Hostel Mandaria

Single room

Really hot despite a fan

I want to say thanks to the owner or manager of the hostel. He was very welcoming, we found some issues with the room, and he handled our cancellation graciously. The hostel cleanliness is top notch, I normally do not see a hostel this clean, especially the common area. The place is about 15 minute bus ride away from the center, so it's not too far if you don't mind being on the outskirts. The park is nearby. The main bus station is about 18 minutes away by foot. A few bus stops via local bus. If you are coming from Tbilisi you will be passing by the hostel most likely, just ask them to stop next to the park. There are a few grocery stores nearby. Kitchen is fully stocked with pots, pans and cooking equipment.

The walls are fairly thin, had to ask the neighbors to speak quietly, but I don't think even that helps. The dogs outside at 6 am were a menace, barking quite loudly. So that's a bummer, and possibly based on luck more than anything. The bed mattresses are not the comfiest for my back, I like mattresses to be more firm.

Got a private cube, clean facilities, good location for transport.

Well, the concept is supercool, it is more like a budget hotel than a dormitory for the same price. Value for money is fantastic. Location is quite far from the city centre, but it is close to bus station, lots of grocery shops etc, so 5/5 without any doubts. Also, it has a true backpackers vibe, people from all around the world connect easily. Something which is not that easy to find these days.

Well....unfortunately...Personally for me that was a little bit too much of pressure: 1. There were signs everywhere about crazy fines (hundreds of bucks) for literally anything (leaving dirty dishes, touching some things etc). Is it legal at all to fine people for something as minor as that? 2. I have been to 126 countries and stayed in hundreds of hostels, and it was a first time when I saw a camera in a bathroom 3. Owner's general attitude. First of all, it is pretty obvious from all their replies on this website showing how they react even on minor criticism. Calling people names, referring to their nationalities etc. Just check it out those comments and you will see what I mean. Second, it was pretty annoying to hear absolutely unreasonable comments from the owner like 'Hey, wash your dishes', 'Hey, why did you start cooking, we were going to do cleaning' etc. So, being proactive, I would suggest: 1. to remove all signs and trust people. 2. to remove the camera from the bathroom 3. Just be nice and polite. Facilities are amazing and if you changes that you will get your well-deserved 11/10 for sure.