ibis Styles Old Tbilisi – a new creative landmark in the city

The ibis Styles brand, part of the Accor portfolio, is built on a philosophy of approachable design, vibrant individuality, and a welcoming atmosphere. Each of its hotels reflects a distinct identity, with a focus on aesthetics, emotional connection, and a strong sense of local character. The interior design of its most recent opening, ibis Styles Tbilisi, was led by a design and architecture bureau, STUDIO SHOO. The team was assigned to create distinctive public areas and guest rooms that thoughtfully reflect both the brand identity and the unique character of Tbilisi.

Image credit: ibis Styles

“We wanted to create a design with real character,” commented Shushana Kachatrian, Interior and Furniture Designer, and Founder of STUDIO SHOO.
”Each ibis Styles hotel is designed to be truly unique – with its own distinctive theme, whether inspired by pop art, retro cars, nature, or cinéma. For the Tbilisi location, we chose stained-glass as our central theme. It reflects the city’s rich, multi-layered identity – a blend of Eastern and European influences”.

In traditional Tbilisi homes, stained-glass often features in wooden staircases and ornately carved balconies,” added Kachatrian. “It lends a lyrical depth to quotidian architecture rather than merely colour and light. Stained-glass has become part of Tbilisi’s visual language: decorative, expressive, and full of individuality. That spirit of creativity and freedom is exactly what we sought to portray in the hotel’s design”.

The hotel is located in a beautifully restored building in the heart of Old Tbilisi. This historic property is distinguished by its characterful architectural features – carved wooden balconies in a signature shade of turquoise, an original cast-iron spiral staircase, and traditional stained-glass windows that are emblematic of the city’s unique aesthetic.

The ground floor of the hotel features a welcoming lobby, a takeaway café offering freshly brewed coffee and sandwiches, fully equipped conference rooms, and guest elevators. Upon entering, guests are greeted by a striking bright yellow lounge seat, surrounded by plant-filled vases inspired by traditional Georgian design. The architecturally sculpted reception area features a two-level desk, thoughtfully designed to be accessible for guests with disabilities.

Image credit: ibis Styles / STUDIO SHOO

Light-toned walls, flooring and ceilings serve as a subtle canvas, allowing the intricate, geometric shadows cast by the Georgian sun to take centre stage – adding a poetic dimension to the space. “In the rooms, we designed a striking bespoke carpet inspired by traditional Georgian mosaics, often found in the entrance halls of historic Tbilisi homes. These patterns reflect deep-rooted cultural traditions and lend each space a distinct sense of character,” noted Kachatrian.

This bold, patterned flooring is balanced by warm white tones on the walls and ceiling, providing a serene backdrop for the room’s playful details. These include a wave-shaped headboard in cheerful yellow, whimsical spherical lamps, a vibrant green table lamp, and a graffiti-style pouffe. The goal was to ensure every feature reflected both local heritage and the dynamic spirit of the ibis Styles brand.

Much of the furniture is bespoke, crafted by skilled Georgian artisans. “One of the most captivating design features is the stained-glass window between the bathroom and the room – when sunlight streams through, it fills the space with a dazzling play of coloured light, casting multicoloured reflexions,” explained Kachatrian.

Image credit: ibis Styles / STUDIO SHOO

Each hotel designed by STUDIO SHOO is a unique art which tells its own distinctive story.
Through interiors, the aim was to create a dialogue between guests and the city – its culture, traditions, and spirit. The ibis Styles Old Tbilisi is no exception. More than just a hotel, it offers an emotional and accessible way to experience the essence of the city from within. Enjoy a cup of coffee on the terrace with views over the historic Old Town, then retreat to a cosy room where every detail reflects the vibrant character and warm soul of Georgia. This is not simply a place to stay – it’s a gateway to the true heart of Tbilisi.

Main image credit: ibis Styles / STUDIO SHOO