Blog Archive: December 2018
The Botanical Garden of the University of Latvia
| Tourism objects | 23 seen
The Botanical Garden of the University of Latvia is located in Pardaugava (Kandavas 2), just a 10-minute ride from the central part of Riga. The garden was founded in 1922.
Over 15ha visitors can explore hothouses and outdoor collections with some 6,000 different plants. It is one of the most well-loved recreational spaces in Riga - you can slowly walk the garden’s compact yet informationally saturated territory, get to know plants from all over the world, visit the Plants House, the Azalea House as well as the Tropical House, or just enjoy lush nature in the middle of the city.
Whether you are a gardening enthusiast, a botanical expert, or just want to spend time in a beautiful and pleasant environment, you will always find something interesting here.
Tropical house building in Riga Botanical garden
I first visited Riga Botanical garden in March 2018. I haven't seen many botanical gardens, but this one really reminded the one you can find in Kiev, Ukraine (Hryshko National Botanical Garden in Kiev)
The garden’s collection is wide and carefully chosen - it includes protected plants, or those used for medical treatment, as well as a collection of the poisonous plants of Latvia.
Inside plant house
Most of the trees and bushes in the arboretum are uncommon for Latvian flora; for example, the witch hazel, cedar, walnut tree, ginkgo tree, mulberries, roses, cork tree and an edible chestnut tree. The garden has a rich collection of perennial plants, dahlias and other decorative plants. A special collection provides an insight into the world of swamp plants as well as different kinds of moss and lichen. The Plant House has various kinds of tropical and subtropical plants as well as different dessert plants, including cactus.
Blossoming Magnolias
From February to April, azaleas in the hothouse; in spring, the magnificent magnolias; at the beginning of summer, banks of rhododendrons; in the heat of the summer, roses and peonies and in autumn, dahlias.
Inside the butterfly house
From March to October, visitors can experience tropical exotica and walk amidst butterflies in the Tropical Butterfly House.
Blossoming flowers
The Botanical Garden of the University of Latvia blooms and blossoms throughout the year!
The Grand Documentary of 2017
| Documentaries | 15 seen
The Grand Documentary of 2017 is a second part from the never-ending Grand Documentary series, originally set back in 2016.
The Grand Documentary of 2017 is a 5 minutes and 23 seconds long short film documenting our lives back in 2017.
Filmed in various countries across the Globe throughout 2017, glued, polished, laminated, beaten and put together in Tbilisi, Georgia, using Premiere CC
Places from the film:
- 3 Weeks in Crete (Complete Itinerary list)
- Weekend Trip To Kiev, Ukraine
P.S. There is also in production "The Great Documentary 2018", which promises to delight us very soon - in the first quarter of 2019
Top Hotels in Baltezers, Latvia
| Hotel reviews | 9 seen
Baltezers is a popular recreational village located in Ādaži Municipality some 17 km from Riga city center.
The place is popular among tourists from the close neighboring countries like Estonia and Lithuania (because of Via Baltic road) and also for tourists from Scandinavia and Russia.
In today's article, I've listed the top 3 hotels to book here in Baltezers.
Disclosure: hotels listed below contain links to Booking.com, by clicking on links on this page and by making a reservation on Booking.com site, I will earn an affiliate income, at no cost to you.
Baltvilla
Read my review here
This 4-star hotel Baltvilla is located 9.3 mi from the center of Riga, on the shore of a lake with a private beach area and on the Via Baltica highway (E67). Baltvilla is located 2.5 mi from Latvian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum. Free WiFi is provided throughout the property and a wide private parking is available for guests free of charge.
Baltvilla hosts a restaurant on the ground floor. It specializes in European and Italian cuisines and there guests can enjoy meals throughout the day. A summer terrace with a lake view is open during the season. The hotel features a Disco bar on the third floor.
There are spacious standard rooms, as well as elegant luxurious suites - they all come with a French balcony. All rooms are air conditioned and feature a Smart TV. Baltvilla provides easy access for people with special needs to all places. Kids can play either in the playground by the lake or in the LEGO corner in hotel's ground floor. Guests will find 24-hour reception at the property.
Baltvilla has 3 conference halls and a SPA center with different massages and procedures on the 3rd floor. All procedures must be booked in advance. Health center Baltezers is located next to the hotel and offers physiotherapy and rehabilitation services.
