 | Kazbegi Reviews | Tips 1 - 10 of 16 |  |
This place was listed in the Lonely Planet (which, if you read my warnings and dangers page for Tbilisi, I do not trust), but I was told by a VTer that it was a great place to stay. It was an interesting place to stay, in the least, but not only was there no hot water, there was no running water. There was also no heat.
However, we got there, tired, hungry, cold--huddled masses that we were--and used the non-flushable toilet, had a hot tea, and was fed bread with sour cream. We talked to Vano. He seemed like an interesting guy (he was fascinating, actually), and decided, hey, we could rough it for one night. It was also very, very cheap, under $3 per person.
Also, we had heard that food was included. Vano's mother, the cook, was away in Tbilisi, and we ended up eating at the neighbor's house. (Frankly, we didn't relish just eating bread and sour cream.) That was an adventure in itself. We were fed bread, cheese, soup, and hot tea. We sat in the center of the living/dining room, while the family sat on the sofa against the wall and silently watched a Mexican soap opera dubbed into Georgian. Now, you don't get that at the Four Seasons now, do you?
No running water. No heat. Picture of Stalin on the wall, near the stereo, and starring at us while we watch BBC World News. Go figure. Theme: Pension/GuesthousePrice: less than US$20 » Currency ConverterComparison: least expensiveDirections: From where you get dropped off, go left into town (don't follow sign that points to Kazbegi), and turn left on a road, near some old, rusting green camper things, and ask for Vano.
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 Nigel and Vano by MalenaN
There is no running water but several buckets of water outside the bathroom. One of the buckets contain drinking water.
A bed, breakfast and dinner was 5 dollars (June 2003). When I was in Tbilisi in 2006 I heard the price was 10 dollars. That is still a good deal as all meals are included.
When I was there Vano had got a job at the Mariot Hotel in Tblisi, as a door man. So he might not always be in Kazbegi. Theme: OtherPrice: less than US$20 » Currency ConverterComparison: least expensiveAddress: Gergeti, KazbegiPhone: 00995-345-52418
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In 2005, I was surprised to find a fairly large modern hotel in the corner of Kazbegi's main square. At first sight, it looked far too expensive for me, and I went in search of an alternative. On the door to a nearby house, I spotted a rough and ready sign saying "Hotel", but knocking on the door got no response. More walking around got me nowhere, so i returned to the big hotel (well, not that big...maybe around 25 rooms on three storeys, but it seemed big in Kazbegi). The girl at reception spoke very good English and showed me to a room...one with a view in fact. It turned out not to be nearly as expensive as I first thought, with a single room for 30 Lari (US$1 = 1.8 Lari), which was roughly the same as in Akhaltsikhe, but this room was of a much higher standard. If I had wanted meals, room and boards would have cost US$30, but according to another guest, meals weren't up to much, so I opted out.
The room had a functioning bathroom (i.e. one where you don't have to hold your nose, play around with the plumbing, or run the risk of being electrocuted when turning on the shower) with permanent hot water, central heating (even in summer, I needed this on), a television (Georgian channels only, but one can't be picky...) and a balcony with a stunning view. Theme: HotelPrice: less than US$20 » Currency ConverterComparison: about averageAddress: Main square, KazbegiDirections: As you get out of the minibus, it should be obvious...look for a three storey building with some shifty-looking characters smoking on the steps.
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 Venera is doing the
washing up by MalenaN |
 A helpful map I found
online by JohnniOmani
One, you will probably end up in bizaare conversations about religion etc with vano who seems to have a passion for unusual topics but that is one of the reasons I enjoyed it while the 1 million Israelis I met wouldnt agree but who cares it is a matter of perspective. There is no running water and frequent power cuts but that is part of the appeal right? It is bloody cold in October to be prepared and buy snacks before nightime because the shop close late at night. For 5 lari extra, vano will provide you with a delicious meal courtesy of his neighbour making this stay a well known place due to LP but I enjoyed it. Theme: Bed and BreakfastPrice: less than US$20 » Currency ConverterComparison: least expensiveDirections: Ask anyone for Vano. It is across the river from the main square.
