The building which houses Fabrika began life during the Soviet period as a textiles factory. Its concrete shell has been transformed into not only a hostel and a bar but also the coolest arts and music venue in Tbilisi.
Fabrika
Who for
Fabrika’s clientele are young and incredibly hip, but travelling on a limited budget. If you want an instagrammable location, to mix with the coolest kids in town, and have just a few metres to stumble at the end of a long night partying to the sounds of the best DJs and bands in Georgia, Fabrika is calling.
Facilities
Fabrika lounge
Fabrika is, in many ways, a paired back, budget version of its sister property, Rooms Tbilisi. There’s an extensive lounge area and bar with retro pinball and arcade machines in the main building, plus a breakfast room, and the courtyard is lined with cafes, hipster stores, artists’ studios, and pop ups. In summer the courtyard works as a performance space; in winter the action moves indoors.
Accommodation
The name of the game at Fabrika is vintage minimalism. And, as the hostel only opened in autumn 2016, everything is still bright and new.
You can choose between a bed in a dorm or a private twin/double with an en suite bathroom. The decor is deliberately stark and there’s very little furniture, which makes the rooms reminiscent of the Soviet period.
The pieces which are there, however, have been very carefully chosen for their aesthetic qualities as well as their function. You have exactly what you need, and no more. The beds are comfortable, the windows let in plenty of light, and the bathrooms are immaculate.
Food and Drink
Accommodation at Fabrika includes the most impressive buffet breakfast spread we’ve seen in any hostel in the world. In fact, it’s a fierce contender to be the best breakfast anywhere. Professional chefs prepare and lay out everything from homemade natural yoghurt to cheesecake, dried fruits and nuts to local honey, and there’s an omelette and egg station as well. The coffee is dark and aromatic; and there’s a choice of teas and juices as well. Having filled up on a Fabrika breakfast you certainly won’t need lunch, which is another definite bonus for budget travellers.
The hostel lounge bar is open throughout the day, and there’s always someone on hand to make you a proper coffee or pour you a beer. You can have light snacks as well, or pop out into the courtyard for a more substantial bite to eat in one of the intriguing cafes.
Is Wi-Fi available?
Wifi is available throughout the hostel and is free.
What’s nearby?
Fabrika is on the opposite side of the river to Tbilisi’s main attractions, but you can walk across the Dry Bridge and through the park to Rustaveli — the main drag — in 15 minutes or so.
Tbilisi’s Old Town is a must see. The Narikala Fortress towers above the pretty painted houses with their wooden balconies. You can spend hours just wandering the streets. Peculiarly, there’s a natural waterfall right in the Old Town, and the neighbouring Botanical Garden is the perfect spot for a picnic on a sunny afternoon. We love Abanotubani — the hot spring district where you can go for a scalding bath and massage beneath medieval brick domes — and there are plenty of trendy wine bars nearby where you can taste a selection of Georgia’s favourite drink.
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How much?
Dorm beds at Fabrika start from £7 per night; private twin rooms start from £53.
Value for money
Fabrika offers exceptional value for money. Yes, you can stay marginally cheaper at other hostels in Tbilisi, but at Fabrika you’re actually getting facilities and service — not to mention the breakfast — befitting a good hotel.
Getting there
Fly direct from London Luton to Kutaisi (Georgia’s second city) from £81 return, then take advantage of the free shuttle into Tbilisi (about 3 hours). Alternatively, Georgian Airways flies from London Gatwick to Tbilisi from £327 return.