Price ~ EUR 41 Book this hotel on Booking.com
Villa Sofia near Lake
Located within 11.3 km of The Ethnographic Open-Air Museum of Latvia in Baltezers, Villa Sofia near Lake has accommodations with free WiFi and seating area.
Some accommodations include a terrace with lake views, a fully equipped kitchen and a private bathroom with bath.
A continental breakfast is available each morning at the property.
The villa has a grill.
Fishing and hiking are possible within the area, and Villa Sofia near Lake offers a private beach area.
Book this hotel on Booking.com
Vanaga Ligzda
Vanaga Ligzda is picturesquely located on a stretch of land between the lakes Lielais Baltezers and Mazais Baltezers. Guests can enjoy a meal in the onsite and free WiFi throughout the property.
Decorated with warm colors, every room features an LCD TV with pay-per-view channels and a lake view. Some rooms feature a private bathroom complete with a shower and free toiletries, while others offer access to a shared bathroom.
At Vanaga Ligzda you will find a bar, a children’s playground and a free private parking. There is a boat rental facility within 50 m and horse riding is possible 0.6 mi away.
Price: ~ EUR 45 Book this hotel on Booking.com
Weekend Trip To Kiev, Ukraine
| Travel guides | 15 seen
Weekend trip to Kyiv, Ukraine is a short recap of my 32 birthday celebrations back in 2017.
In short, we booked a central hotel in the city center, used local taxi's a lot, traveled forth and back to the distant neighborhoods, and tried a lot of great Ukrainian cuisine.
Traditions should be respected. For the fourth year in a row, I have been celebrating my birthday at one of the former Soviet Union member country's capital cities. It all started in Yerevan, continued in Tallinn, Vilnius and now it was the turn for Kyiv.
In fact, we made a short trip to Kyiv at the end of 2016, during a flight to the US, and back then we decided to return here in Summer. See Short Day Trip To Kiev, Ukraine
Puzata Hata, Khreschatyk Street, Kyiv, Ukraine
| Restaurant reviews | 29 seen
Puzata Hata is a popular (and probably the largest) chain in Kiev - it serves traditional Ukrainian cuisine for a budget price.
Puzata Hata was one of our favorite Kiev restaurant chains we visited during our latest trip to Kiev in August 2017. See: Kiev restaurants
The Puzata Khata Restaurant Network opened its doors to the first visitors in 2003. Then it was the first restaurant in Bessarabka, in the center of Kiev.
Puzata Hata in Kiev
Today, Puzata Hata is a network of modern restaurants with quality and fast service, where you can taste delicious Ukrainian and European cuisine.
Traditional Ukrainian Cuisine
Mmm, pancakes ... yummy
I doubt we spent even USD 10 here for two person meal. Highly recommend!
3 Weeks in Crete (Complete Itinerary list)
| Travel guides | 65 seen
This is a round-up post for our 3 weeks trip to Crete, Grece in June 2017, listing most of the places (tourism objects, hotels, restaurants, and more)
In short, we fled from Tbilisi via Athens to Chania, see About Tbilisi - Athens - Chania (Greece) flight by Aegean Airlines, spent some 8 hours in Athens, and arrived at Chania international airport from where our Cretan trip started.
From the airport, we took a public bus (the price was cheap, some EUR 2 per person, or something).
Once we arrived at the Chania bus station we found our apartment we had prebooked already in Georgia, and it was some 5-minute walking distance from the bus station.
In the evening we went out to have some Cretan-style dinner, and I made some lovely night photography in Chania.
The next morning we decided to head to the nearby town of Agia Marina and caught a taxi at Chania bus station which to us to the hotel in Agia Marina for EUR 8
We spent the next couple of days in Agia Marina, laying on the beaches, dining in the nearby town of Platanias, and sometimes driving to Chania town for some shopping.
On the third or fourth day in Agia Marina, we took a rental car and started exploring the Island of Crete, making stops at places like Kalydonia, Kissamos, Balos Beach, Kaliviani. In the evening we booked a 4-star hotel in Palaichora and took the wrong road to discover we have taken an offroad, see: Crazy, Stupid, Love - Tranquil Rough Adventures in Crete. Luckily we found the right road, after all, though we arrived very late at the hotel.
