Orbi Old Batumi

Orbi Old Batumi: completed Melashvili Street apartments near Piazza and the historic centre

Orbi Old Batumi is a completed residential development by Orbi Group at 12 Akhmed Melashvili Street in Batumi's historic centre. Built in 2015, it differs markedly from the developer's large coastal towers: it contains approximately 40 apartments across five main storeys and two additional attic levels with terraces. Its design responds to Old Batumi's smaller streets and the proximity of Piazza Square and historic neighbourhoods. Developer sales have ended, so current buyers should assess individual resale apartments offered by existing owners.

Location and surroundings

The property is in Old Batumi, on Melashvili Street near Piazza Square. Cafés, restaurants, local shops, cultural venues, a theatre, banks and historic streets are within walking distance. The port and older parts of the city are nearby. This address may suit people who appreciate Batumi's character and prefer walking around the centre rather than relying on the leisure facilities of a modern high-rise resort.

Orbi Old Batumi is close to the old port, but the walking route to a suitable swimming beach is longer than the distance to the nearest waterline. The walk to a park is about three minutes and to a school about fourteen minutes, while Grand Mall is roughly a ten-minute drive away. Buyers planning regular beach visits should check the actual pedestrian route.

Daily journeys are convenient in the historic centre, but living here differs from staying in a new residential district. Narrow streets, evening restaurant activity, limited car space and tourist foot traffic can influence quietness. A courtyard-facing apartment may feel very different from one above a busy street. Check night-time noise and practical parking conditions if you plan to live here permanently.

Architecture and building amenities

Notable proposed features include terraces. Buyers should consider apartment layout, views and the convenience of shared areas.

A particularly useful feature is underground parking. In Old Batumi, where finding an on-street space can be difficult, this may be valuable. Nevertheless, parking rights can belong to a separate owner and should not be assumed to transfer automatically with an apartment. Confirm access rights, entrance dimensions, allocated space and any regular charges before purchasing.

There is no verified comprehensive package of pools, spas or hotel services comparable to Orbi's major aparthotel towers. Old Batumi is better assessed as a smaller urban residence. Check the lift, the condition of attic levels and terraces, weatherproofing, ventilation and communal interiors. In a completed 2015 building, maintenance records are more important than original promotional renderings.

Apartment layouts and finishing options

HomeRadar describes larger two- and three-bedroom apartments of approximately 116–140 m². This is not a studio-led resort product. The layouts are designed for family living, separate rooms and more generous shared areas. Individual resale properties may differ from the original advertised size range, so the registered floor area of the actual apartment should be decisive.

The initial sales condition was white frame, but owners may have changed finishes, furniture and internal arrangements over the years. For attic apartments, the shape of the roof, usable ceiling height, terrace access and waterproofing require particular care. With larger homes, heating, kitchen position, the number of bathrooms and the separation of private and guest areas can also affect comfort.

Buyers should inspect not only interior quality but also whether alterations are properly documented, as well as windows, electrical systems, heating and water supply. Moisture and street noise deserve attention. Families may prioritise bedrooms, while longer-term tenants may value a useful work area and storage. Do not assume that the outlook shown in photographs of another apartment is available from the one being offered.

Developer: Orbi Group

Old Batumi was built by Orbi Group, a Georgian developer active since 1998. Its portfolio includes large hospitality-oriented towers and smaller residential properties. Old Batumi illustrates a different side of the company: relatively intimate housing in a historic quarter rather than an exclusive focus on mass-market holiday accommodation.

For comparison, Orbi Boulevard on Gorgasali and 26 May streets consists of two existing urban buildings also completed in 2015. City Park on Gorgiladze Street places more emphasis on extensive parking and the conveniences of a major city thoroughfare. Old Batumi, Rustaveli and Gorgiladze Street offer different patterns of walking, transport and evening activity.

A finished building still requires legal due diligence. For a privately owned resale apartment, confirm registered title, the absence of encumbrances and unpaid charges, and how any terrace and parking space are legally assigned.

