Aronia Kazbegi Review – A Dreamy Mountain Escape in the Heart of Georgia N° 1
🏔️ Aronia Kazbegi Review
📍 Address: 11 Merab Kostava, 4700 Kazbegi, Georgia
🔗 Booking.com link: https://www.booking.com/hotel/ge/peak-view.html
🗺️ Google Maps link: View on Maps
🌄 Arrival in Kazbegi – The Road to the Clouds
There are few journeys as breathtaking as the one from Tbilisi to Kazbegi, winding through the Georgian Military Highway, with each turn revealing snow-capped peaks, rolling valleys, and tiny chapels perched above the clouds.
When I arrived in Stepantsminda, also known as Kazbegi, I instantly felt a sense of calm — that crisp mountain air, the sound of the Terek River, and the sight of Mount Kazbek towering like a watchful guardian above the town.
Hidden just off Merab Kostava Street, Aronia Kazbegi felt like the perfect place to stay — peaceful, intimate, and surrounded by the kind of natural beauty that makes you forget the rest of the world.
🏨 Hotel Overview – A Modern Chalet with a Georgian Soul
Aronia Kazbegi is a modern yet cozy guesthouse that blends Scandinavian-style simplicity with Georgian warmth. The building’s clean wooden façade and panoramic windows instantly make you feel connected to nature. Inside, the décor combines warm wooden tones, natural stone textures, and soft lighting, creating a sense of harmony between luxury and homeliness.
The owners — a kind local family — greeted me with traditional Georgian tea and homemade pastries. Their hospitality set the tone for the entire stay: genuine, attentive, and full of small gestures that make you feel like part of the family.
Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple seeking a romantic escape, or a small group of adventurers exploring the Caucasus, Aronia Kazbegi offers the perfect retreat.
🛏️ Rooms & Comfort – Wake Up to the Majesty of Mount Kazbek
Each room at Aronia Kazbegi is designed to maximize the view — and trust me, you’ll never get tired of looking out the window. From my bed, I could see Mount Kazbek glowing orange in the sunrise and disappearing into clouds by afternoon.
🏡 Room Types
- Standard Double Room: Ideal for couples or solo travelers, featuring a queen-size bed, private bathroom, and balcony with mountain views.
- Deluxe Room with Balcony: Spacious layout, panoramic glass doors, and extra sitting area — perfect for longer stays.
- Family Room: Two connecting rooms with multiple beds, ideal for families with children.
✨ Comfort & Cleanliness
Every corner of my room felt freshly maintained — spotless bedding, fragrant linens, and modern bathroom fittings. The heating worked perfectly (a must in Kazbegi’s cool evenings), and the Wi-Fi was surprisingly fast for such a remote mountain town.
The minimalist design emphasizes natural materials: wood floors, wool blankets, and neutral color palettes that keep your focus on the spectacular scenery outside.
🍳 Dining Experience – Simple, Fresh, and Local
Aronia Kazbegi doesn’t have a full restaurant, but breakfast here is a highlight. Served each morning in the cozy common area, it includes:
- Freshly baked bread and homemade jams
- Georgian cheese and cold cuts
- Organic eggs from the family farm
- Herbal teas and rich Georgian coffee
The owners also offer dinner on request, featuring home-cooked Georgian dishes like khachapuri, khinkali, and lobio. Nothing beats enjoying these hearty meals while watching the sunset paint the mountain peaks in gold and purple.
🍴 Restaurants Nearby
If you want to explore the local food scene, these spots are just a few minutes away:
- Rooms Kazbegi Restaurant – famous for its terrace views and modern Georgian cuisine
- Khevi Restaurant – cozy spot for local soups and trout dishes
- Shorena’s Bar – a friendly, casual bar popular among travelers
🚗 Location & Accessibility – Perfectly Placed for Exploring Kazbegi
Aronia Kazbegi sits on Merab Kostava Street, just a 10-minute walk from the town center. From here, everything is within easy reach:
- The bus stop for Tbilisi connections is nearby.
- Shops and ATMs are within walking distance.
- The trail to Gergeti Trinity Church begins less than 2 km away.