From Palaichora we continued our route back to the Stavros (which is located next to the Chania) with a few stops at small villages like Kandanos. At Stavros, we booked a hotel and stayed for a couple of days. From Stavros, we continued our route to Triopetra.
From here on our route took us to the Heraklion, Rethymno, and surprisingly back to Agia Marina.
The fun fact from this trip - it turned out, we had 5 more days to spend in Crete (we discovered this just before heading to the airport, as it turned out we mismatched the flight dates - so yes 5 extra days in Crete were amazing)
Postcards from Kvareli
| | 10 seen
Kvareli is a town in northeastern in Kakheti Province, Georgia. Located in the Alazani Valley, near the foothills of the Greater Caucasus Mountains, it was the birthplace of Georgian author Ilia Chavchavadze
The area is in the center of the Kakheti wine-producing region, and the town itself is known for its Kindzmarauli wine, a semisweet red variety.
Kindzmarauli Corporation Wine House in Kvareli, Georgia
Anyhow, there are many cool things to do and explore in and out of the city, like Grape Harvest Rtveli in Georgia (Region of Kakheti)
For today's Piece of Life series article, I decided to share photographs from our latest trip to Kvareli in mid-November 2018
Kvareli Eden in Night
See Hotel Kvareli Eden Review
Dwelling house in Kvareli
Georgia never ends to surprise, from high-end remote hotels to ruined dwelling houses in the neighbors.
Similar scenery you can find in Sighnaghi, see: Postcards From Sighnaghi
Street in Kvareli
You could film a Western here. Actually, Georgia is a damned good filming location.
Public service hall in Kvareli
Kvareli Public service hall is located in the center of Kvareli town near Chavchavadze Street.
Top hotels in Rustavi, Georgia
| Hotel reviews | 8 seen
Rustavi cannot be proud of having top luxury hotels, like the one you can find in Georgian resort towns of Bakuriani, Gudauri, Batumi or the nation's capital Tbilisi.
The reason probably is plain simple - the close distance to Tbilisi city. On the other hand, Rustavi is known for it's racing track and huge auto market. Many international travelers from neighboring countries of Armenia and Azerbaijan are coming here to buy used and new vehicles.
Continue reading to find out top hotels in Rustavi
Disclosure: hotels listed below contain links to Booking.com, by clicking on links on this page and by making a reservation on Booking.com site, I will earn an affiliate income, at no cost to you.
Prestige
Featuring a bar, Prestige is located in Rustavi. This 2-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk. Free WiFi is available.
The rooms in the hotel are equipped with a flat-screen TV with cable channels. All guest rooms have a closet.
Price: ~ GEL 40 Book this hotel on Booking.com
Hotel Rustavi
Featuring a terrace and free Wi-Fi, Rustavi hotel is just a 10-minute walk from the Youth Park. With a free car park, this property is 16 mi from Tbilisi.
The classic-style rooms feature a flat-screen TV and private bathroom with free toiletries.
Guests can enjoy a meal at the restaurant on site and have a drink at the bar. A number of other dining options is just a 10-minute walk away.
Price ~ GEL 60 Book this hotel on Booking.com
Hotel Rio
Hotel Rio provides free WiFi and rooms with air conditioning in Rustavi. All rooms feature a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and a private bathroom. Guests can use a bar.
The rooms in the hotel are equipped with a electric tea pot. All guest rooms have a desk.
A continental breakfast is served each morning at the property.
Price: GEL 40 Book this hotel on Booking.com
Autopapa
Featuring free Wi-Fi and free private parking, this hotel is located at the car market area in Rustavi town. It offers rooms with air conditioning and a restaurant.
Every room at Autopapa Hotel is decorated in a classic style and includes a flat-screen TV. All rooms have a desk, and bathrooms come with a shower.
Ukrainka Restaurant serves Georgian cuisine, as well as Ukrainian dishes.
Rustavi Racing Track is 100 m from Autopapa Hotel, while Tbilisi city is 15 mi away. It is 30 minutes’ drive from Tbilisi Airport.
Price: ~ GEL 55 Book this hotel on Booking.com
Oazisi
Featuring a garden and terrace, as well as a restaurant, Oazisi is located in Rustavi. Both free WiFi and private parking are accessible on site.
