilates room. Sessions in the Pilates room are designed to build strength, mobility, and control. Personal trainers are available on site for both guests and members. The property also offers the SLIM Programme, a 30-day reset focused on structured training, smart nutrition, and proper recovery. For aquatic relaxation, guests enjoy complimentary pool access at the Anne Semonin Wellness Center, located next door at the Radisson Blu Iveria.

The Telegraph Hotel enjoys a strong reputation for service, as reflected in guest reviews across major platforms. These consistently high scores indicate a high level of guest satisfaction with both service and facilities.

Situated at 31, Shota Rustaveli Avenue, the hotel occupies a prominent position in Tbilisi’s urban landscape. The historic building is integrated into the city’s sloping terrain, offering guests views of either the vibrant streetscape or the hotel’s inner courtyard. The Narikala fortress, one of Tbilisi’s key attractions, is located 1.38 miles (2.22 km) from the hotel, making it accessible for cultural exploration. The property’s central location ensures convenient access to the city’s main thoroughfares and cultural sites.

The Telegraph Hotel is a compelling choice for travellers seeking a blend of historical significance, architectural interest, and contemporary comfort in Tbilisi. Its MICHELIN Guide Two Keys distinction and consistently high guest ratings underscore its commitment to quality. The property’s extensive dining options, well-appointed rooms and suites, and comprehensive wellness facilities make it suitable for both leisure and business travellers. Its central location on Rustaveli Avenue provides easy access to Tbilisi’s cultural and historical attractions, while the building’s Soviet modernist heritage offers a distinctive sense of place. The hotel is particularly well-suited to guests who value design, culinary variety, and a strong sense of local history.

Practical points for consideration: The Telegraph Hotel is at 31, Shota Rustaveli Avenue, 0108, Tbilisi, Georgia, in the historic former post‑office and telegraph building. The property comprises 239 guestrooms across nine accommodation categories, from Classic rooms (30 sqm) to the Telegraph Presidential Suite (260 sqm); rooms were restored by design studio Neri & Hu. Wellness facilities include a fully equipped gym, massage and recovery treatments, and a dedicated Pilates room, with complimentary pool access at the Anne Semonin Wellness Center next door at Radisson Blu Iveria. Dining and late‑night options are extensive, with outlets such as Grand Café, Laan Thai, The Grill, Tatuza Jazz Club and the Rolling Stone Rooftop Bar. Narikala fortress is 1.38 mi / 2.22 km away.