Step Inn - Kazbegi

We hadden hier een cocktail. De wijn die we wilden hadden ze niet, een deel van de cocktail kaart ook niet. Dat is niet zo erg als het ook niet zo belachelijk duur was. Slechte cocktail was het ook nog. Uitzicht was leuk, fijn sterren gekeken op het terras.

We were a family of 3 who arrived from Tblisi early April week. The roads had traffic and many trailers, but the mountains were covered in snow. City-bred as we are and being residents of the UAE, the natural beauty was so breathtaking that we didn’t quite notice the long and bumpy 4-hour ride. Hotel owner Ann had sent a car and one of the most experienced drivers in the region. Shmagi didn’t understand English much but knew the crests and the curves of the mountainous terrain. Step Inn was quite a surprise - fresh, clean and cute. Our room was a duplex on the second floor with a magnificent view of the mountains. It was especially gorgeous the morning it snowed. Wish the lower floor of the room had more space, at least enough to sit and enjoy a drink while admiring the view. The upper floor had more space but little view. The room came with a balcony but it was too cold to sit outside. And small to accommodate 3. What also needs drastic improvement is their food menu, especially if they hope to welcome guests from different parts of the world. Breakfast is basic and one is unsure about the freshness of the cold cuts, condiments and bread. There was no toaster for the bread. I spotted one the day I was checking out. I was told I had to ask for a toaster at the breakfast table! Language is a handicap too. Only the owner speaks English but she isn’t always there. The staff are friendly and accommodating, but the restaurant waitress could have done better. What use is hot, freshly baked bread if you are told you can’t have butter with it, except at breakfast? And then they bring the butter as a favor? The hotel is not positioned as a bed and breakfast for backpackers. Perhaps it should take steps to be more family-friendly in attitude and services. Having said that, their hot spa indoor pool with a view of the mountains is a welcome addition to the cuteness of the property and their bed n linen are top grade. A special mention for restaurant executive Alex who went out of his way to bring the best he could to our table. Made all the difference to our stay! The hotel is only 8 months old. I am certain they have plans to make it one of the best in the region in months to come. Would love to revisit when they do.