All rooms in the hotel are equipped with a flat-screen TV.
Price: ~ GEL 50 Book this hotel on Booking.com
Kvareli Public Service Hall
| Tourism objects | 16 seen
Kvareli Public service hall is located in the center of Kvareli town near Chavchavadze Street.
Public Service Hall is an agency of the Georgian government which provides a variety of public services, these include the services of the Civil Registry Agency, the National Agency of Public Registry, the National Archives, the National Bureau of Enforcement and the Notary Chamber of Georgia. Services are made available at public service halls throughout the country.
Public Service hall in Kvareli
I was not able to find much about the construction of Kvareli site (as I was, with the Public service hall in Tianeti), but here is what I found - most probably the Kvareli Public service hall was opened for public in 2013, total area is 530m2 and the architect is AG & Partners.
Top 3 Things to do in Kazdanga, Latvia
| Tourism objects | 8 seen
I first discovered the small Latvian town Kazdanga back in the Summer of 2015, since then I've returned here many times.
Kazdanga is located near the motorway P117 some 9 km from the Aizpute and 167 km from Riga.
In today's article, I decided to list the top 3 places/things to do once in Kazdanga.
Tutarchela Megrelian Restaurant in Tbilisi
| Restaurant reviews | 17 seen
Restaurant Tutarchela is located on Archil Mishveladze street 76, Tbilisi, just next to the Vake Park.
I was a bit surprised to learn that here is served Megrelian cuisine, and should admit that Megrelian cuisine is as great as Georgian
According to the restaurant's FB page, there is served a wide selection of delicious Megrelian dishes, and for the preparation of all dishes, the restaurant uses natural products.
Anyhow, here is what we got
Elarji
Now, this was something new for me - at the start, it looked something like a Swiss fondue to me, then I thought it is Georgian Ghomi porridge. To learn this is actually a typical Megrelian food Elarji.
Elarji is a popular dish from Samegrelo region, made from coarse cornmeal, cornflour and Sulguni cheese.
Nadugi in Sulguni cheese plates
Another popular Georgian food - nadugi. Kind of one of my favorites.
Nadugi is a snack in the shape of sacks, made of thin sulguni cheese flat cakes with the filling of nadugi, light milk product with a delicate taste of cream, and mint.
How To Make Nadugi - Traditional Georgian Snack (Fresh Cheese With Mint)
Pork mcvadi
Our bill at Tutarchela around GEL 65. Tasty Megrelian cuisine, friendly staff. I will come here more. Highly recommended!
Top 14 Luxury 5-star hotels in Baku, Azerbaijan
| Hotel reviews | 47 seen
Baku is the capital and largest city of Azerbaijan, as well as the largest city on the Caspian Sea and of the Caucasus region.
Baku is located 28 metres (92 ft) below sea level, which makes it the lowest lying national capital in the world and also the largest city in the world located below sea level. It is located on the southern shore of the Absheron Peninsula, alongside the Bay of Baku.
Here are the top 3 reasons visiting Baku (according to Booking.com) old town, city walks & friendly locals.
Surprisingly but a a luxury stay in Baku, doesn't mean expensive, in fact you could get a 5-star hotel in Baku, starting EUR 65 per night.
Continue reading to find out the best luxury 5-star hotels in Baku
Disclosure: hotels listed below contain links to Booking.com, by clicking on links on this page and by making a reservation on Booking.com site, I will earn an affiliate income, at no cost to you.
Boulevard Hotel Baku Autograph Collection
Featuring a spa and wellness center, Boulevard Hotel Baku Autograph Collection is located a 5-minute walk from the Caspian Sea coast. WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.
The rooms come with air conditioning, seating area, flat-screen TV with satellite channels. The bathrooms provide a hairdryer. Some rooms offer a mini-bar, Nespresso coffee machine, bathrobes and slippers.
Guests can dine in the on-site restaurant, room service and breakfasts in the room are provided upon request. Other facilities include concierge service, beauty salon, ticket service, tour desk and dry cleaning.
The hotel is 2.5 mi from Port Baku Mall. The distance to Baku Train Station is 0.6 mi, and Heydar Aliyev International Airport is 14 mi from Boulevard Hotel Baku Autograph Collection. Taxi service is available at the hotel.