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 Typical houses, Kazbegi (not
the homestay!) by maykal, 2 more photos
Conditions were quite basic, with only cold water from the river available to wash with. Electricity went off early in the evening, but my friendly hosts gave me enough candles for me to look at pictures in their huge book of "Soviet Georgia". Meals again were basic, and quite unusual. Spaghetti with cold raw fish was one evening meal, which probably won't count as my favourite dish of all time, but the memory will stay with me!! My hosts couldn't speak anything but Georgian or Russian, so conversation was limited to whatever I could find in my Georgian Conversation Booklet and hand signals, but they were warm and welcoming, giving me enough blankets at night to keep out the cold. Even in summer, evenings can be extremely chilly, so I can't imagine how it is during the winter when Kazbegi is cut off from the rest of the country by heavy snow on the mountain pass. Theme: Pension/GuesthousePrice: less than US$20 » Currency ConverterComparison: least expensiveDirections: Ask the ladies at the "kassebi" on the square.
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This spot is a good option and even has western toilets which is important when you are in Kazbegi due to the cold weather :) The owner does not speak fluent English but it is not far from the main square making it very easy to find after the bus ride. It is a bit overpriced but prices in the town are apparently raising every year. It cost about $10 US for a night.
Near the main square and it has western toilets and hot water. Theme: Pension/GuesthousePrice: less than US$20 » Currency ConverterComparison: about averageDirections: Ask anyone in town and they will point you in the right direction.
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The Stepan Sminda hotel in the town square looked tempting, but I decided to try my luck with the locals. I started walking around the main square, and came behind the statue of Alexander Kazbegi there was a small hotel sign on an ordinary house at the crossroad. It proved to be a homestay.
And that was it, a small simple room, 15 lari/night/person, hot water, signs and drawings to communicate as my English proved useless….. In addition, I was offered meals at 10 lari/meal, a little bit expensive, but it finnaly proved a good idea to take them. Not only they were excellent and abundant, but the provisions one can get from the local shops seemed scarce and highly overpriced (because of the distance, I believe). Theme: Pension/GuesthousePrice: less than US$20 » Currency ConverterComparison: about averageDirections: in the central square, behind the Alexander Kazbegi statue, opposite the street sign to Vladikavkaz, at the crossroad
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We were told (and actually driven to) about this homestay by marshrutka driver and were exceptionally pleased with it. Marina is a widow and lives in a nice, large house with her two sons and a daughter-in-law. The family lives in the newer part of the house, while the older (very nice and atmospheric) part is for guests. She can comfortably accomodate 4-5 people, but I presume place will be found for more if needed. The accomodation is not a luxury option, but is more than comfortable and pleasant. There are two toilets - one outside of the house and one in the family's part of the house. Both can be used and both are clean and western style. There is cold running water 24 hours a day, and hot showers can be arranged with prior notice so the water can be heated. Marina and the whole family are excellent hosts and the whole stay there was wonderful, but no English is spoken and you will have to rely on your Russian and Georgian skills. The bed costs 10 lari, or 25 with breakfast and dinner included. Given the tasty Marina's cooking and limited options for eating out in Kazbegi, you should give the second option a serious consideration. Last but not least, the view from the terrace of Marina's house is the best in town. It is worth staying here for this view alone. Final remark: Absolutely recommended! Theme: OtherPrice: less than US$20 » Currency ConverterComparison: less expensive than averageAddress: See descriptionPhone: +899 144811, +899 471763Directions: Marina sells clothes in trailer on main square. If she's not there, find the steep and deteriorated Rustaveli street. Go uphill until its end and turn left. After 200m, take the unpaved street on the right. Marina's house is the first on your left.
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I haven't stayed in Kazbegi.
I did a day trip from Tbilisi.
My friends stayed in Kazbegi.
There is only one option to stay in Kazbegi.
They haven't been satisfied with this.
There was no shower no warm water and no toilet and no electric light.
The price was cheap.
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