The new ROOMS Batumi of Design Hotels collection seamlessly blends tradition and modernity, just like the historic Georgian port city surrounding it. With a whimsical yet serene renovation of a 19th-century building, the hotel blends into Batumi’s Old Town and tells the story of its location while simultaneously inspiring generations to come. The restored original façade gives way to a rooftop restaurant and pool with sweeping city and sea views, a peaceful courtyard oasis, and an American-style diner with a menu highlighting locally sourced produce.
A jagged pearl on the Black Sea, Batumi is a city with multicultural historic influences and equally diverse contemporary offerings, ranging from its bustling port and striking glass towers to sandy beaches and ancient leafy streets. Situated in the heart of the city’s Old Town is ROOMS Batumi, a hotel that—like its sister properties in Tbilisi and Kazbegi – reflects the character of its location; that seamlessly blends tradition with innovation. Here, the allure of Batumi’s past combines with the beauty of the seaside to create an ideal destination for travelers seeking both historical ambiance and scenic views.
When designing the hotel, Temur Ugulava and the team at Collective Development, in collaboration with Rooms Studio, embraced the building’s front-facing view of the bustling port and rear view of the historic Old Town. To simultaneously blend in with and stand out from such surroundings, the original façade of the late-19th-century building was restored, albeit the vintage bricks are now painted white and augmented by yellow awnings and blue shutters. Inside, a color palette of pale pink, white, yellows, and blues is complemented by materials such as plywood, natural stone, concrete, aluminum, and upcycled textiles, all of which are integrated with some of the building’s original features.
In common spaces as well as the 120 rooms and suites, guests will discover an abundance of bespoke furniture by Rooms Studio and Collective Development as well as timeless pieces from Frama, innovative lighting by iGuzzini, and elegant electrical switches by Modelec. With options that appeal to a wide variety of clientele, rooms range from the budget-friendly Cabin Bunk rooms to more luxurious experiences in the Corner Suites. Regardless of room type, all rooms feature balconies or terraces with views of the Old Town or the sea, and wood-paneled walls and ceilings – as well as round beds in some rooms – exude a bold and funky flair reminiscent of the 1970s.
Making a statement in the lobby is a boomerang-shaped bar, where mixologists craft signature cocktails to pair with light snacks at the Lounge Bar. Nearby is Rubber Duck, a farm-to-table restaurant with a design that resembles an American-style diner. Chef Levan Buadze blends Georgian and international culinary influences to produce comfort foods and healthful dishes from locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. Upstairs, The Kitchen, a rooftop restaurant and bar, offers a refined atmosphere and a menu focused on locally sourced seafood and vegetarian dishes to be paired with a carefully curated range of Georgian and international wines. Guests can dine and drink, or relax at the rooftop pool, while taking in sweeping 360-degree views of Batumi’s historic neighborhood and port.
For those seeking a break from the bustle of the city, the hotel’s inner courtyard provides a peaceful urban oasis, where the experience of lounging amongst palm trees and sea grass is enhanced by wood-framed stained-glass windows that allow soft, natural light to filter through. Nearby, The Shop at ROOMS Batumi emphasizes the hotel’s commitment to sustainability by stocking unique items handcrafted at an onsite atelier, including belts, garments, straw bags, and toys made from upcycled, organic, and natural materials. As seen in items at The Shop, the hotel’s playful yet tranquil design, and its culinary offerings, ROOMS Batumi is a place where tradition, modernity, and diverse influences effortlessly meld into one vibrant community; where guests feel both inspired and relaxed.
Situated on the Georgian coast, Batumi is the capital of the autonomous Adjara region, which has its own Turkish-inflected dialect and distinct cuisine. Throughout Adjara, travelers will discover lush, temperate rain forests, beaches for miles, and ancient Roman ruins, while ROOMS Batumi is located in the capital’s Old Town. One of the oldest neighborhoods in the city, the district is a hub of maritime activity and serves as a crossover between European and Asian influences.
The article New opening: ROOMS Batumi embraces the Georgian Port City first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.
