The Sheraton Batumi Hotel has been embroiled in a scandal following the attacks on opposition leader, ex-PM Giorgi Gakharia and NGO sector representative Zviad Koridze. There are numerous complaints and concerns regarding the hotel, pointing out that the high-class hotel, which belongs to the Marriot brand, is unable to provide guest safety or ensure transparency when such incidents occur.
Citizens have created a petition on change.org regarding the attack, demanding Sheraton Batumi be held accountable for “destroying evidence and violating standards of guest safety and trust.”
Giorgi Gakharia and Zviad Koridze were attacked and physically assaulted in Batumi by Georgian Dream “deputy” Dito Samkharadze, along with his associates. The attack took place at the Sheraton Hotel. Gakharia was taken to the clinic with a fractured nasal bone and a concussion. He left the clinic of his own accord. An investigation has been launched under the article “Violence.”
However, the hotel refuses to hand over footage which shows the attacks in full.
Petition starter Tata Khvedeliani notes that as a Georgian citizen and a loyal Marriott customer, she is gravely concerned about the current state of services at Sheraton Batumi.
“As a Georgian citizen and a loyal Marriott customer, I am gravely concerned about the current state of services at Sheraton Batumi. The hotel, being a part of the renowned Marriott Hotels, is expected to uphold stringent standards of guest safety and trust, standards that seem to have been breached recently.
“The incident involving the attack on Giorgi Gakharia raises eyebrows, and the hotel’s refusal to release security footage of the same further exacerbates the issue. Beyond this particular episode, it reveals a disturbing negligence from the hotel to ensure accountability and uphold their standards… The fact that Sheraton Batumi neither called the police nor preserved the crime scene [and in fact destroyed the forensic evidence] raises serious questions… By declining to explain why their practices deviated, Sheraton Batumi is ultimately eroding the hard-earned trust of its patrons.
“Our call to Marriott is simple. First, Sheraton Batumi should release the footage of the incident involving Mr. Gakharia, thus demonstrating their commitment to transparency. Second, we urge Marriott to offer a comprehensive explanation regarding the apparent breach in their guest safety standards. We believe that such steps are fundamental to restoring customer trust and confidence, and ensuring the protection of guest rights.
“We must mount a strong call for transparency and standards adherence. Marriott Hotels, including Sheraton Batumi, must take responsibility for their operations and live up to the stellar reputation they’ve built over the years. Sign this petition to demand accountability and transparency from Sheraton Batumi and Marriott Hotels,” reads the petition.
The party ‘Gakharia for Georgia’ has been demanding to see the full recording from the day of the attack.
On January 18, a protest was held at the Sheraton Batumi, demanding the release of footage of the attacks. “Footage!” – the protest participants shouted as they entered the hotel foyer.
Sheraton confirms that there is a complete recording of the attack and claims that it will be handed over after consulting with a lawyer.
The Sheraton Batumi Hotel has issued a statement regarding the attack, saying that they are ready to provide all records to the investigative service.
“The safety of our guests and employees is of utmost importance to us and of course we take this incident very seriously.
“The hotel is actively cooperating with the investigative authorities and is ready to provide them with relevant investigative materials upon request and documentation,” says the Sheraton Hotel statement.
Related story: For Georgia: We demand immediate investigation into violent attack on Gakharia orchestrated by Ivanishvili’s regime