Price: ~ EUR 73 Book this hotel on Booking.com
Intourist Hotel Baku Autograph Collection
Located 200 m from the Caspian Sea shore, Intourist Hotel Baku Autograph Collection features a spa and wellness center. Free WiFi and free private parking are available on site.
The rooms offer air conditioning, a seating area, flat-screen TV with satellite channels and iHome docking station. The bathrooms provide a hairdryer, bathrobes and slippers.
Guests can dine in the hotel’s restaurant, room service and breakfasts in the room are provided upon request. Children can be assisted by babysitters in the hotel. Bicycle rental is available on site.
Price: ~ EUR 74 Book this hotel on Booking.com
Hilton Baku
Featuring a revolving rooftop bar, a pool and a gym, this seafront hotel is an 8-minute walk from Baku’s Old City. Rooms offer great views of Baku and the Caspian Sea.
Air conditioning, hot drinks facilities and a 32-inch flat-screen TV are featured in all rooms and suites at the grand Hilton Baku. Rooms are spacious and bright, and feature king-sized beds.
Cocktails and wonderful views can be enjoyed in the Hilton’s 360 Bar. Seafood and steaks are served in the Sky Grill with terrace. There is also a glamorous tea lounge and a colorful restaurant offering Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine.
Enjoy access to the exclusive Executive Lounge with private check-in and check-out and complimentary breakfast.
For relaxation, you can book a massage or spa treatment in the spa. There is also a sauna here.
Free Wi-Fi is provided in all public areas. The 24-hour reception staff can book a shuttle service to Heydar Aliyev International Airport, which is a 30-minute drive away.
Price: ~ EUR 201 Book this hotel on Booking.com
Grand Hotel Europe
This 5-star hotel provides exclusive accommodations in Baku city center, besides the International Business Center. The Grand Hotel Europe Baku offers excellent views of Baku and the Caspian Sea.
Rooms at Grand Hotel Europe feature luxury furnishings and design interiors. The colorful rooms are air-conditioned and include satellite TV, a mini-bar and a balcony with Caspian Sea views.
Guests can enjoy hot and cold buffets as well as a selection of Azerbaijani and international à la carte specialties in the Golden Caviar Restaurant. Grand Hotel Europe also has a Marina Bar, Caspian Bar, and its own disco/nightclub.
The Olympus Health Club & Spa features saunas, spa baths, massages, and a high-tech gym.
Price: ~ EUR 74 Book this hotel on Booking.com
Ramada Baku Hotel
Featuring a private beach and marina, this 5-star hotel in Bibiheybet offers a fitness center with swimming pools. Its elegant rooms feature a balcony or terrace with views of the Caspian Sea.
The stylish, air-conditioned rooms at Ramada Baku are equipped with a flat-screen TV and mini-bar and hot drinks facilities. Bathrobes, slippers and luxury toiletries are provided.
A hearty breakfast buffet with hot and cold dishes is provided every morning, and a range of Azerbaijan and Turkish specialties are served throughout the day. Drinks can be enjoyed in the garden or by the pool.
The Ramada’s health club has a gym, an indoor and outdoor pool with sun loungers, and a steam room.
The sights of Baku such as the Palace of the Shirvan Shahs and the Maiden’s Tower are just a 10-minute drive away. The property offers airport shuttle service with an additional charge. Free parking is provided.
Price: ~ EUR 364 Book this hotel on Booking.com
Fairmont Baku, Flame Towers
Read my review here: Fairmont Baku hotel at Flame Towers
Located in the Flame Towers Complex, just a 3-minute walk from the famous Martyrs' Alley, 5-star Fairmont Baku, Flame Towers features picturesque views of Baku City or the Caspian Sea.
Modern air-conditioned rooms at Fairmont Baku, Flame Towers include contemporary décor and a flat-screen TV. A spacious work desk, fully-stocked mini-bar, and panoramic windows are also fitted in all rooms. The marble bathrooms come with a glass wall and bidet. Guests are offered rooms with iPod dock station and a coffee machine. Certain rooms offer access to Fairmont Gold Lounge.
A rich variety of dishes is served in Fairmont's Le Bistro Restaurant featuring International Bistro and Local cuisine. Original and traditional cocktails can be enjoyed at Nur Lounge Bar. A selection of desserts as well as salads, sandwiches, and sushi are offered at Balcon Cafe.
