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Accomodation Options
There are many types of accommodations in Armenia, from camping in nature to staying in luxury hotels. They fit just about anyone's budget, with prices ranging from free camping through $10-20 a night for a low end hotel or home stay to $1000 and more at luxury suites in Yerevan. Even the more moderate accommodations may surprise you with amenities and tastefully appointed traditional rooms in people's homes. Outside of Yerevan, the prices drop while the views get better; and the services and facilities are quickly being upgraded throughout the country.
Rooms at pensionats, motels and hotels are priced per persons or per room, so be sure to verify this before committing. There is a confusing variety of descriptions for sleeping arrangements, with most using Single (shared or private bath), Double (shared or private bath), Triple (shared or private bath), Quad (shared or private bath), "Luxe" and “Deluxe” (Rooms are two-three room suites, with one or two baths).
Homes and apartments are normally priced for the entire venue, which generally has one, two or three bedrooms, one or two baths, and an equipped kitchen. High end homes may include a swimming pool, Jacuzzi, garden and large balcony. The landlord will state how many can stay for the price quoted.
Dormitory style beds at hostels, youth camps and some tourist bases sleep between 4 and 20 people per room (shared bath). For some, the price is low enough ($5-10 a bed), that renting all beds in a small dorm room is worth the cost for the extra privacy.
All prices include all taxes, so the price you are quoted is what you pay. At a number of venues (especially smaller ones in the regions) you are not expected to pay until you leave, though this is changing. Prices are higher in the summer, in Yerevan and at higher end lodgings in the regions. They tend to drop by about 20% in the off season, except for the ski lodges at Tzaghkadzor. Rip-offs rarely occur since you can inspect any room before booking and all prices are negotiable.
Standards It used to be that the type of lodging (Hotel, Motel, Pensionat, Home stay) dictated the level of service, and while this is generally true in Yerevan and the larger venues, it is not always so. There are hotels with lower standards than motels or home stays, and vice versa. The minimum standard to expect anywhere is that the sheets will be clean and pressed. Running/hot water is standard in moderate to high end lodgings, along with amenities like TV, telephone, minibar, maid service, laundry, etc. Always check and look before agreeing to a room.
Hotels & Motels
There is almost no difference between hotels and motels in Armenia except in name and relative size. In Yerevan and Armenia’s main cities and resort areas, new and newly renovated hotels and motels proliferate, offering the same amenities as can be found in the west. Yerevan, Giumri, Tzaghkadzor and Lake Sevan have the most elaborate facilities, though modern, comfortable hotels and motels can be found in every city or large town in the country.
Boutique hotels are new entrants in the market, with several opening in recent years in Yerevan and the major urban areas. Boutique hotels offer the same amenities as larger hotels, but promise more personalized service in their more intimate spaces.
Conditions Hotels and motels offer rooms with private baths and many have restaurants and bars. Amenities can include satellite TV, minibar, international phone, Wi-Fi or DSL internet, air-conditioning, maid service, laundry and dry cleaning, hair salon, sauna, swimming pool, etc. Amenities and services vary so check before booking. As with any lodging, always inspect the room before you complete registration, and do mention any problems you see. Reputable hotels and motels will fix reasonable problems or substitute available rooms. Hotels use various names to describe rooms, but generally they are singles, doubles, triples, quads, luxe/deluxe/suite or apartment/penthouse.
High end hotels are run by international conglomerates, which are a comfort to many who recognize their brands and value their proven track record. At the same time, if you want your money to go directly into the local economy, choose one of the other options in this section, or use a hotel/motel off the beaten path.
Prices Hotels in Yerevan are the most expensive overnight in Armenia, many starting at $100 or more per night. In the regions they tend to start from $60-120 a night, depending on the venue. Budget/Mid-range hotels start at around $75 in Yerevan and $20-60 in the regions.
