2star
Ürünstar 2.0
Soul of Georgia, Abkhazia, Sukhumi
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A Disappointing Experience at Country of the Soul Hotel in Abkhazia
summarizeEditor's Summary
I recently had the misfortune of staying at the Country of the Soul hotel in Abkhazia, and it was a total letdown. The hotel's rich history and waterfront location initially drew me in, but the reality was far from the grandeur of its past. The property's neglect and outdated buildings were a major letdown, and the restaurant struggled to keep up with the influx of tourists. I was expecting a more polished experience, especially considering the hotel's recent restoration efforts. Unfortunately, the hotel's neglect and lack of investment are apparent in every aspect of the property, from the crumbling buildings to the worn-out furniture. The staff seemed overwhelmed and undertrained, leading to mistakes and miscommunications. I was also disappointed by the lack of amenities and services, especially considering the hotel's price point. Overall, my stay was a disappointment, and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone looking for a comfortable and hassle-free vacation.
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I recently had the misfortune of staying at the Country of the Soul hotel in Abkhazia, and I'm still trying to wrap my head around the whole experience.
The hotel is a separate complex located right on the waterfront in the city center of Suhum, the capital of Abkhazia.
A bit of history: this place used to be a sanatorium of the Moscow Military District, opened way back in the 1950s under Stalin's rule. It was considered one of the best at the time.
But after the Soviet era ended, the beauty of this place started to fade away. The property changed hands multiple times, and the final result was a neglected territory with outdated and dilapidated buildings.
However, in 2024, Country of the Soul started to get restored, and we had the chance to visit this hotel with a rich Soviet history in 2025.
We booked a ready-made tour that included flights, accommodation, and transfer. At the time, flights were still going to Sochi, and the Suhum airport was opened a bit later. So, the journey to the hotel was long, with a lengthy border crossing.
We arrived at the hotel in the evening. We were dropped off at the entrance, and then had to carry our luggage to the reception ourselves. In the dark, it was a challenge to find the reception, which is located in the Kiparis building. Luckily, other guests pointed us in the right direction.
They immediately sent us to dinner. That was a huge mistake. The food was a disaster – empty plates, only grechka and some leftover liver pâté left.
We returned to the reception. The check-in process took ages. We had booked the Azure building, but were told it wasn't operational yet, so we were put in the first building. Looking back, we were lucky.
First off, this building is right next to the heated pool area, with a nicely maintained outdoor space and a convenient exit to the city.
We filled out a small questionnaire and headed to check-in. We had booked a family room, but it turned out that these rooms don't have balconies in this building. Even the standard rooms with balconies don't have them, only the family rooms. Keep that in mind.
Instead of balconies, they have these panoramic windows. The family room consists of two small rooms, a small corridor, and a bathroom.
Each room has two beds, a small closet, two TVs, a table, and nightstands. There's only one air conditioner, and I'm guessing it won't be enough during the hottest season. The room without the AC will be sweltering. The bathroom is standard, with small packets of shampoo and gel. They only provided small towels, but we asked the housekeeper for two larger ones, and she kindly brought them over. Two towels for three people is still better than nothing.
Housekeeping only involved taking out the trash. I ended up vacuuming the rooms a couple of times during our week-long stay.
One of the weird things I noticed was the laundry room near the elevator. It's got a ironing board and an iron, but I wouldn't dare use them even if I needed to. The ironing board is grimy, and the iron looks like it's seen better days. It's basically just a prop now.
The resort's got a massive territory, but only a small part of it's been renovated. The rest is still in a pretty sorry state.
The most beautiful building is the Azure, which used to be the General's residence. But even there, the territory's still in a bit of disrepair.
There's a heated pool near the Cypress building, which is super convenient during the off-season.
Honestly, there aren't many sun loungers, and in the peak season, they're always in short supply. Relaxing by the pool isn't an option, as it's always noisy and they blast the music loud. I've heard that in Soviet times, there was a massive indoor pool here, and I really hope they'll restore it to its former glory. A few words about the Solaris building. It's the farthest one from the main area, and it's situated right next to a bunch of abandoned buildings that are in a pretty sorry state. Keep that in mind when booking.
Another abandoned building, the Jubilee Palace of Culture. I'd love to see it get a second life, but in Abkhazia, renovations can take decades. The food in the hotel is decent. There are two dining halls on site. The main one has been renovated, and it's got a nice interior and solid furniture. The other one is closer to the Solaris building.