With the phenomenal view of Caspian Sea, The Jazz Club seduce saxophone tunes nicely orchestrated with piano melodies, on weekdays, for a cozy Jazz environment. On weekends, talented DJ’s will set an amazing atmosphere all over the dance floor.
You can enjoy a movie at the Baku's only IMAX movie theater Park Cinema Flame Towers, located in the same building of Fairmont Baku, Flame Towers.
Luxurious spa treatments are provided in our spa center, including hammam, sauna and massages. Guests can also take a dip into the swimming pool or work out in the fitness center.
Baku Old City district with the 15-th century Shirvanshahs' Palace is 15 minutes' walk from Fairmont Baku, Flame Towers, and Caspian Sea embankment is a 20-minute walk away. A transfer to Heydar Alyev Airport (20 mi) is provided on request.
Price: ~ EUR 183 Book this hotel on Booking.com
Landmark Hotel Baku
Free WiFi, 6 restaurants and an indoor swimming pool are provided at this hotel, located 10 minutes’ walk from the Government House and Azerbaijan Opera and Ballet Theater in Baku. Heydar Aliyev Palace and Fountain Square are within 1.2 mi reach from the hotel.
All the stylish air-conditioned rooms at Landmark Hotel Baku feature floor-to-ceiling windows, a flat-screen TV, mini-bar and a kettle. Bathrooms are fitted with bathrobes and slippers.
European and Asian cuisine are served in the Landmark’s 6 restaurants, and Sky Bar overlooks Baku’s panorama.
Guests of the Landmark Hotel can relax in the sauna, take a dip into the swimming pool or work out in the fitness center. A massage service is also available.
The Old Town district with the Palace of Shirvanshahs is 10 minutes’ drive from Landmark Hotel Baku, and Baku Train Station is 10 minutes’ walk away. Heydar Aliyev Airport is 20 minutes’ drive from the hotel.
Price: ~ EUR 126 Book this hotel on Booking.com
Excelsior Hotel & Spa Baku
A 15-minute drive from Baku Airport, the luxurious and 5-star, Excelsior Hotel & Spa Baku features rooms in a variety of modern and classic styles, a large swimming pool and excellent spa facilities.
The Excelsior Hotel & Spa Baku welcomes guests with a grand exterior and spacious, marble-floored lobby. All elegant rooms have satellite TV, hot drinks facilities and high-quality sofas. Some feature a flat-screen TV and spa tub.
Guests can enjoy delicious buffet breakfast and international cuisine combined with the best fish plates in town, at the hotel’s stylish Belvedere Fish & Steak Restaurant. Excellent pastries and exotic tea selections can be tasted in the boutique-style L’Patisserie Cafe.
Full line of spirits and cocktails accompanied with tasty snacks and a range of cigars can be enjoyed in “L’atelier Bar” until late hours
The Excelsior Hotel & Spa Baku's relaxing Aura Spa has a high-tech gym and outdoor tennis court. Sauna and massage services are available.
Baku Train Station is 3.2 km away and landmarks such as Fountain Square and the Presidential Palace are within 4.8 km of the hotel.
Price: ~ EUR 133 Book this hotel on Booking.com
Sheraton Baku Airport Hotel
This hotel features a luxury spa with a gym, indoor pool, Turkish bath and Thai massages. The Sheraton is at Baku International Airport, a 10-minute drive from Absheron Beach.
The spacious rooms at the Sheraton Baku Airport Hotel feature air conditioning and modern décor. A flat-screen TV and private bathroom with bathtub and shower are included in each room.
The elegant Flavours restaurant serves an breakfast and a selection of Mediterranean lunches and dinners. During summer season guests can also enjoy our outdoor pool-side bar Baku.
Guests are welcome to relax at Link Cafe and watch sports events on TV in the Fly Inn sports bar. Other on-site recreational activities include billiards.
The Sheraton Baku Airport has a 24-hour front desk and free parking. The historic attractions in Baku’s UNESCO Old City are just a 25-minute drive away.
Price: ~ EUR 109 Book this hotel on Booking.com
Hyatt Regency Baku
Located in the historic part of Baku, this 5-star hotel features indoor and outdoor swimming pools with a hot tub. Free Wi-Fi is offered at Hyatt Regency Baku.
