Hotels & Preference Hualing Tbilisi

BACKGROUND

This five-star, 246-room MICE hotel, part of the French Hotels & Preference chain, opened in October 2015.

WHERE IS IT?

Located on the outskirts of the city, in the Tbilisi Sea New City district, it took 15 minutes from the international airport and 20 minutes to reach the city centre.

W H AT ’ S IT LIKE?

Even though the hotel was busy with groups, I liked the pervading sense of space, from the lobby to the corridors and Club Preference, which affords striking panoramic mountain views.

ROOMS

I stayed the night in one of two Premier Suites, at the end of the 10th floor, which had its own key, marble entrance, more marble in the bathroom, large lounge with velvet-gold chairs – and it even had a small sauna. The curtains opened with a touch. The 10th floor also has Club Deluxe, Duplex Suites and Deluxe Suites.

FOOD AND DRINK

The Ensemble (Chinese) is the stand-out venue, with five private dining areas which are perfect for discreet MICE meets. The Be Chic lobby level breakfast was comprehensive with Georgian cheeses and pastries, amid all the usual offerings, while the Be Cosy Lobby Lounge Bar serves coffees and cocktails. The Legends sports bar completes the F&B offering.

MEETINGS

The 800sqm Grand Hualing Ballroom is the MICE centrepiece – it can hold up to 750 guests and features three large drop-down screens. Other MICE spaces include the Narikala (140), Mtatsminda and Meidan (both 110) meeting rooms.

LEISURE

These excellent facilities are located in a Recreation Center a short walk away The pool would satisfy professional swimmers and the gym overlooks the water. Golfers can perfect their swing in a 3D simulator.

VERDICT

Although it’s a little out of the city, this is a decent hotel with strong MICE and leisure facilities.