Resorts & Spas
Resorts are sometimes interchangeably substituted for spas and pensionats in describing their facilities and services. Some, as in Tzaghkadzor and Dilijan, are really campgrounds with lodges and cottages. Resorts combine natural surroundings with hotel-style rooms, cabins and/or cottages, playgrounds, activity areas, and sometimes swimming pools, tennis courts and other facilities. They tend to offer room and board in the price, though not always. Popular resorts are in Tzaghkadzor, Sevan, Stepanavan, Arzakan, Kapan, and Dilijan, many of which have been recently upgraded.
Spas (also called Sanatoria) are scattered around the country, with primary Spa areas at Jermuk, Tzaghkadzor, Dilijan, Hankavan and Arzni. Sanatoria were once strictly reserved for spa treatments, and tourist soaking is now catching on. The best known is at Jermuk, where several types of thermal mineral springs are located and which has been undergoing major renovation of late, creating several high end spas and hotels.
Conditions Resorts have been privatized and have been or are undergoing renovation, bringing them to international standards. Most services focus on family lodgers spending a few days or a week at the site. Amenities include rooms with baths, hot water, TV and refrigerator in larger rooms, and other services. Check with your tour operator before booking for the level of service you can expect.
Spas/Sanatoria are much like pensionats, except they employ specialist doctors, therapists and masseurs to treat guest ailments. Treatments include drinking mineral waters, soaking in hot baths, water and table massage, among other treatments. Spas in Armenia were among the most popular in the Soviet Union, and are regaining their popularity as wealthy Russians and East Europeans rediscover their benefits and affordable prices.
Spas welcome tourists and short term stays, whether or not you want treatment for what ails you or just to soak in a hot bath or enjoy the incredible sensation of a water massage.
Prices A stay at a spa can be for single or multiple nights, though for treatments most recommend stays of 7 – 21 days. Prices include 3-4 meals a day, single or multiple treatments and room. Prices are still cheap by comparison to western spas, with per person charges at high end spas (room & board, daily treatments) at around 20,000-30,000 AMD per person and mid range venues offering the same for around 7000-15,000 AMD per person. At spa areas, apartments, guest houses and cheaper hotels are available, and drinking fountains with mineral waters are free. Individual treatments at a spa can be as cheap as 1000-3000 AMD.
Pensionats
Pensionats are large hotel-like facilities set in "Health Zones" (mountains, forests, woodlands), that were reserved for worker unions and factory employees, and the names reflect their origins: "The All Armenian Writer's Union House" in Tzaghkadzor, "The Cinematographer's Union Rest Home" in Dilijan, and "The First Aluminum Factory Holiday House" in Hankavan, to name just a few. The names are beginning to change to reflect their new functions, but the system remains essentially the same: they generally cater to people that book rooms weeks at a time. The overnight stay is replacing this system, and some pensionats have been privatized and renovated into full blown hotels or resorts.
Pensionats are often fully booked during the high season (August everywhere except Tzaghkadzor, which high season is January), but often half empty the rest of the year. Calling ahead is wise to ascertain availability.
Conditions Pensionats offer singles, doubles, triples, quads, luxe and apartments. Pensionats generally include nature trails, activities for children and playgrounds, while some include a swimming pool, tennis courts and game rooms. Café, bar and TV rooms are the norm, as are three to four meals a day. Quality varies greatly, from Soviet-era rooms with only the most basic amenities to luxury venues that now call themselves hotels and resorts with fully equipped facilities, satellite TV and Wi-Fi Internet connection.
Prices The price is per person and usually includes 3-4 meals a day, though you can get a room-only price. In the resort areas, pensionats are the best deal for the price, since they include meals and other amenities.
Restaurants/Hotels
This relatively new entry in Armenian lodging has quickly taken off, and is fast replacing hotels for mid-range lodging. The venues are normally small, with 4-10 rooms complementing a dining area. Rooms are suites or doubles, and are intended primarily for tête-à-têtes by locals though tourists are a fast-growing segment of the market. Restaurants/hotels are located throughout the country; most roadside near towns and resort areas.
