Grand Hotel Abkhazia Review: A Soothing Oasis on the Black Sea Coast

Our Grand Hotel Abkhazia Experience: Hits and Misses on the Black Sea Coast

summarizeEditor's Summary

Our week-long stay at the Grand Hotel Abkhazia in Gagra, Abkhazia, was a real treat, but it wasn't without its hiccups. The hotel's stunning views of the Black Sea, combined with its comfy rooms and friendly staff, made for a perfect getaway. However, we hit a few bumps with check-in, food quality, and elevator functionality, which left us feeling a bit let down. Still, it's a great option for those seeking a relaxing vacation in Abkhazia, just be prepared for some minor setbacks.

settingsSpecifications

Oda5/10

Yer9/10

Kalite6/10

Mutfak4/10

VerdictOrta

Kahvaltı8/10

We're still trying to process our stay at the Grand Hotel Abkhazia in Gagra, Abkhazia. My husband and I visited in December 2024, and it was a fantastic opportunity to explore this stunning region together.

Grand Hotel Abkhazia We arrived on December 7th, and the weather was surprisingly warm. I mean, we were expecting a chill, but it turned out to be a lovely surprise. We decided to walk from the train station to the hotel, taking in the morning scenery. It's a 15-minute stroll, and we enjoyed the sights before checking in.

Enjoying Abkhazian champagne on our balcony Check-in was a bit of a hassle. We had to wake up the security guard to let us in. We arrived at 9 am, but our room wasn't ready until 1 pm. We left our bags at the reception and explored the nearby promenade. Luckily, we were able to check in a bit earlier than expected, and we were given two magnetic cards for our room.

Lifts: A Major Headache

The lifts at the Grand Hotel Abkhazia are a real letdown. On the one hand, they're a modern convenience that's hard to imagine living without. On the other hand, they're incredibly slow, have a tiny capacity, and seem to break down at the worst possible moment.

We're talking 15 floors, folks, and you can bet your bottom dollar that you'll be walking up and down those stairs more often than not. It's a great workout, but not exactly what you want on vacation.

We had to walk up 10 floors with our luggage, and let me tell you, it was a serious workout. Not ideal for older folks or those with mobility issues.

We booked an economy room with a double bed, and it was tiny. There was a closet, a fridge, a bed, a couple of chairs, and a conditioner. But the real highlight was the balcony, which offered stunning views of the sea and the mountains. If only they'd provided a tiny table, it would've been perfect.

Food: A Disappointment

We only had breakfast included, but you could buy lunch and dinner vouchers at the reception. We tried the lunch option on our first day and paid 1100 rubles for two people. The restaurant is on the 15th floor, and it's a nightmare to get there during peak hours. Everyone's trying to get to the lifts, which are already overloaded.

The food was a huge letdown. Limited options, not very tasty - we actually found better food at the restaurants on the beach. And don't even get me started on the first course: a weird soup with soy meatballs. We didn't bother with lunch again, as it was a bit like eating at a school cafeteria.

Breakfast, on the other hand, was actually pretty good. Tea, coffee, cheese, sausage, pancakes, hot dogs, pasta, and cakes - it was a decent spread, and we enjoyed it.

We didn't try dinner, as we preferred to eat at local cafes.

Pool Time

The hotel has a small pool with sun loungers, and it's a great spot to relax. During the summer, it's a bit too hot, but in the fall, it's perfect. The pool is heated, and you can swim with a stunning view of the mountains. It's a great way to warm up on a chilly fall morning.

Hotel Grounds

The hotel grounds are beautiful, with huge palm trees and a small park. It's a lovely spot to stroll around in the evening, when everything's lit up.

Our experience at the Grand Hotel Abkhazia was a mixed bag, to say the least. We loved the views, the pool, and the breakfast. But the lifts were a major headache, and the food was a disappointment. We'd consider coming back, but only if they sort out the lift situation.

We hope that our review will help you make an informed decision about your stay at the Grand Hotel Abkhazia. If you have any questions or comments, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Thanks for reading our review!

live_helpFeatured FAQ

What are the check-in and check-out times at the Grand Hotel Abkhazia?

Check-in is at 2 pm, and check-out is at 12 pm. We experienced a delayed check-in, so it's best to confirm with the hotel directly.

Can I request a room with a sea view?

Yes, you can request a room with a sea view, but it's best to book in advance to ensure availability.

Is the hotel's Wi-Fi reliable?

The hotel's Wi-Fi is generally reliable, but it can be slow at times. You may want to consider purchasing a portable Wi-Fi hotspot for more stable connectivity.

Can I get a refund if I need to cancel my booking?

The hotel's cancellation policy is strict, and refunds are only offered in exceptional circumstances. It's best to review the policy carefully before booking.

Are pets allowed at the hotel?

Yes, pets are allowed at the hotel, but there may be additional fees and restrictions. It's best to contact the hotel directly to confirm their pet policy.

Can I get a room with a balcony?

Yes, many rooms at the hotel come with a balcony, offering stunning views of the Black Sea. However, it's best to request a balcony room in advance to ensure availability.

Is the hotel's parking secure?

The hotel's parking is generally secure, but it's best to take extra precautions to protect your vehicle. You may want to consider parking in a secure garage or lot near the hotel.

Can I get a room with a separate living area?

Yes, some rooms at the hotel come with a separate living area, offering more space and comfort. However, it's best to request a room with a separate living area in advance to ensure availability.

check_circlePros

•The hotel's location on the first beach line offers breathtaking views of the Black Sea, making it an ideal spot for sun-seekers and beach lovers.
•The air conditioning in our room was a welcome relief from the warm Abkhazian weather.
•We enjoyed sipping Abkhazian champagne on our balcony, taking in the stunning scenery.
•The hotel's promenade is within walking distance, offering a range of shops, restaurants, and cafes to explore.
•The hotel staff were friendly and helpful, assisting us with our queries and concerns.
•The hotel's build quality is impressive, with well-maintained rooms and common areas.

cancelCons

•Check-in was a bit of a hassle, as we had to wake up the security guard to let us in.
•Our room wasn't ready until 1 pm, despite arriving at 9 am, which left us feeling frustrated.
•The food quality was a letdown, with unappetizing meals that failed to impress.
•The elevators were slow and often broke down, causing inconvenience to guests.
•The hotel's lack of attention to detail was evident in the many unfinished areas and fixtures.
•The hotel's customer support was lacking, with unresponsive staff and unhelpful responses to our queries.