Historic Tbilisi Telegraph Reopens as Luxury Hotel

In 1980, the historic building of Tbilisi’s Central Post and Telegraph Office opened on what is now Republic Square — the city’s first independent communication center that connected Georgia with the world.

The Telegraph became a symbol of progress, knowledge, and a new era — a hub for international messaging and information exchange. The Soviet-era modernist building holds countless stories, and now, its legacy continues.

Thanks to Silk Development and with the support of the Bank of Georgia, the long-abandoned building has been transformed into a five-star hotel.

The hotel has preserved not only the iconic name "Telegraph" but also the essence of its original architecture. The concept was developed by the globally renowned studio Neri&Hu, known for their work in restoring historic structures and blending past and present architecture. The firm has received numerous international awards for its work.

The original architects of the Telegraph were Lado Aleksi-Meskhishvili and Teimuraz Mikashavidze. The building’s façade is clad in Bolnisi tuff, harmonizing with Tbilisi’s urban aesthetic. Nearly all original architectural details were preserved in the redesign.

Mamuka Shurgaia, CEO of Silk Development, emphasized the responsibility of reimagining such a space:

“At Silk Road Group, hospitality is our core focus. Our goal is to contribute meaningfully to the sector in the region. The Telegraph Hotel is part of our broader strategy for the redevelopment of Republic Square. Every one of our projects emphasizes sustainability, energy efficiency, and environmental consciousness.”

The hotel features 240 rooms, seven uniquely themed restaurants, jazz clubs, bars, banquet and conference halls, and sweeping urban views.

The Telegraph is also the first hotel in the region to become a member of the prestigious global hospitality network The Leading Hotels of the World, which requires the highest service standards, along with cultural significance, unique concept, and authenticity.

With this project, Silk Road Group has not only created a luxury destination but also revived a historic space that once connected people — and still does.