The elegant, air-conditioned rooms of this hotel have classic-style interiors and warm-colored decor. All rooms come complete with a flat-screen TV, a mini-bar and a private bathroom with free toiletries.
The classy Mezzo Restaurant serves European and Azerbaijani cuisine and includes a shaded summer terrace. Guests can also enjoy drinks in the Lobby Lounge or relax in the Armaiti Cafe.
Armati Spa Club and Armaiti Spa Center offer steam rooms and 3 spacious spa suites with a wide range of body and beauty treatments. Guests can work out in the fitness center and play lawn tennis, table tennis or squash.
Baku Old City is a 5-minute drive from Hyatt Regency Baku, and Nizami Metro Station is a 15-minute walk away. Heydar Aliyev International Airport is a 20-minute drive from the hotel.
Price: ~ EUR 168 Book this hotel on Booking.com
Golden Coast
Overlooking the Caspian Sea, this modern 5-star hotel in Baku features an indoor pool, fitness center and a large spa. Rooms at Golden Coast offer free Wi-Fi and elegant interiors.
Regional specialties and international cuisine are served in the Golden Coast’s restaurant, where weekly live music performances also take place. A wide selection of drinks can be enjoyed at the bar, or outside on the terrace.
Air-conditioned rooms are spacious and decorated in a classic style. Comforts include satellite TV, a seating area and a private bathroom with slippers.
Guests can relax in the spa, which comes complete with a sauna, steam room and massage facilities.
Price: ~ EUR 63 Book this hotel on Booking.com
Four Seasons Hotel Baku
Overlooking the Caspian Sea and Baku Old Town district with the Shirvanshahs’ Palace, this 5-star hotel features a restaurant and lounge, a bar and an indoor swimming pool. Rooms come with air conditioning.
Each bright spacious room at Four Seasons Hotel Baku includes unique interior, a flat-screen TV and a view of the city or sea. Bathrooms are fitted with marble panels and a shower.
Italian dishes are served in Zafferano Restaurant. Relaxing drinks can be enjoyed in Piazza lounge or at Bentley’s Whiskey Bar.
A range of beauty treatments is provided in Four Seasons top-floor Jaleh spa center, including a hammam, sauna and massages. Guests can also take a dip into the swimming pool or work out in the fitness center.
Park Bulvar Shopping Center is 2 minutes’ drive from Four Seasons Hotel Baku, Port Baku Shopping Center is a 6-minute drive away and Azerbaijan Art Museum is 5 minutes’ walk away. Heydar Alyev Airport is 19 mi from the hotel, and a shuttle service is provided on request.
Price: ~ EUR 300 Book this hotel on Booking.com
JW Marriott Absheron Baku Hotel
This 5-star hotel is located in the heart of the city, on the Freedom Square. Baku’s main shopping, entertainment and business districts are all within a 5-minute walk of the JW Marriott Absheron Baku Hotel.
The spacious, air-conditioned rooms at the JW Marriott Absheron Baku Hotel feature a flat-screen TV, iPod dock, work desk and a laptop safe. Guests will find a bath, shower, bathrobe and slippers in each luxury bathroom. WiFi is available at surcharge.
ZEST Lifestyle Café is open all day for breakfast, lunch and dinner. A range of breakfasts and barbecued dishes are served in the Fireworks restaurant, while Oro Nero restaurant offers Italian specialties and a fine selection of wines. Guests can enjoy drinks and snacks at the Razzmatazz bar or in the Zest coffee house.
JW Marriott Absheron Baku Hotel includes a sauna area and 24-hour gym. The hotel also has a magnificent indoor pool offering panoramic views of the Caspian Sea.
Price: ~ EUR 130 Book this hotel on Booking.com
Dinamo Hotel Baku
Dinamo Hotel Baku, offers a unique experience with its spacious bedrooms, free WiFi, exquisite International cuisine and classic afternoon teas with the finest pastry selection.
Luxurious and elegant bedrooms at Dinamo Hotel Baku, are a blend of stunning period architecture, custom-made furnishings and modern amenities. The rooms designed in Art Deco style feature exclusively commissioned fabrics, exceedingly comfortable beds, and marble bathrooms with designer toiletries.