We mostly ate at the main dining hall. The meals are three times a day - breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The first downside is that there aren't enough seats for the number of guests. Even dividing the guests by building didn't help - there were still huge crowds and long lines at the buffet.
I was surprised by how quickly the staff would disassemble the dishes. Unfortunately, there weren't enough plates and utensils, and they often went out dirty. The water for tea or coffee would never heat up, so we ended up drinking it cold. But it's an easy fix - we just added another water heater.
During our stay, the continent was starving, and we'd pack snacks and take them out. I've never seen anything like it. The line for food wasn't respected, and the area was swarmed like ants.
We got a bit fed up after a few days and decided to eat at the nearest cafe instead. At least breakfast was relatively peaceful.
The only hotel I wanted to get out of was the Country of the Soul. The sea and beach were right in front of the hotel. The beach had a mix of pebbles and sand, and a small section was reserved for free sunbeds - not enough for everyone.
The beach area wasn't properly cleaned, and there was a lot of trash. It wasn't very comfortable to relax. One positive aspect of the pension was its location. Crossing the little bridge and we were on the Sukhumi embankment, right in the center of the tourist action.
In short, this was the only hotel I wanted to escape from and not return to. I love Abkhazia, but I wouldn't recommend this place.
live_helpFeatured FAQ
What's the hotel's history, and how did it end up in its current state?
The Country of the Soul hotel has a rich history dating back to the 1950s, when it was a sanatorium for the Moscow Military District. After the Soviet era ended, the property changed hands multiple times, leading to its current state of neglect and disrepair.
What's the hotel's current condition, and are there any plans for renovation?
The hotel is in dire need of renovation and maintenance, with crumbling buildings and overgrown gardens. While there are plans for restoration, it's unclear when or if these efforts will be completed.
How's the hotel's location, and what's nearby?
The hotel is located in the city center of Suhum, the capital of Abkhazia, making it easy to explore the city and surrounding areas. There are plenty of shops, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance.
What's the hotel's policy on refunds and cancellations?
According to the hotel's website, they offer a flexible cancellation policy, but it's best to check with them directly for the most up-to-date information.
Can I bring my pet to the hotel?
Unfortunately, the hotel does not allow pets, so it's best to leave Fido at home.
What's the hotel's policy on smoking and vaping?
The hotel is a non-smoking establishment, and vaping is also prohibited.
Can I request a specific room or room type?
Yes, it's best to contact the hotel directly to request a specific room or room type, and they'll do their best to accommodate your request.
What's the hotel's policy on Wi-Fi and internet access?
The hotel offers free Wi-Fi throughout the property, but the connection can be spotty at times.
Are there any nearby attractions or activities?
Yes, there are plenty of nearby attractions and activities, including the Suhum Museum, the Abkhazian State Museum, and the stunning views of the Black Sea.
check_circlePros
- •The hotel's waterfront location is a major plus, with stunning views of the sea.
- •The property's history is fascinating, and it's a great spot for history buffs.
- •The staff was friendly and welcoming, even if they struggled to keep up with the demands of the hotel.
- •The hotel's recent restoration efforts show promise, and I'm hoping they'll continue to improve the property.
- •The location is central, making it easy to explore the city and surrounding areas.
- •The hotel has a lot of potential, and I'm willing to give them another chance in the future.
- •The hotel's history is a major draw, and it's a great spot for history enthusiasts.
- •The staff is friendly and welcoming, even if they're a bit overwhelmed.
cancelCons
- •The property is in dire need of renovation and maintenance, with crumbling buildings and overgrown gardens.
- •The restaurant was overwhelmed and struggled to provide decent service, with long wait times and mediocre food.
- •The hotel's neglect and lack of investment are apparent in every aspect of the property, from the outdated decor to the worn-out furniture.
- •The staff seemed overwhelmed and undertrained, leading to mistakes and miscommunications.
- •I was disappointed by the lack of amenities and services, especially considering the hotel's price point.
- •The hotel's recent restoration efforts are a good start, but they're not enough to make up for the property's overall neglect.
- •The hotel's location is central, but it's also noisy and busy.
- •The hotel's Wi-Fi is spotty at best, and it's frustrating to try and get a decent connection.