Conditions On weekends they can be lively with dinner guests and wedding parties, but by late evening and at other times they are generally tranquil places with surprisingly good amenities like suites with satellite TV, phone, air conditioning, room service, private dining areas—even Jacuzzis and private swimming pools. Several in Siunik and Lori are lavish affairs with balconies overlooking the stunning mountain scenery.
Prices Restaurants/hotels are priced for short-stay diners or overnight guests. Prices vary from $20-100 per overnight room, with many offering an apartment or luxe room for up to 5 people that is excellent value if you are traveling in a small group. Always call ahead, to be sure space is available. This is the most popular form of lodging in the country.
B&Bs & Guest Houses
Guest Houses & B&Bs are another relatively new concept in Armenia, and have become popular at resort areas like Dilijan, Ijevan and Tzaghkadzor. Yerevan Giumri, Vanadzor, Yeghegnadzor and Goris are other places where you will find multiple venues.
Conditions Guest houses and B&Bs are much the same in their service; a room with shared bath and breakfast are included in the price. Amenities generally include kitchen access, TV and radio, local phone, and optionally provided laundry, meals, excursions, car and driver, and other services. In resort areas like Dilijan, B&Bs and guest houses are set among gorgeous surroundings with nature trails and outdoor activities nearby. Many are located next to each other, creating “mini communities” of travelers who share tips and experiences, much like hostels, only with more privacy among guests. Important to some is the knowledge that staying in a guest house or B&B means your money goes directly into the local economy.
Prices Prices vary among guest houses and B&Bs, with a general trend of charging guests 7000-15,000 AMD per night. If not busy and in off season, prices are negotiable, and if you are in a location where there is a large selection, and have the patience, shop around.
Hostels
There is one hostel in Armenia, in Yerevan. The hostel experience is popular among young and budget-conscious travelers who prize the safety, cleanliness and camaraderie of the hostel experience. Hostels offer beds in dormitory rooms and in separate rooms, with shared or private bath, and are normally priced per person. They generally include breakfast, common room with TV, laundry facilities, public phone, internet connection, and personal lockers.
Private Accommodation
Self-catering and catered apartments and private houses can be an economical choice in spending the night, and some include maid or cook services at an extra charge. They offer relative privacy, can be situated in the same area of town as more expensive hotels, and generally provide more room for the money. That said this option is not for everyone. Private accommodation is not a hotel, so ordering room service, visiting the coffee shop or going down to the lobby to see what’s on is not an option, as are many of the services you may take for granted in a hotel. Your landlord will be attentive to your needs, but you will want to order as much in advance as possible; at bedtime, the services shut down. Still, for the traveler who prizes value for the money, privacy and a feeling of being a part of the local neighborhood, private accommodation is the way to go.
Conditions The quality is varied, and you should definitely check what amenities are available before you pay: see whether the venue is in the center; what kind of transport is nearby; does it have 24 hour running water and hot water; does it face the street (more noise) or the back, and be sure to ask to see a recent picture of the space.
Ask how many rooms there are; as opposed to the west, apartments and houses in Armenia are described by the number of living areas and sleeping rooms, excluding kitchen and bath. As a rule of thumb, “1 room” is the equivalent of efficiency or single in a hotel, “2 rooms” has one bedroom and a living room, “3 rooms” has 2 bedrooms and a living room, etc.
Prices Apartments are generally much cheaper than hotels in Yerevan, and somewhat so in the regions. House rentals are considered high end, and will be about the same cost as a hotel unless you are a group of individuals dividing the price. Prices should be per apartment, not person, but check to be sure. The higher the floor, the more steps you have to climb, and the cheaper it should be. Do not pay before seeing the property unless this is part of a tour package, and then see what the policy is for refunds.
