Bees Guesthouse – A Quiet Mountain Retreat in Mestia, Georgia
🏡 Bees Guesthouse
📍 Address: Chartolani St. 18, 3200 Mestia, Georgia
🔗 Booking.com link: Bees Guesthouse (Booking.com)
🗺️ Google Maps link: View on Google Maps
Introduction: My Arrival & Early Impressions
When I arrived in the high-Caucasus town of Mestia, the chill mountain air and the sight of Svan towers rising above the rooftops immediately told me I was somewhere special. After settling into the town, I made my way up Chartolani Street and found Bees Guesthouse perched with a view over the valley. Stepping into the warm, wood-toned interior, the view of the mountains from the balcony made me smile — this stay felt like a quiet refuge after a long day of travel.
Over the next days I found Bees Guesthouse to be more than just a place to sleep: it became a peaceful base for hiking, exploring Svaneti culture, and waking up to those crisp mountain mornings.
About Bees Guesthouse
Bees Guesthouse is a family-run guesthouse in Mestia, in the region of Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti, Georgia. According to its Booking.com listing, it boasts an “Excellent location – rated 9.6/10!” with high scores for cleanliness, value and comfort. (Booking.com)
Guests highlight its garden and terrace for relaxing, free private parking, and mountain-view balconies. (Booking.com)
What stands out:
- Strong guest reviews: cleanliness ~9.7/10, comfort ~9.5/10, value ~9.8/10. (Booking.com)
- Very good positioning: approx 0.5-1 km from Mestia centre, but still offering quiet views. (Planet of Hotels)
- Guesthouse style – personal hospitality, a garden/terrace space, and warm atmosphere mentioned repeatedly. (Tripadvisor)
For travellers seeking a comfortable, calm stay in Mestia while exploring the mountains, Bees Guesthouse is a strong option.
Rooms & Comfort: My Personal Experience
I stayed in a well-appointed double room with a balcony which looked down toward the valley and mountains beyond. The room felt clean and cosy: comfortable bed, good heating (essential in the high altitude cool nights), and a calm ambience.
Highlights I appreciated:
- Mountain view balcony: I’ll never forget sipping tea on the balcony in the early morning light, the mountain silhouette ahead.
- Warm, welcoming atmosphere: The hosts greeted me kindly, shared advice for hikes in the region, and the guesthouse felt like a home away from home.
- Excellent value & comfort: Considering the location, mountain setting, and hospitality, I felt the stay punched above its price class. Guest reviews echo this: “Very welcoming and really worth the money”. (Booking.com)
Practical notes:
- The guesthouse sits up on Chartolani Street, so arriving with heavy bags may involve a climb. One guest noted: “It was very high up a hill … the view is worth it!” (Tripadvisor)
- Temperatures drop significantly in the evenings – even in summer – so bring layers.
- If you’re staying longer or hiking, check whether early breakfast is possible (some guests mention the host prepared early for morning trips). (Tripadvisor)
Dining & Local Hospitality
While Bees Guesthouse is not a large resort with many onsite dining options, the hospitality shines.
Breakfast & hospitality:
I found the breakfast simple yet hearty: fresh bread, local cheese, eggs, perhaps honey from the region, and strong Georgian coffee. The hosts were warm and attentive. Reviews say things like “We came a second time because we enjoyed this place so much … the hostess is amazingly nice.” (Planet of Hotels)
Local dining:
Mestia’s central area offers local cafés and restaurants serving Svaneti dishes – think hearty mountain food, local cheeses, soups, grilled meats – all perfect after a hike. It’s easy to walk in from the guesthouse.
My tip:
After a long walk in the afternoon, return to the guesthouse’s terrace with a warm drink, let the day fade, and go out for dinner in town. The guesthouse is calm, the view is restful, and the contrast between active exploring and quiet evening is what made my stay memorable.
Location & Accessibility
🚗 Getting There & Around:
- Mestia is reachable by road from Zugdidi or via helicopters in some seasons; many travellers come after getting to Zugdidi or travelling from Tbilisi.
