Grand Hotel Ushba

This hotel is very good. But it is mis-named, & the TA photo of an alpine like is a bit misleading. First, it really is not a “grand hotel,” it is more of a guesthouse. And it should photo feature its location below mighty Mt. Ushba. That is a more impressive photo than the lake, which is not nearby. That said, the location is stunning. Stay here, just beyond the tiny town of Mazeri, rather than in the crowded, less dramatic setting of Mestia. The trade-offs: no restaurants nearby, and a taxi ride (around 80 Lari) is needed for the 30-minute drive to town. But it’s worth it: the food here is good & plentiful, and the hosts go out of their way to please. I decided not to go to Ushguli, since here I had such a remote, dramatic setting, too. My Marshrutka (from Zugdidi or Batumi-Zugdidi) dropped me off at the Mazeri road. Coming back, I bought a ticket in Mestia & was picked up at the same place-didn’t have to go back to Mestia. The owner who speaks English, Richard, was out of the country. (BTW, he has written some spectacular books on bikes & climbs in the area. They are for sale here.) since no one spoke English, they did not pick me up at the Mazeri stop, 7 km from the place. Luckily, I got a ride from a Local. The food is very traditional Georgian-inc. many stews I reserved dinner the nights before. The great breakfasts are included in the room rate. The sleeping quarters are quite basic, in a building about 50-75 meters from the main building. Private baths, tho’ cheaper rooms in the main building have shared baths. The setting is spectacular.