Dining options, such as Fine Dining Restaurant & Bar with Show-kitchen, Private Dining Room and Health Restaurant allow guests to celebrate a wide selection of international cuisine. A stunning and spacious outdoor terrace offers guests the opportunity to enjoy the lively environment while indulging in the exquisite food and drinks selection.
The Spa is a luxury health club equipped with Fitness Center and swimming pool, also offers a selection of exclusive signature treatments and several beauty services including Nail Bar.
Dinamo Hotel Baku, as the only hotel in Baku offers round-the-clock, dedicated butler and concierge services for every guest, and pillow menu made from finest materials. Guests also can take advantage of the complimentary one-way airport transfer offered.
Formula 1 Grand Prix Baku is a 5-minute walk from the accommodations. Heydar Aliyev International Airport is 15 mi away. The hotel offers one-way shuttle service.
Price: ~ EUR 212 Book this hotel on Booking.com
Hotel Kvareli Eden Review
| Hotel reviews | 12 seen
Kvareli Eden Hotel is located in a remote place some 1 or 2 km from the Kvarteli town center, Georgia.
Kvareli Eden features an indoor swimming pool and a wine therapy spa center. Free Wi-Fi and free private parking are provided.
We booked a stay at Kvareli Eden in the mid of November 2018 during Georgia Discount week (kind of paying half the price). We stayed here for two nights and paid about GEL 500 (EUR 165 / USD 188) for that.
Disclosure: this article contains links to Booking.com, by clicking on links on this page and by making a reservation on Booking.com site, I might earn an affiliate income, at no cost to you
Top 5 Luxury & Spa Hotels in Kvareli, Georgia
Kvareli Eden hotel in the night
I was very eager to make a long exposure night photography tonight and were thankful for having a sturdy tripod with me.
Kvareli Eden Hotel is located in Kvarteli town center, on the right bank of the Bursa River. It features an indoor swimming pool and a wine therapy spa center. Free Wi-Fi and free private parking are provided.
Room at hotel Kvareli Eden in Georgia
We paid extra for having a semi-suit or semi deluxe room. A free baby crib was provided for our little daughter.
All rooms come with air-conditioning, a flat-screen TV, a safety deposit box and a mini-bar. Free toiletries and slippers are available in a bathroom.
Breakfast in the basement
I'm not sure, were we the only guests or we start early our days, but there were just three of us enjoying a typical Georgian/ Italian style breakfast.
The on-site restaurants serve various Georgian and European dishes, and guests can have a drink at one of the bars.
Kvareli Eden offers various treatments, including wine spa and different massage services. Guests can work out in a gym, play tennis, billiards or bowling and relax in a sauna.
Kvarely Central Station is 5 minutes’ drive from the hotel, and the distance to Tbilisi International Airport is 81 mi.
The Grand Documentary of 2016
| Documentaries | 19 seen
Filmed in 8 countries throughout 2016, glued, sanded, laminated, blamed and put together in Tbilisi, Georgia using Adobe Premiere CC.
The Great Documentary is 13 minutes and 2 seconds long short from our lives back in 2016.
The story starts in Venice, Italy, travels to Georgia, Armenia, then Latvia, Lithuania, Spain, Gibraltar and ends in New York, US.
Jokes, notes and wine (chacha) traverse the scene from the first seconds of the movie. Spoken in Latvian (and a little bit Russian)
For HD quality lovers, the Full HD version is available privately by talking to an exclusive show.
Places from the film:
- My Italy Travel Guide
- Best of Armenia in Two days (Yerevan and Beyond)
- 7 days in Spain (Region of Andalusia)
- 10 Day Business / Leisure Trip to the United States (New York & Philadelphia)
Roshen Candy Store in Kiev (Khotynska Street)
| Shopping Venues | 60 seen
Roshen Confectionery Corporation is a Ukrainian confectionery manufacturing group.
The leading manufacturer of confectionery products in the country, it operates facilities in the Ukrainian cities of Kiev, Vinnytsia and Kremenchuk, as well as in Budapest, Hungary and Klaipėda, Lithuania. The name of the company was derived from the last name of its owner, current president of Ukraine, Petro Poroshenko.
It was back in August 2017, we were in Kiev to celebrate my birthday when we discovered this lovely candy store.
Roshen Candy store in Kiev
If I remember right, this one is located on Khotynska St, 2
At Roshen candy store