- The guesthouse offers free parking – a plus if you have a rental car exploring Svaneti. (Booking.com)
- The guesthouse is located on Chartolani Street 18, which is about 0.5 km (≈10 minutes walk) from the town centre – close enough for ease, far enough for tranquillity. (Planet of Hotels)
🏞 Nearby Attractions & Experiences:
- The region of Svaneti is famed for its towers, mountain hikes, cultural heritage; the guesthouse makes a good base for excursions.
- Because of its elevated position, you’ll get good views from the guesthouse while still being near the centre.
- For hikers heading to Ushguli or other high valleys, staying a couple of nights here gives you rest and acclimatisation.
✅ Why the Location Works:
For a stay in Mestia that balances accessibility (to town, restaurants, hike starts) and peaceful retreat (quiet setting, mountain views), Bees Guesthouse delivers strongly. If you prefer luxury resort, this isn’t a high-end hotel but that’s part of its charm.
Nearby Experiences & Things to Do
During my stay, these were some of my favourite things:
🏔 Hikes & Mountain Views:
From Mestia you can set out on trails into the mountains, explore local villages, towers, alpine meadows. Returning to Bees Guesthouse with view and rest felt ideal.
🏛 Culture & Svaneti Towers:
Walking in Mestia you’ll see ancient Svan towers, local museums such as the Svaneti Museum of History-Ethnography – some visitors of Bees mention it’s near the guesthouse. (skyscanner.co.in)
🧘 Terrace Moments:
One afternoon, I sat on the guesthouse’s terrace with a book, watched clouds drift over the mountains, and felt the calm of the highlands – one of those travel moments you don’t forget.
🍽 Local Cuisine:
Don’t miss trying local Svan specialities in town – after exploring you’ll appreciate returning somewhere comfortable like Bees Guesthouse for the night.
Why We Recommend Bees Guesthouse
Here are my top reasons this guesthouse stands out:
- Warm hospitality & value – The hosts truly care; many repeat guests.
- Excellent mountain setting – Great views, calm nights, genuine Svaneti ambience.
- Clean, comfortable rooms – Strong guest ratings for cleanliness, comfort.
- Good location – Near town but uplifted into nature.
- Ideal for active travellers – Hikers, nature lovers, cultural seekers.
If you’re travelling to Svaneti and want a base that gives you both access and authenticity, Bees Guesthouse is a very smart choice. If your priority is ultra-luxury resort amenities, you might choose differently—but for experience, character and comfort, this guesthouse delivers.
FAQ – Bees Guesthouse, Mestia
1. Is breakfast included?
Yes, breakfast is available and many reviews mention the hosts prepare good meals. (Planet of Hotels)
2. Does the guesthouse have parking?
Yes, free private parking is offered. (Booking.com)
3. How far is it from the town centre?
Approximately 0.5 km (≈10-15 minutes walk) from the centre of Mestia. (Planet of Hotels)
4. Are views guaranteed?
While many rooms offer great views, check room category; route up Chartolani is steep. Some guests note uphill location. (Tripadvisor)
5. Is the guesthouse good for families?
Yes—reviews mention family-friendly rooms and hosts who support longer stays. (Planet of Hotels)
6. What’s the best time to stay?
Late spring to early autumn offer excellent hiking weather. Winters are magical but may limit access.
7. What should I bring?
Packing layers for cold nights, good walking shoes for trails, and a camera for those sweeping views.
8. Payment or language notes?
Some sources note cash-only payment. For example: one review forum mentions “cash only” with this guesthouse. (Planet of Hotels)
Conclusion: A Stay to Remember in Svaneti
Staying at Bees Guesthouse in Mestia isn’t just about finding a bed—it’s about settling into a rhythm of mountain mornings, quiet terraces, warm hosts, and the slow cadence of highland life. For me, the view from the balcony, the friendly welcome, and the comfort after a day of hiking made this stay a memorable highlight of my Georgia trip.
Whether you’re heading into the Svaneti mountains for nature, culture, or just to escape into something quieter and deeper, I wholeheartedly recommend Bees Guesthouse.
👉 Ready to book your stay?
Check out Bees Guesthouse on Booking.com and start your mountain adventure in Georgia.
