The oldest hotel in Batumi, it was built in 1939 on the site of the Alexander Nevsky Orthodox church, destroyed during the Soviet era. Though the hotel has five stars the decor and interior are relatively old. Standard rooms come with a pool view or a street view. The rooms aren’t large, but comfortable. There are couple of suites with a big terrace and the premier room also has one. Smoking is allowed in all rooms. Breakfast is served from 07:30 -11:00 in a beautiful and spacious Tbilisi round hall on the 1st floor. There are also two other restaurant on the ground level. Bakuriani Winter Garden serves mainly Georgian food and is open until 03:00. Venezia restaurant serves only Italian food. Renovations were being carried out on the fitness area when we visited but they were scheduled to be finished in July 2013. A large outdoor swimming pool is available to guests during summer season. The Intourist Casino is next door to the hotel, as well as Discorium Disco Club. Both have entrances from the hotel for guests. There’re a currency exchange office and a travel agency in the lobby area.