The Telegraph Hotel – Tbilisi’s Brutalist Icon Reimagined
Where 1970s Modernism Meets Contemporary Georgian Elegance
A Landmark of Brutalist Heritage, Reinvented
Rising proudly in the heart of Tbilisi, The Telegraph Hotel occupies one of the city’s most striking pieces of Soviet-era architecture—a wave-shaped brutalist building from the 1970s that once served as the central post and telegraph headquarters. Today, this monumental structure has been reborn as one of Georgia’s most exciting design hotels, its historic concrete form transformed into a sophisticated cultural destination. The result is a property that tells the story of Tbilisi’s architectural evolution—from postmodern experiment to cosmopolitan capital—while redefining what luxury looks like in the 21st century.
A Bold Dialogue Between Past and Present
The Telegraph’s rebirth is the work of acclaimed Shanghai-based design studio Neri & Hu, known for their poetic reinterpretations of heritage buildings around the world. Here, they approached the challenge with reverence and restraint, embracing the raw power of the original brutalist structure while layering in subtle sophistication and contemporary comfort. The building’s dramatic façade—its sculptural, undulating concrete balconies evoking the flowing motion of a telegraph signal—has been meticulously restored, preserving its iconic silhouette against Tbilisi’s skyline. Inside, Neri & Hu’s intervention is both bold and nuanced: exposed concrete walls and structural columns remain proudly visible, contrasted by warm oak, brushed brass, and soft textiles that add depth and tactility to the minimalist palette.
Spaces That Tell a Design Story
Every corner of the hotel is conceived as a dialogue between eras. The soaring lobby, once a utilitarian postal hall, is now a serene, light-filled space defined by geometric forms, dramatic double-height volumes, and curated Georgian art. Custom lighting installations echo the rhythm of telegraph lines, while handcrafted furniture—sleek yet soulful—anchors the interiors in a timeless modernism. Rooms and suites continue this architectural narrative. Clean-lined, minimalist spaces feature locally sourced materials, textured stone surfaces, and bespoke detailing that speaks to Georgian craft traditions. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame cinematic views of the city, while subtle nods to the building’s telecommunications past—like graphic patterns inspired by Morse code—infuse the design with a sense of place and history.
Design-Driven Social Spaces
The hotel’s communal areas further celebrate this architectural rebirth. A rooftop bar and terrace are carved into the original concrete shell, offering uninterrupted views of the old town and the hills beyond—an inspiring juxtaposition of Soviet-era geometry and Tbilisi’s ancient urban fabric. The restaurant, designed as a contemporary supper club, pairs raw industrial textures with plush, mid-century-inspired furnishings, creating a setting that’s as sophisticated as it is welcoming.
DNA Hotels Verdict
The Telegraph Hotel isn’t just a place to stay—it’s a masterclass in adaptive reuse and architectural storytelling. By transforming a 1970s brutalist landmark into a beacon of modern Georgian hospitality, Neri & Hu have created a property that’s both intellectually engaging and emotionally resonant. For design lovers, architecture enthusiasts, and travelers seeking a hotel with soul, The Telegraph is not only a destination—it’s a conversation between past and future, written in concrete, light, and space.