Getting to Kazbegi is part of the adventure. You can take a marshrutka (shared minibus) from Tbilisi’s Didube station (around 4 hours) or rent a car to enjoy scenic stops like the Ananuri Fortress and Jvari Pass.
The guesthouse also offers private transfers and can help organize guided hikes or tours to Dariali Gorge and Truso Valley.
🏞️ Nearby Attractions – What to See & Do Around Aronia Kazbegi
Kazbegi is a paradise for hikers, photographers, and peace seekers. Here are the top attractions I explored from Aronia Kazbegi:
⛪ Gergeti Trinity Church (2 km)
This iconic 14th-century church, perched at 2,170 meters above sea level, is the symbol of Kazbegi. You can hike up in about 1.5 hours or take a jeep ride. From the top, the panoramic view of the valley and Mount Kazbek is simply breathtaking.
💧 Gveleti Waterfalls (7 km)
A short drive north of Stepantsminda, a gentle 30-minute hike leads you to these twin waterfalls surrounded by lush greenery — a hidden gem loved by locals.
🌋 Mount Kazbek (5,047 m)
For experienced climbers, this is one of the Caucasus’s great summits. Even if you’re not climbing, you can hike part of the route to enjoy pristine alpine landscapes.
🌄 Truso Valley (25 km)
A day trip worth taking — surreal landscapes with mineral springs, colorful rocks, and abandoned villages that feel frozen in time.
🏰 Dariali Gorge (12 km)
A dramatic canyon marking the border with Russia, home to the new Dariali Monastery complex and stunning river views.
💡 Personal Tips for Travelers
Having spent a few days exploring and relaxing at Aronia Kazbegi, here are some personal insights:
- Best time to visit: May to October for hiking and clear skies; December to February for snow lovers.
- Bring layers: Weather can change quickly in the mountains — mornings warm, evenings chilly.
- Cash matters: Few ATMs, so carry enough Georgian lari (GEL).
- Stay two nights minimum: You’ll want at least one full day to explore the church, valley, and town.
- Don’t skip local tea: The herbal mountain tea served here is unique and calming.
❤️ Why We Recommend Aronia Kazbegi
After visiting several Georgia hotels across the country, I can say that Aronia Kazbegi stands out for its perfect mix of location, comfort, and authenticity.
Reasons to Love This Hotel:
- Breathtaking Views: Every room faces Mount Kazbek — no need for filters.
- Warm Local Hospitality: The family owners treat every guest like a friend.
- Perfect Location: Close to all main attractions but quiet enough for total relaxation.
- Value for Money: Premium comfort without luxury-hotel prices.
- Clean & Peaceful Atmosphere: Ideal for couples, hikers, and digital nomads.
If you dream of waking up to the sound of mountain winds and watching clouds drift past your window, Aronia Kazbegi is your place.
❓ FAQ – Aronia Kazbegi, Stepantsminda
1. How far is Aronia Kazbegi from Tbilisi?
It’s around 150 km north — about a 3.5 to 4-hour drive via the scenic Georgian Military Highway.
2. Does the hotel offer parking?
Yes, free private parking is available on-site.
3. Can I see Mount Kazbek from the rooms?
Absolutely! Most rooms offer direct or partial views of Mount Kazbek.
4. Is breakfast included in the stay?
Yes, a homemade continental breakfast is included and served each morning.
5. Are pets allowed?
Policies may vary — it’s best to check directly via the Booking.com page.
6. What languages do the hosts speak?
Georgian, Russian, and basic English — communication is friendly and easy.
7. Does Aronia Kazbegi have Wi-Fi?
Yes, free Wi-Fi throughout the property — fast enough for remote work.
8. What are the check-in and check-out times?
Typically, check-in is from 2:00 PM, and check-out is until 11:00 AM.
🌅 Conclusion – A Hidden Gem Among Georgia Hotels
My stay at Aronia Kazbegi reminded me why I fell in love with Georgia in the first place: nature that feels endless, people who make you feel at home, and moments that slow time itself.
From cozy mornings with tea and mountain fog to evenings by the window watching the last light fade over the Caucasus, every second here felt like a postcard come to life.
If you’re planning your Georgia adventure and wondering where to stay in Kazbegi, this guesthouse deserves a spot at the top of your list.
