Probably my favorite hostel in terms of the whole customer experience. It all starts with having to take your shoes off upon entry (to ensure maximum cleanliness) to being given a hero’s sendoff come checkout time. Indeed, as I entered the world of the Opera Rooms & Hostel, I had interrupted the leaving ceremony of a guest. At first I thought it was just another tourist being embraced and sent his way by members of his travel crew. I soon found out that those embracing like a long lost friends were in fact the staff members. Therein lies the beauty of this hostel: not only is it situated in a beautiful, huge and spacious apartment (with a kitchen that has to be at least 25m2!), but you are welcomed immediately as a ‘member of the family’. The immediate flood of kindness that I was afforded by the three present staff members, two of which were long-term-residents-cum-de-facto-staff, was truly heartwarming and made me almost wish that I lived there full-time. This hostel is close to a home as any that I’ve seen in my travels across 39 countries.

Very central, just seconds from bus and minibus stops and minutes from the metro and Tbilisi's nightlife districts. Two shared bathrooms, breakfast included.

The only negative is that its windows open up to the shambolic and tone-deaf orchestra of Rustaveli Avenue.

Prices: 10 person mixed dorm: 25 GEL; 6 person dorm: 30 GEL; twin room for 2: 80 GEL; double room: 100 GEL 

By Mate Foldi