Living and rental potential

Orbi Old Batumi may interest buyers who want to live in the historic centre, walk through the old streets and use restaurants and cultural amenities without driving everywhere. Larger apartments may suit families who need separate bedrooms and living areas. School routes, tourist noise and parking remain important considerations.

For rental use, the area may appeal to visitors who prefer the character of Old Batumi or to residents seeking a spacious central home. Purchasing a large apartment involves a different budget and tenant market from purchasing a compact studio on New Boulevard. Demand, length of stay and expenses should be assessed for the actual unit rather than inferred from other Orbi developments.

The main strengths are the historic setting, smaller building scale, spacious layouts and underground parking. Potential drawbacks are the building's age, evening noise and the need to establish practical beach access. Before committing, inspect terraces and utilities and review documents for the individual apartment.

Frequently asked questions about Orbi Old Batumi

When was Orbi Old Batumi completed, and how many floors does it have?

The property was completed in 2015. Orbi Group describes five main storeys and two attic levels, while general catalogues also call it a seven-storey building. It contains approximately 40 apartments.

What apartments are available in Orbi Old Batumi?

The original project primarily included larger two- and three-bedroom apartments of around 116–140 m², delivered in white frame. Current resale sizes, renovation condition and equipment must be checked in each listing and the registered documents.

Is there parking, and how close is the sea?

Underground parking is provided. The port is relatively close, but the walking route to a usable swimming beach can be much longer than the straight-line distance to the water. Check parking rights and the actual coastal route before buying.

Old Town: Historic Charm in the Heart of Batumi

Batumi’s Old Town is one of the city’s most distinctive and atmospheric districts, known for its narrow cobblestone streets, 19th-century architecture and proximity to the seaside boulevard. The area is home to the port, Europe Square, popular restaurants, cafés and souvenir shops, creating a lively urban atmosphere throughout the day and evening.

Pros: Excellent walkability, with major attractions, restaurants and the waterfront close by; a unique historic atmosphere; sea, city and mountain views from selected properties; and strong demand for short-term rentals due to the central location.

Cons: Street noise can be noticeable, particularly in the evening and during the tourist season. Parking is limited, property prices are generally among the highest in Batumi, and many older buildings may require renovation or additional maintenance.

✅ Who it suits: Investors focused on short-term rental demand in central Batumi; international buyers and expats who value historic architecture and an authentic urban atmosphere; and younger residents who prefer a walkable lifestyle without relying on a car.

Orbi Group is a Georgian developer and construction holding specializing in apartment, hospitality and mixed-use property. Batumi is its principal market; its portfolio also includes projects in Tbilisi and Bakuriani. The group combines development, construction processes and subsequent hotel management.

Batumi experience and residential portfolio development

Orbi Sea Towers is one of the group's completed seaside projects. Its Batumi range also includes Orbi Plaza, Orbi Residence and Orbi Beach Tower. These represent its main specialization: apartment property associated with seaside living and tourism use.

Its portfolio also extends beyond large high-rise complexes. Orbi Marjanishvili and Orbi Old Batumi demonstrate the group's work on urban residential buildings in Batumi's historic district. This is a separate line within its broader housing business.

Large complexes and other markets

Orbi City, Avenue by Orbi, Avant-garde by Orbi, Comfort by Orbi and Orbi Continental represent large apartment and mixed-use formats. Orbi Millennium continues its seaside business, while Orbi City Mall adds commercial property to the portfolio.

Outside Batumi, the group is represented by Central Park Towers in Tbilisi and Orbi Bakuriani in Bakuriani. It combines urban and resort markets while retaining a clear focus on property with a service component.

Production and operations

Orbi Group describes its business as a full cycle, from production and construction through to hotel management. Development and property operations are connected within its holding structure. Commercial premises and hospitality functions complement the residential component in several projects.

Developer profile

The group's investment specialization centers on apartments and hospitality property. Large complexes and urban residential buildings form different parts of its own portfolio. The completed Orbi Sea Towers provides a specific example of delivered construction, while subsequent projects show its expansion across residential, service and commercial property.