Marco Polo Hotel
Marco Polo Hotel is a historical 5-star hotel complex located in the heart of Gudauri ski resort, Georgia.[1] Nestled in the picturesque Caucasus Mountains, this hotel has played a role in the development of Gudauri as a prominent ski resort, reflecting both historical and contemporary influences.[2][3][4]
Marco Polo Hotel features 123 luxurious rooms spanning different categories, along with three upscale chalets named “Sno”, and offers a variety of guest facilities that make the hotel a perfect destination for all four seasons. Its convenient ski-in and ski-out location provides direct access to Ski Lift 1, making it ideal for skiers.
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Location and Accessibility
One of the key highlights of Marco Polo Hotel Gudauri is its exceptional location, making it a comfortable base not only for winter sports enthusiasts but also for summer travelers exploring the breathtaking Stepantsminda a.k.a. Kazbegi region. Gudauri, adjacent to the Stepantsminda area, serves as a great stopover for those embarking on Kazbegi tours. Travelers can easily access the region's iconic sights and attractions while enjoying a pleasant night's stay at the Marco Polo Hotel in Gudauri.
The nearest airport to the hotel is Tbilisi International Airport, situated just 133 km away.[3]
History and Development
In the early 1980s, the Austrian firm ABF encountered formidable obstacles while navigating the complexities of Soviet bureaucracy in its endeavor to construct a hotel in the picturesque Gudauri region of Georgia.[5] Collaborating with Saqkurorti and the Hungarian company Hungharhotel, the joint enterprise known as "Gudauri" was established. Despite the challenges they faced, funding was secured in 1985, leading to the inauguration of the hotel in April 1988.[6] This pioneering establishment featured 240 beds, four ropeways, and skiing trails, making a historic debut as the region's first heli-skiing destination.[4]
Transition into independence: 1990s
Marco Polo Hotel Gudauri stands as a symbol of transformation from the Soviet era to independent Georgia.[6][5] Constructed during the later years of the Soviet Union, Marco Polo Hotel Gudauri played an important role in Georgia's emergence on the global tourism map. With the thrilling addition of heli-skiing, the hotel has evolved into a sought-after destination nestled within the stunning Caucasus Mountains, offering an exhilarating experience for adventure enthusiasts.[4][5]
Today, the Marco Polo Hotel stands as a hallmark of Gudauri's evolution. Renovations have preserved its historical charm, and currently, the hotel hosts over 55,000 guests annually.
Exploring the Region
Marco Polo Hotel's strategic location in the heart of Gudauri allows travelers to seamlessly explore these remarkable destinations. The Gudauri ski resort, boasting a total length of ski runs spanning 57 kilometers and a vertical drop of over 1250 meters, offers an exhilarating experience for skiers and snowboarders. The resort's slopes are easily accessible from Marco Polo Hotel, making it a convenient choice for winter sports enthusiasts.
Beyond the slopes, the Stepantsminda a.k.a. Kazbegi region reveals unparalleled natural beauty and cultural significance. Some of the must-visit attractions in the Kazbegi area include the Gergeti Trinity Church, perched majestically against the backdrop of Mount Kazbek (lying at 5054 meters above sea level), and the awe-inspiring Dariali Gorge. Numerous hiking trails crisscross the region, offering endless opportunities for outdoor exploration.
Whether drawn to winter adventures or year-round exploration of this diverse and captivating region, Marco Polo Hotel serves as the perfect base for travelers.
Hotel Facilities and Features
The Marco Polo Hotel offers a harmonious blend of luxury and comfort in the heart of Gudauri. Its facilities include the renowned restaurant "Soliko", serving both European and traditional Georgian dishes, a lobby bar and lounge for evening entertainment. Guests can also unwind at the SPA Center, featuring Finnish and Steam Saunas, as well as an indoor swimming pool. Additionally, the hotel offers a range of services for skiers, including a ski shop, ski rental, a kids' club, and a game room.[3][1] There are also facilities for indoor and outdoor Padel. Notably, the hotel is home to the region's only bowling and entertainment center, complete with billiards, making it a unique attraction in the entire area.
Elevated Padel Experience
Commencing in 2023, Marco Polo Hotel presents an extraordinary Padel experience, featuring both indoor and outdoor courts set amidst the magnificent Caucasus Mountains. Remarkably, this facility is perched at an astonishing altitude of 2003 meters above sea level, firmly establishing itself as the world's highest-altitude Padel destination. This remarkable addition invites Marco Polo Hotel guests to partake in a one-of-a-kind sporting encounter, immersing themselves in the thrill of Padel while enveloped by the breathtaking natural beauty of the mountains.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Marco Polo Hotel Gudauri, Georgia." (in en). https://hotel-gudauri-marco-polo.h-rez.com/.
- ↑ "Marco Polo hotel Gudauri - Official Site - Your Favorite Destination Hotel at the Heart of the Caucasus Mountains Since 1988" (in en-US). https://marcopolo.ge/.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 "Planet of Hotels - Marco Polo Hotel Gudauri". https://planetofhotels.com/en/georgia/gudauri/marco-polo-hotel-gudauri.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 "European Gudauri during the Soviet Union: History of the Resort & Marco Polo Hotel Gudauri". http://gtarchive.georgiatoday.ge/news/12911/European-Gudauri-during-the-Soviet-Union:-History-of-the-Resort-&-Marco-Polo-Hotel-Gudauri.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 "ევროპული გუდაური საბჭოთა კავშირის დროს! კურორტისა და სასტუმრო „მარკო-პოლოს“ ისტორია" (in en-US). 2018-09-26. https://www.marketer.ge/marco-polo-gudauri/.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 "„მარკო პოლო გუდაური“ 35 წლისაა – სასტუმრო, რომელიც კურორტის სიმბოლოდ იქცა" (in en-US). 2023-04-03. https://www.marketer.ge/marco-polo-da-gudauris-samto-kurorti/.
