The Vetzel hotel was located on Mikhailovskiy Avenue (now David Agmashenebeli Avenue).
The building has been preserved to this day.
The hotel was opened in 1903 by Friedrich Vetzel, a German colonist who moved to Tiflis in 1864.
He also owned the largest brewery in the city.
From the time of its construction, the hotel featured hot and cold water supply, heating, a billiard room, bowling, and two restaurants.
One of the most significant innovations was the first elevator in Tiflis.
Thanks to this technical advancement, the traditional hierarchy of floors shifted: rooms on the second floor became more highly valued than those on the first.
The cost of a stay ranged from one to eight rubles per night.
After Vetzel’s death in 1904, the hotel was purchased by Noe Sikharulidze, a native of Guria, who gave the establishment his own name. In 1911 the building underwent a massive modernization. The facade was adorned with sculptures, the restaurant entrances were rebuilt, and the interior was outfitted with exotic artificial caves and a theatre stage for variety shows.
In 1915 an elegant balcony was added, further enhancing the building’s appearance.
Following World War I, the hotel changed hands once again.
It was first renamed “Europe,” and after World War II, it became the “Rustavi.”
Later, the building was repurposed for use by various state institutions.