Home stays & Villages
Home Stays and staying in a village home is one of the best ways to visit Armenia for the intrepid traveler who doesn’t mind sometimes rustic amenities and sharing your life with others. You have a safe, secure environment for overnights; family meals are almost always included (wholesomely prepared in a village); you get local gossip and inside tips; and you get to experience Armenia like no tourist staying at a hotel can hope to experience. The drawback is you may have privacy only in your room, and you may feel a little too “special”: Armenian hosts are legendary for going overboard in their hospitality. Amenities are usually simple, sometimes rustic (in village homes the WC may be the out house in the back yard). These feelings soon wear off, though, and the adjustment is minor compared to the positive side of immersing yourself into the local culture.
Home stays can be included in ethnographic tours and are often a feature of volunteer or study travel. They are also among the most flexible of options for anyone traveling in the region; just about every village or town will have a home willing to open its doors to foreign travelers. The trick with these spur-of-the-moment arrangements is that, in the villages, hosts will often refuse to accept payment—do not accept this arrangement and insist on paying a fair amount. They are dipping into their own meager resources to host you, and that food you eat may be one they were saving for harder times.
Conditions Home stays are the least regulated form of overnight, so it is impossible to rate them or make any guarantees about service. If you are arranging through a tour operator, you should check out the company first and the venue as much as possible. Still, realize you are taking a risk. Hold off paying until you have had a chance to see the actual home, just in case there is a problem, and be nice, but assertive in asking for reasonable changes. If it doesn't feel right, say so. Most problems can be resolved quickly and with a minimum of fuss, and reputable companies will not hesitate to help you find an alternate location.
Prices Home stays are cheap, with most charging $10-20 a day, meals included. In the far regions, the price can be lower. Weekly and monthly stays are negotiable. The most expensive part for your host is the food, which prices are generally set in Yerevan. Bear this mind when negotiating with a villager who relies on your money to supplement his income.
Jambars
Jambars Jambars are a type of campground, familiar to anyone who has been on a Scouting, Brownie or Pioneer retreat. Jambars are open in the summer, and located in nature areas, combining dormitory style buildings, activity rooms and dining halls with nature trails and outdoor play areas. Reserved for children and teenagers in the Soviet Union, many still operate between June and August. They do not normally cater to the walk-in tourist, but if not full they can be convinced to let you pitch your tent or stay in a spare room ($5-10).
Camping
Campgrounds There is a difference in Armenia between camps and camping. Campgrounds (also called "Tourist Bases"), are located at select spots around the country (Lake Sevan, Siunik, Lori, Tavush), and include cabins and lodge-style sleeping areas with dining halls and already pitched tents. Except for Lake Sevan, campgrounds in Armenia are in poor condition, often closed (though you may find a caretaker who will be glad to let you pitch a tent for the night--about $5-10).
Camping Camping can be had at one of the official camps or tourist bases, at the numerous beaches around Lake Sevan that allow camping (and offer domiks or shacks), and self style in secluded nature areas. Other good camping opportunities are located in forest areas, mountain steppes, sub-alpine and alpine country, where your only neighbors may be Yezidi and Kurdish shepherds tending their flocks. For individual camping, always ask at the nearest farmhouse, since the land you picked for your perfect site may be on their plot of land. Armenians are extremely hospitable, and after you have fended off their invitations to stay in their homes, you will almost always be allowed to camp. Observe rules of being a good guest (clean up after yourself, and don't overstay your welcome), and always pay for food and services. You will at first be refused, but the rules of being a good guest include insisting on payment, or offering a gift in return.
In any camping location, be very careful to leave your campsite as you found it--devoid of human activity. The most remote areas are often habitats for threatened or endangered species, and should not be trekked or camped on without a qualified local Armenian guide. In the summertime the country dries quickly, and fires are a real concern.
Accreditation
You may see mention of one or more organizations on a hotel’s website. How meaningful are these?
The answer is not simple. They do have some meaning, but there are hotels who are members of a raft of organizations but which are just about average and others who are members of none but are excellent.
Armenian Hotels Association
AHA was officially established in July 2006. Eight hotels, of which two are branches of internationally recognized chains, joined together to improve the policy environment relevant to hospitality business, help to improve hospitality and customer care services in Armenia, and create new professional development, information and marketing opportunities for Armenian Hotels.
