Georgia's Black Sea coast stretches roughly 100 km from Batumi to Anaklia, and the hotel scene here has grown substantially in recent years. This guide covers the best seaside resort options with real prices, practical nuances, and honest assessments of what to expect.
Key Takeaways
- The season runs from mid-June to mid-September – outside this window, many resorts close pools and reduce services, even if they technically remain open.
- Beaches are pebbly in the south (Sarpi to Batumi) and black sand in the north (Kobuleti to Ureki and Shekvetili).
- International 5-star chains are concentrated in Batumi – Hilton, Sheraton, Radisson Blu, Le Méridien. Average nightly rate: $100–210.
- The most interesting resort complexes outside Batumi are in Kobuleti (Castello Mare, Georgia Palace) and Shekvetili (Paragraph Resort).
- Medical insurance is mandatory for all foreign visitors since January 1, 2026 – you may be denied entry without it. Policies can be arranged through Ekta.
- The farther you go from central Batumi, the cleaner the water and quieter the beaches – but infrastructure thins out accordingly.
Batumi – Maximum Choice and Infrastructure
Batumi is Georgia's main resort city, offering over 200 accommodation options. You'll find international chains, boutique hotels in the Old Town, apartment towers on the waterfront, and budget guesthouses within walking distance of Batumi Boulevard. The downsides: beaches are large-pebble, water in the central zone is murkier than in neighbouring villages, and the promenade gets overwhelmingly crowded in July-August.
5-Star Chain Hotels in Batumi
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A modern five-star stay, just steps from the boulevard, with sweeping views over the city and the Black Sea. A spa & wellness area with indoor and outdoor pools, plus a scenic 19th-floor restaurant and bar for sunsets.
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A five-star city stay in central area, just steps from the beach and boulevard, with easy walks to Europe Square and key sights. Expect a sleek, design-forward vibe with resort-like perks – a spa & wellness area with pools (including a seasonal rooftop/outdoor option), dining and a bar, plus an on-site casino.
Note: Don't confuse chain hotels with apart-complexes like Orbi Towers – these market themselves as "beachfront hotels" but are essentially residential towers with minimal service.
What to Know About Batumi
The distance from Batumi International Airport to the city centre is about 5 km; a taxi costs $5–8. Lunch for two at a mid-range restaurant runs $35–40, a cappuccino around $3, and a bottle of local wine from the shop starts at $5.
Kobuleti – Family Resort With Black Sand
Kobuleti sits 25 km north of Batumi and ranks as Georgia's second most popular seaside resort. Beaches transition from pebbles to black magnetic sand, infrastructure is adequate for comfortable holidays, and the atmosphere is noticeably calmer than Batumi's. A solid choice for families and travellers seeking a quiet beach holiday.
Top Resort Hotels in Kobuleti
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A five-star beachfront escape with a private beach and a laid-back resort vibe – ideal for slow days by the sea. Expect sleek, modern design, a sea-view pool, a spa/massages, and lively dining & bars (including a rooftop spot) for sunset evenings.
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A five-star seaside resort with a lush green setting and a private beach – great for a relaxed Black Sea getaway.
Chakvi – The Hidden Spot
Chakvi is a 15-minute drive from Batumi.
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A large resort complex with a water park, four swimming pools, and a private beach. Rooms start from $90 per night. The drawback: the location sits between villages with little surrounding infrastructure, so getting to town requires a taxi.
Shekvetili – Sand, Pine Trees, and Quiet
Shekvetili is a small resort village north of Kobuleti with black magnetic sand, pine groves, and a peaceful atmosphere.
(or book on Trip.com)
One of the country's finest resort hotels. Rooms from $150–210 per night in season, with pools, spa, restaurants, and direct beach access. This is one of the few coastal properties where service actually matches the star rating.
Getting to the Coast
The nearest airport is Batumi International Airport. International carriers operate flights from various hubs. You can also fly into Kutaisi International Airport (low-cost carriers, 2–2.5 hours to the coast) or Tbilisi International Airport (5–6 hours by car, overnight train from $15).
For getting around the coast, a rental car is the most convenient option. Distances are short but public transport runs irregularly. Check Localrent for competitive car hire rates.
Practical Tips
Booking. Use Booking.com or Trip.com for the widest selection. In peak season (July–August), Kobuleti and Shekvetili hotels book up 2–3 months ahead. Check visa requirements for your nationality before booking.
Insurance. Since January 1, 2026, medical insurance is mandatory for entering Georgia. Ekta START costs from $7 for 7 days. Arrange it online in minutes.
Connectivity. 4G coverage is stable in Batumi and Kobuleti but patchy in smaller villages. An eSIM is often cheaper than buying a local SIM at the airport (where prices are inflated). Airalo offers 5 GB for 15 days from €14 for Georgia.
Dining. A meal in resort areas costs $10–15 per person. Batumi has restaurants for every budget, while Shekvetili and Ureki offer limited choices – plan accordingly.
When to Go. Aim for late June or September. July-August brings heat (30–35°C), peak prices, and overcrowded beaches. September still has warm seas (24–26°C) with prices dropping 20–30%.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are there all-inclusive hotels on Georgia's coast? Yes, but options are extremely limited. Castello Mare Hotel & Wellness Resort near Kobuleti is the only proper all-inclusive on the coast, starting from $250 per night in season. Most other hotels operate on bed & breakfast or half-board basis.
2. Which Georgian resort is best for families with children? Kobuleti and Ureki offer gradual entry into the water and child-friendly beaches. Chakvi has Dreamland Oasis with a water park. Batumi is better suited for teens, as the large pebbles and steep depth increase can be challenging for young children.
3. How much more expensive is Batumi compared to the smaller resorts? About 20–30% more within the same star category. However, Batumi has a significantly wider range of budget accommodation (hostels from $8, apartments from $25) that barely exists in Shekvetili or Kvariati.
4. Is medical insurance required for visiting Georgia? Yes, since January 1, 2026, travel medical insurance is mandatory for all foreign nationals. Policies can be arranged online – Ekta starts from $7 per week.
5. What is the best month for a beach holiday in Georgia? September offers the best balance – the sea is still warm (24–26°C), prices are 20–30% lower than peak season, and beaches are far less crowded. Late June is also excellent before the main rush begins.
Conclusion
Georgia's Black Sea coast won't be mistaken for the Mediterranean – the water isn't turquoise and the sand isn't white. But for the price, it delivers: accessible flights, straightforward entry, reasonable accommodation and food costs, and several genuinely good resort hotels. The key is matching the right location to your priorities rather than expecting five-star service from every establishment along the shore.